Furong Ancient Town, located in Hunan Province near Zhangjiajie, is often referred to as the "ancient town hanging on a waterfall". Built on a steep hillside, the town offers picturesque views of the river and surrounding mountains. The beautiful waterfall flows through the town, blending with the stilt houses to create a stunning and peaceful scene.
With a history of over 2,000 years, Furong is also rich in the Tujia ethnic culture and visitors could enjoy traditional Tujia customs, architecture, and folk performances.
Due to its remote location, Furong tends to be quieter and less commercialized compared to Fenghuang. You would enjoy a more peaceful and authentic experience.
- Location: 83 kilometers (52 miles) west of Zhangjiajie in Yongshun County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, China
- Ticket: The fee is approximately 100 RMB, with some fluctuation. Entry is free after 8pm.
- Area: 43 square kilometers (17 square miles)
- Duration: 3–6 hours
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How to Get to Furong Ancient Town
Furong Ancient Town is located in western Hunan. The town is accessible by road from Yongshun County Town. The closest major transportation hub is the city of Jishou.
Furong Ancient Town is a small place with a bullet train station but no airport. It is recommended to take the bullet train to reach the town, as it is fast and comfortable.
- Changsha to Furong Ancient Town: Bullet trains run from 9:30am to 6:30pm, taking approximately 3 hours
- Fenghuang to Furong Ancient Town: Trains run from 9am to 9:10pm, taking 40 minutes.
- Zhangjiajie to Furong Ancient Town: Bullet trains run from 7:30am to 3:55pm, taking 30 minutes.
Private Car Transfer
If the train schedule does not match your timing, you could opt for a private car transfer:
- From Zhangjiajie downtown area, Furong is about 83 km (52 miles) away and takes 2 hours
- From Fenghuang Ancient Town, it is about 115 km (71 miles) away and takes 2½ hours.
Things to Do in Furong Ancient Town
Nestled among lush green hills with a waterfall that flows through the town, Furong Ancient Town is one of the most picturesque destinations in Hunan Province.
Whether you're interested in exploring traditional architecture, savoring local delicacies, or simply soaking up the tranquil atmosphere, Furong Ancient Town has something for every traveler. Here are some must-do activities to make the most of your visit.
1. Hike Through the Timeless Town
The entire village is not very large so you could enjoy its timeless charm with a leisurely walk that takes about 2–3 hours. Following the main path, you could reach all of the following points if interest in order:
Tusi Square: This is a gathering place for the Tujia people to worship their ancestors and celebrate harvests. In the evening, you could enjoy Tujia song and dance performances there.
Tuwang Bridge: This is a covered bridge where you could capture panoramic views of the ancient town's stilted buildings lining both sides of the river.
Youyang Palace: Also known as Tusi Palace, it is located beside the waterfall and has now been converted into a hotel. You could enjoy views of the waterfall and the adjacent cliffs. The tea house and viewing platforms inside are perfect spots for taking photos, offering a bird's-eye view of the cascading eaves of the Tuwang Palace.
Waterfall viewing platform: This provides a panoramic view of Furong Ancient Town, including both daytime and nighttime scenery.
Furong Waterfall: Over 60 meters (197 feet) high, this waterfall could be admired from a distance, up close, or even from behind. A stone path allows visitors to walk to the back of the waterfall and it is advisable to wear a raincoat to walk it.
Wuli Slate Street: This winding street traverses the entire ancient town, lined with numerous shops and traditional buildings. Its end points are Furong Town Wharf and the city gate.
2. Discover the Charming Night View in Furong Ancient Town
Although Furong Ancient Town is small and could be explored in a day, its nighttime scenery is a must-see. The town lights up after 7:30pm, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere. After 9pm, the streets become even more tranquil, offering a peaceful and enchanting experience. During the summer, when the lights come on at dusk before the sky is fully dark, the scenery takes on a unique charm.
3. Enjoy the Beautiful Waterfalls
Not only could you admire the waterfall from the front, but you could also walk behind it for a unique perspective. While the waterfall is less impressive in winter due to low water flow, it reaches its full splendor from June to September. This is the best time to witness the powerful and awe-inspiring cascades.
4. Savor the Authentic Flavors of Local Delicacies
Explore the local cuisine, which offers a variety of traditional dishes unique to the region, such as Tujia bacon, glutinous rice cakes (ciba /tsrr-bah/), and Tujia hot pot, which could be spicy or mild depending on your preference.
5. Dive into Tujia Architecture and Culture
The town is a melting pot of various ethnic cultures, particularly the Miao and Tujia. Visitors could enjoy ethnic music, dance performances, and local crafts.
Furong Ancient Town is a vibrant blend of ethnic cultures, especially those of the Miao and Tujia people. You could immerse yourself in the local culture through traditional music and dance performances, as well as explore local crafts that showcase the rich heritage of the area.
Tips for Visiting Furong Ancient Town
Night View in Furong Ancient Town1. Furong vs. Fenghuang Ancient Town
Furong Ancient Town is similar to Fenghuang Ancient Town, offering picturesque views of traditional stilt houses. If your time is limited and you could only visit one:
Choose Furong Ancient Town if you prefer waterfall landscapes with stilt houses and more peace and quiet. It's also ideal if you enjoy following social media trends to explore new attractions and don't mind less-developed accommodation.
Choose Fenghuang if you are more interested in river views and better accommodation conditions.
2. No Need for a Guide
Furong Ancient Town is small and easy to stroll around so you could explore it on your own without the need for a guide. You could reach all of the attractions by following the main road, so there's no need to worry about getting lost.
3. Accommodation
Accommodation options in Furong Ancient Town are limited and could be expensive. If you don't mind basic lodging, consider staying in the ancient town for a night.
If you prefer more comfortable accommodation, it's recommended to return to Zhangjiajie city for better hotel options after your visit.
Best Times to Visit
The ideal time to visit Furong Ancient Town is from April to October. The waterfall is at its most spectacular from June to September.
If you visit during the winter months (November to February), it would be uncomfortably cold, especially with no hearting in most buildings.
Best Things to Do Around Furong
Fenghuang Ancient TownAdjacent to Furong Ancient Town, you could visit Red Stone Forest and Zuolong Valley, which are just a 15-minute and a 40-minute drive away respectively. Fenghuang Ancient Town and Zhangjiajie are accessible via a 30–40-minute high-speed train ride.
Zuolong Valley
Zuolong Valley features narrow roads and is connected by iron ladders, creating a challenging but rewarding hiking experience. You could enjoy the waterfalls, deep pools, and stream trekking. It's an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Red Stone Forest National Geological Park
Red Stone Forest is a unique geological park known for its striking red rock formations and karst landscape. Visitors could hike through the park to see the fascinating rock shapes and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park is a great spot for photography and offers an immersive experience in nature.
Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. Stroll through its narrow streets and explore the ancient city walls. The town is beautifully situated along the Tuojiang River, offering picturesque views and a leisurely lifestyle.
Zhangjiajie
From Furong Ancient Town, Zhangjiajie is just a 2-hour drive away. It is renowned for stunning landscapes, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with its majestic sandstone pillars and lush forests. Key attractions are Tianmen Mountain, known for its Heaven's Gate arch at the top. This area inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
Recommended Itinerary
This itinerary provides a mix of natural wonders and cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable trip. For those interested in exploring ancient towns, a combined itinerary of Fenghuang and Furong is highly recommended. Our suggested 7–8 day itinerary might be something you would like to start from:
- Day 1: Arrive in Changsha
- Days 2–3: Travel to Zhangjiajie and explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Day 4: Visit Tianmen Mountain
- Day 5: Travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town
- Day 6: Visit Furong Ancient Town
- Day 7: Visit Zuolong Valley and Red Stone Forest
- Day 8: Return to Zhangjiajie and depart
Alternatively, if you have less time, you could simplify the itinerary to focus on the main highlights:
- Day 1: Arrive in Changsha
- Days 2–3: Zhangjiajie
- Day 4: Fenghuang Ancient Town
- Days 5–6: Furong Ancient Town
- Day 7: Return to Zhangjiajie and depart
Create an Itinerary for Furong Ancient Town with Us
We hope our suggestions help you to design your journey. If you have other ideas in mind, our private tours provide you with many options for balancing price and quality perfectly.
Feel free to contact us if you need help planning and arranging a trip to Furong Ancient Town and the surrounding attractions. Traveling with us, you would obtain relatively high-quality services, experiences, and privacy within your acceptable price range.