I’m Michael Zhang, a Chinese traveler who has journeyed across six continents in search of history, culture, and stories that transcend time. For me, traveling isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about engaging in a conversation with civilizations that have shaped who we are. Today, I invite you to explore Furong Town, a thousand-year-old gem in Hunan, China, famously known as “the ancient town hanging on a waterfall.” Once the seat of the Tujia Kingdom, this place blends ancient traditions with the rhythm of flowing water, allowing every traveler to experience the authentic soul of western Hunan.

Summary

Furong Town Introduction

Furong Town, officially known as the Furong Town Scenic Area in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, was formerly called Wangcun and has a history of over 2,000 years. It served as the birthplace of the Xizhou Tujia Kingdom, witnessing more than eight centuries of its royal legacy. The town is uniquely famous for a waterfall that cascades right through its center, earning it the poetic name “the ancient town hanging on a waterfall.”

Perched on the banks of the You River, Furong Town connected Sichuan and Hubei in the north and provided vital trade routes to Beijing in the past. For centuries, it flourished as a bustling hub of commerce and culture. Historical records show that Tujia kings built their palaces here, hosted grand ceremonies, met envoys, and even shipped golden Phoebe timber from this port to the capital—used in the construction of the Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs. From this same river, warriors once set sail to defend China’s coastal borders. Over time, locals came to regard it as “the village of kings.” Today, Furong Town stands as one of China’s most beautiful riverside ancient towns and is rated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction.

  • Address: Furong Town, Yongshun County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Recommended Visiting Time: 2–3 hours
  • Best Seasons: February–June and September–November. The waterfall flows best during these months; December–January sees low water, while July–August brings a surge of muddy torrents.
  • Ticket Price: 108 CNY
  • Ticket Purchase:Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
Night view of Furong Town with illuminated stilt houses and waterfalls

Furong Town Map

Tourist map of Furong Town attractions and scenic spots

Why You Should Visit Furong Town

Natural Wonders

Furong Town is home to the only waterfall in China that flows through an ancient town, plunging 60 meters from a cliffside. At night, lights shimmer across the cascading water, creating a magical fusion of architecture and nature. The best time to witness this beauty is during the evening “Millennium Waterfall Show,” when the illuminated mist makes the entire town feel alive.

History & Culture

With a legacy of over two millennia, Furong Town is the birthplace of the Tujia Kingdom and still preserves relics like the Xizhou Bronze Pillar—a national-level cultural artifact—and the ancient Tusi Palace. Visitors can also enjoy live performances of traditional dances such as the Baishou Dance and Maogusi Dance, both recognized as intangible cultural heritage of China.

Ethnic Traditions

The Tujia stilted houses cling to the mountainside, overlooking the river in timeless harmony. Travelers can join in local handicraft experiences such as pounding glutinous rice cakes and weaving cloth, or taste authentic Tujia cuisine at Liu Xiaoqing’s Mung Bean Tofu Shop, a beloved local eatery with deep cultural roots. Every corner of this town offers a chance to touch living history and feel the heartbeat of Xiangxi.

Top Things to Do in Furong Town

Main Attractions

Baishou Square

Baishou Square is one of the most symbolic landmarks of Furong Town’s ethnic culture and the best place to experience traditional Tujia ceremonies. The “Baishou Dance” is the oldest Tujia ritual dance, symbolizing gratitude, blessings, and unity. Today, Baishou Square still preserves a strong ceremonial atmosphere. During festivals or at night, the rhythmic sound of Tujia drums fills the air as people dance in circles with lively energy. The square is surrounded by traditional stilted wooden houses and local shops, making it the perfect spot to capture photos and immerse yourself in the cultural essence of Furong Town.

Traditional Miao ethnic dance performance at Hand-waving Hall in Furong Town

Furong Town Waterfall

The most breathtaking sight in Furong Town is undoubtedly the grand waterfall that flows through the heart of the town. It plunges from the cliff top, with the water streaming past ancient wooden houses, blending nature and history in perfect harmony. During the rainy season, the waterfall roars powerfully, and mist floats through the streets, turning the entire town into a dreamlike landscape. Visitors can follow the plank walkway for a closer view or head to the observation deck below to feel the refreshing mist on their faces. At night, illuminated by golden lights, the waterfall becomes the centerpiece of Furong Town’s night scene.

Furong Waterfall flowing through the town center

Stone Slab Street

Walking along Stone Slab Street feels like stepping back in time. Lined with stilted houses built along the slopes, the cobblestone road winds through the town, preserving its ancient charm through centuries. The street is filled with craft shops, snack stalls, and tea houses. Local specialties such as Tujia-style bacon, mung bean tofu, and glutinous rice cakes are must-tries. In the early morning, the street is quiet and peaceful; by evening, it glows under lanterns and buzzes with life. Whether day or night, Stone Slab Street reveals the everyday rhythm and timeless charm of Furong Town.

Stone Street of Furong Town with lanterns and ancient wooden houses

Furong Town Ticket Guide

Furong Town Ticket Prices

  • Includes: Furong Town admission, valid for unlimited entry within 3 days after the first check.
  • Adults: 108 CNY
  • Youth: 54 CNY, ages 14–18
  • Seniors: 54 CNY, ages 60–65
  • Free Admission: Children under 14 and seniors over 65. Note that an on-site insurance fee of 10 CNY per person is required. You can opt out by signing a waiver, but it’s recommended to purchase it.

Ticket Purchase Channels

  • Online: Official WeChat account or third-party booking platforms.
  • Offline: Visitor Center ticket office. It’s recommended to book through third-party platforms for discounts, which are cheaper than buying on-site.

The upper part of Furong Town is the main commercial area, while the lower section leads to the waterfall. The best time to visit is around 5–6 PM, when the evening lights create beautiful photo opportunities. Suggested route: Scenic Entrance → Baishou Square (free performance) → Tuwang Bridge → Tuwang Palace (now a guesthouse; visitors can pay for tea inside) → Waterfall Viewing Deck → Furong Town Waterfall (be sure to walk down to the base of the main falls—it’s the real highlight) → Scenic Corridor → Furong Wharf → Old Town Market → Jumping Rock → Stone Slab Street → Chastity Archway → Scenic Exit.

Most visitors spend the day in Fenghuang Ancient Town or other attractions in Zhangjiajie before arriving in Furong Town in the afternoon, staying overnight, and leaving the next day.

Both inside and outside the scenic area, you’ll find plenty of dining options. For authentic local flavors, restaurants outside the scenic zone are better priced and have more variety. Must-try local snacks include mung bean tofu, pickled radish with vinegar, and blood glutinous rice cake. For main dishes, try Jiaojiao fish, sausages, and Tujia-style smoked bacon—the signature dry pot with assorted preserved meats is a must-order dish that perfectly captures the local taste.

Signature Hunan-style stir-fried cured meat pot from Furong Town

Twelve City

Twelve City
  • Location: Outside the scenic area, about a 15-minute walk to the entrance
  • Price per night: from 218 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip Discounts
  • Rating: 9.6 (Trip)
  • Special Amenities: Gym, outdoor pool, family rooms

Shuttle buses take guests from the hotel to the scenic area in about 10 minutes. The hotel is located opposite the Xiangxi World Geopark Museum, offering a convenient location.

Spacious and clean rooms with complete facilities. The property has dining, a pool, a bar, BBQ, and hot spring options at night. Excellent value for money.

Annai · Xizhou Ji Hotel

Annai · Xizhou Ji Hotel
  • Location: Outside the scenic area, about a 5-minute walk to the entrance
  • Price per night: from 476 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip Discounts
  • Rating: 9.6 (Trip)
  • Special Amenities: Gym, children’s playground

The hotel is close to the scenic entrance and surrounded by many restaurants. With elegant decor, it’s a comfortable mid-range option.

Modern rooms with smart facilities, clean and well-maintained. Breakfast is also abundant.

Floral Hotel · Baihe Huagu Hotel

Floral Hotel · Baihe Huagu Hotel
  • Location: Inside the scenic area
  • Price per night: from 549 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip Discounts
  • Rating: 9.6 (Trip)
  • Special Amenities: Gym, family rooms

Located within the scenic area, cars can drive directly to the entrance—ideal for families or those with heavy luggage. It’s only a few minutes’ walk to key attractions like Tuwang Bridge and the Waterfall. Highly recommended if your budget allows.

Rooms are designed in a traditional wooden stilt-house style, matching the ancient town’s charm. Some rooms have balconies with panoramic views—perfect for enjoying mountain and river scenery by day and night views of the old town.

How to Get to Furong Town from Zhangjiajie City

It’s recommended to take the high-speed train plus taxi combo. From Zhangjiajie, take the high-speed train to Furong Town, and you can store your luggage at a convenience store near the station. From the train station, take a taxi to the scenic entrance. Ride-hailing apps can be unreliable here, but taxis are easy to share—expect to pay 10–20 CNY per person for a 15-minute ride.

  • High-Speed Rail Line: Zhangjiajiexi → Furongzhen
  • Train Fare: 35 CNY
  • Travel Time: 23 minutes
  • Train Ticket: Click to Book

How to Get to Furong Town from Fenghuang Ancient Town

Take a taxi from Fenghuang Ancient Town to Fenghuang Bus Station, then catch the direct coach to Furong Town Bus Station. From there, take the public bus (2 CNY) to the scenic entrance.

  • Bus Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
  • Bus Fare: 70 CNY

FAQ

Is Furong Town suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?

Not very convenient. The town has many stairs and uneven stone paths, making it difficult to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs, especially during busy hours.

Where can I store my luggage?

There’s a small supermarket on the right side of Furong High-Speed Railway Station that offers luggage storage for 10 CNY per time. Inside the scenic area, there’s no dedicated storage service, but some hotels near the Visitor Center allow guests to store luggage for a small fee.

Essential Zhangjiajie Travel Resources