Furong Ancient Town

Overview

Furong Ancient Town, originally named Wang Village, is a historic town with over 2,000 years of history located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province. The town gained its current name after the filming of the famous movie "Hibiscus Town" in 1986, directed by Xie Jin. Known as one of the four famous towns in Western Hunan, Furong Ancient Town is particularly notable for its spectacular waterfall that runs through the town, earning it the nickname "The Ancient Town Hanging on the Waterfall."

Best Time to Visit

Each season offers a unique experience in Furong Ancient Town:

• Spring (March - May): Mild temperatures with blooming flowers and fresh greenery
• Summer (June - August): Average temperature around 25°C, perfect for escaping the heat
• Autumn (September - November): Beautiful fall colors and comfortable temperatures
• Winter (December - February): Occasional snowfall creates a magical winter wonderland

The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful. To avoid crowds, consider visiting on weekdays rather than during holidays or weekends.

Getting There

By Public Transportation

• Long-distance Bus: Direct buses from Zhangjiajie City Bus Station (1-2 hours, ¥30-50)
• High-speed Rail: Take the train to Guzhang West Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus or taxi
• Train + Bus: Take a train to Mengdonghe Station, then transfer to a local bus

Travel Time and Cost

• From Zhangjiajie: Approximately 1.5-2 hours
• Bus fare: ¥30-50
• High-speed rail: ¥30 plus transfer costs
• Taxi from nearby stations: ¥80-100

Main Attractions

The Grand Waterfall

The town's iconic 60-meter-high waterfall is its most spectacular feature. The waterfall splits into two levels, creating a magnificent natural spectacle that can be heard from miles away.

Best viewing times:

• Daytime: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM for rainbow views
• Evening: After 7:30 PM for illuminated views with traditional lanterns

Five-Li Stone Street

This 2.5-kilometer ancient street dates back to the Qin and Han dynasties. The street features:

• Traditional Tujia stilt houses
• Local craft shops
• Traditional food stalls
• Historic architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties

Xizhou Bronze Pillar

Located in the Wang Village Folk Custom Museum, this important historical relic from 940 AD features:

• Height: 3 meters
• Inscriptions: Over 2,600 characters
• Historical significance: Records of ancient Tujia history

Tusi Palace

The former summer residence of the local Tusi (tribal leader):

• Traditional Tujia-Han architectural style
• Stunning views of the waterfall
• Now partially converted into a boutique hotel

Local Cuisine

Must-Try Dishes

1. Rice Tofu (米豆腐)

• A local specialty made from high-quality rice
• Available in various preparations: soup, stir-fried, or cold served
• Best tried at Liu Xiaoqing's Rice Tofu Shop (刘晓庆米豆腐店)

2. Snail Meat (螺丝肉)

• Fresh river snails cooked with local spices
• Served with vegetables and chili
• A popular street food option

3. Tujia Preserved Meat Hot Pot (土家腊味锅)

• Traditional winter dish
• Features various preserved meats and local vegetables
• Rich in flavor and cultural significance

Accommodation

Recommended Areas

1. Near the Waterfall

• Premium locations with waterfall views
• Higher prices but unique experience
• Price range: ¥300-800 per night

2. Ancient Street Area

• Traditional guesthouses in restored buildings
• Convenient location for sightseeing
• Price range: ¥200-500 per night

Travel Tips

1. Weather Preparation

• Bring rain gear during spring and summer
• Pack warm clothes for winter visits
• Comfortable walking shoes essential

2. Photography Tips

• Early morning: Best lighting for waterfall photos
• Evening: Beautiful illuminated scenes
• Waterfall rainbow viewing: Best on sunny afternoons

3. Cultural Etiquette

• Respect local Tujia customs
• Ask permission before photographing residents
• Remove shoes when entering traditional homes

4. Safety Considerations

• Be careful on wet stone pavements
• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
• Follow safety guidelines near the waterfall

Suggested Itineraries

One-Day Visit

• Morning: Explore the waterfall and viewing platforms
• Noon: Local lunch at the ancient street
• Afternoon: Visit Tusi Palace and cultural sites
• Evening: Enjoy illuminated waterfall views

Two-Day Visit

Day 1:

• Morning: Arrive and check in
• Afternoon: Waterfall and ancient street exploration
• Evening: Cultural performance

Day 2:

• Morning: Visit remaining historical sites
• Afternoon: Local crafts shopping
• Evening: Departure