Discover Furong Ancient Town: China’s Hidden Waterfall Wonder

Nestled in the heart of Hunan Province, Furong Ancient Town (芙蓉镇), also known as "The Town Hanging on the Waterfall," is a mesmerizing destination with over 2,000 years of history. Famous for its stunning waterfall cascading through the village, traditional Tujia stilted houses (Diaojiaolou), and rich ethnic culture, Furongzhen offers a serene escape into China’s ancient past.

Quick Facts

• Type: Ancient Town, Historical & Cultural Site, Ethnic Minority Village

• Best Time to Visit: April to October (peak waterfall flow in rainy season)

• Recommended Visit Duration: Half a day (stay overnight for a magical night view)

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)

• Location: Yongshun County, Xiangxi Tujia & Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan

Why Visit Furong Ancient Town?

Furongzhen is a hidden treasure between Zhangjiajie’s karst wonders and Fenghuang’s (Phoenix Ancient Town) charm. Unlike overcrowded tourist spots, Furong offers:
✔ A breathtaking waterfall flowing through the town
✔ Well-preserved Tujia architecture (Diaojiaolou)
✔ Ancient streets with 2,000+ years of history
✔ Authentic Tujia & Miao minority culture
✔ A peaceful, less touristy atmosphere

Top Attractions in Furong Ancient Town

1. Furong Waterfall (芙蓉瀑布)

• The only ancient town in China with a waterfall running through it!

• 60m high & 40m wide—most spectacular in June-August (rainy season).

• Walk behind the waterfall for a surreal experience.

• At night, the illuminated waterfall creates a dreamlike scenery.

2. Tusi’s Residence (土司行宫)

• A Tujia chieftain’s palace built on a cliff beside the waterfall.

• Features stilted wooden houses (Diaojiaolou)—a masterpiece of Tujia architecture.

• Offers panoramic views of the waterfall and river.

3. Xizhou Bronze Pillar (溪州铜柱)

• A 1,000+ year-old bronze pillar inscribed with 2,600+ characters recording a peace treaty.

• Symbolizes the historical reconciliation between Tujia and Han people.

4. Wuli Street (五里长街)

• A 2,300-year-old flagstone street lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and Tujia homes.

• Try local snacks: rice tofu, ginger candy, and Tujia smoked meat.

Best Time to Visit

• April–October: Best weather, lush greenery, and powerful waterfall.

• June–August: Peak waterfall flow (most spectacular).

• Winter (Nov–Feb): Quieter but colder; occasional snow.

Travel Tips

✔ Stay overnight to see the magical night view with illuminated waterfalls and lantern-lit streets.
✔ Try Tujia rice tofu (米豆腐) and ginger candy on Wuli Street.
✔ Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
✔ Combine with Zhangjiajie (1.5h away) & Fenghuang Ancient Town (1.5h away).

How to Get There?

1. From Zhangjiajie:

• High-speed train (30 min) to Furongzhen Station (then 10-min taxi).
• Bus (1h) from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station.

2.From Fenghuang:

• High-speed train (30-50 min) to Furongzhen Station.

Recommended Tours

• 6-Day Zhangjiajie & Furong Ancient Town Tour :

  • Explore Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains + Furong’s waterfall town.

• 8-Day Zhangjiajie, Furong & Fenghuang Tour :

  • Cover Zhangjiajie’s peaks, Furong’s charm, and Fenghuang’s riverside beauty.

Final Thoughts

Furong Ancient Town is a rare blend of nature, history, and ethnic culture. Whether you’re admiring the waterfall, wandering ancient streets, or experiencing Tujia traditions, this hidden gem is a must-visit in Hunan!

Plan Your Trip Now & Step into a 2,000-Year-Old Fairy Tale! 🌿🏮