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Furong Ancient Town

Furong Town, about 1.5 hours’ drive from Zhangjiajie, Hunan, is an ancient town with a history of more than 2,000 years. Furong Town is surrounded by water on three sides and has a waterfall flowing through, earning it the nickname “The Thousand-Year-Old Town Hanging on a Waterfall.” Its unique ancient town atmosphere, profound historical and cultural heritage, magnificent waterfall scenery, and dazzling night view have attracted countless tourists.

Furong Town is home to the Tujia and Miao people, ethnic minorities in China, a place that is simple and peaceful, with traditional Tujia buildings called “stilted buildings” scattered along the sides of the waterfalls. Along the streets, there are ancient shops selling traditional handicrafts such as Tujia embroidery and Miao silver jewelry, snacks, and local specialties.

Top Attractions in Furong Town

1. Furong Waterfall

The Furong Waterfall, 60 meters (200 feet) high and 40 meters (130 feet) wide and located in the town center, is majestic and breathtaking, standing as the most prominent feature of Furong Town. The Furong Waterfall Observation Deck is the prime spot for waterfall viewing. Standing there and looking out, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire ancient town. The waterfall, with its rushing torrents and splashing water, resembles a magnificent painting. Especially at night, when the lights are lit, the waterfall scenery becomes even more enchanting, making you feel as if in a fairyland.

2. Tusi Palace

The Tusi Palace is a landmark building in Furong Town, built on a cliff. It was a summer retreat for the Tusi King over thousands of years ago, with a unique architectural style and all wooden structure, a masterpiece and wonder of Tujia architecture. It houses precious relics from various dynasties of the Tujia people, showing 5,000 years of survival documents of the Tujia history. At night, when the lights are on, the entire palace looks like a dazzling throne.

3. Wuli Slate Street

The Wuli Slate Street is the oldest street in Fuling Town, stretching for about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) and only 2-3 meters (7-10 feet) wide, paved with smooth slates, running through the entire town and lined with century-old houses and shops with flying eaves and upturned corners on both sides, extending all the way to the wharf.

4. Tuwang Bridge

Tuwang Bridge, with its unique five-arched stone bridge body and wooden structure covered walkway, showcases the charm of the Tujia people’s traditional architecture. It is not only connecting the ancient town with the outside world, but also providing the best view for appreciating the panorama of the stilted buildings.

5. Xizhou Copper Pillar

The Xizhou Copper Pillar, now preserved in the Folk Scenery Museum, features a round bottom and an octagonal top. With each side being 15 cm (6 inches) wide and the diameter measuring 39 cm (15 inches), it is well-preserved except for the damaged top. There are inscriptions of more than 2,600 words engraved on the eight sides of the pillar. Regarded as a sacred object by the local Tujia people, this copper pillar holds great significance in their culture.

6. Tujia Ancestors’ Cave Relics

Located under the Furong Waterfall, the Tujia Ancestors’ Cave Relics are the dwelling place of the early Tujia people, capable of accommodating thousands of them. Besides the cave, the site also boasts rich cultural relics and exhibits. Here, visitors can view traditional Tujia costumes, farming tools, and daily necessities, thus experiencing the wisdom and creativity of the Tujia people.

More Things to Do in Furong Town

1. Enjoy traditional performances

In Furong Town, traditional folk performances of the local Tujia and Miao people are available for you to enjoy. These performances, including folk dances, singing, and demonstrations of traditional handicrafts, vividly display the rich folk culture of Xiangxi.

2. Wear traditional Miao costumes

The local traditional Miao costumes are very delicate and beautiful, with silver headdresses and clothes with local embroidery. Wearing such costumes to take photos is a good choice.

3. Experience traditional handicrafts

In the handicraft shops in Furong Town, you can experience some traditional handicraft production processes. For example, you can try to make a Tujia brocade or Miao silver jewelry by yourself.

Must-try Food in Furong Town

1. Rice Tofu

Rice tofu, a representative delicacy of Furong Town, is made of rice and soybeans along with special seasonings. It has a delicate taste and is spicy and delicious.

2. Xiangxi Bacon

The smoked bacon is bright red in color, fat but not greasy, and delicious whether stir-fried or stewed.

3. Xiangxi Rice Wine

As a traditional wine in the Xiangxi region, it has a long-standing history and unique brewing techniques. With its mellow flavor and low alcohol content, it is highly suitable for taking a sip.

Admission Tickets:

Furong Town Tickets Booking

Adult	CNY103
Minors aged 14-18 and seniors aged 60-65	CNY54
Children below 14 and seniors over 65	Free

How to Get to Furong Town

1. From Changsha

Take the high-speed rail from Changsha South Railway Station to Furong Town Railway Station, which takes about three hours, and then transfer to the bus to Furong Town Bus Station, which takes about 10 minutes.

There are minibuses operated by locals at the entrance of Furong Town Bus Station, which go directly to the scenic area. The journey takes about 10 minutes and costs 2 yuan. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to arrive at 15 yuan.

2. From Zhangjiajie

By high-speed train:

From Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, take the high-speed train to Furong Town Railway Station, which takes about 25 minutes.

By bus:

From Zhangjiajie Bus Station, take the bus bound for Furong Town Bus Station, which takes about 1.5 hours. The earliest bus is at 7:30 and the latest bus is at 17:00.

3. From Fenghuang Ancient Town

By high-speed train:

Take the high-speed train from Fenghuang Ancient Town Railway Station to Furong Town and arrive at Furong Town Railway Station in about 40 minutes.

By bus:

Take the bus from Fenghuang Ancient Town Bus Station to Furong Town. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, and there are 3 round-trip buses every day.

Recommended Tour Time:

2 - 3 hours

Opening Time:

07:30 - 24:00

Tips for Visiting Furong Town

1. The stone road is slippery, so it is recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.

2. The local food in Xiangxi is spicy. If you are not used to it, it is recommended to inform the restaurant in advance to adjust the taste.

- Last updated on Nov. 15, 2024 by Gabby Li -

Questions & Answers on Let Me Say about

Asked by mulia from INDONESIA | Nov. 26, 2024 03:27

would that be possible to chat online with you for bookings hotel, train, flight, ...?

Hi TCG staff, i used to book my trip either hotel, train, flight for Beijing, chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Shanghai, Guangzhou...via TCG if i don't make mistake perhaps around 15 years ago. i remember it was so helpful indeed, but that time i think there was online chat available that you always answered me very fast (no wechat at thaf time). I plan to travel again to many places next year and really need you to help us for some bookings, but the booking i would make while i am atready enter any city in china, since i am not qite sure either we will extend our staying in each city. would that be possible again to ask you again ? and how to contact you as there is no online chat now in your web ? Kindly advice

Answers (1)

Answered by TravelChinaGuide | Nov. 26, 2024 16:47

Dear Mulia,

Thanks for getting in touch with us again. The LiveChat is available. See it on the right bottom of this page: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/default.htm

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