Furong Ancient Town:From the Thousand-year-old King Village to the Legend of the Movie on the Waterfall

A Millennium Name-From "Wangcun" to "Furong Town"
The story of this ancient town traces back to the Tusi era over two millennia ago. Strategically positioned on the northern bank of the You River, its rugged terrain established it as a pivotal military and economic hub in the Western Water Basin, earning the title "Xiyang Xiongzhen" (Heroic Town of Xiyang). Later, as the residence and administrative center of the Tusi royal family, it came to be known as "Wangcun" (Royal Village). This name encapsulates its enduring commercial legacy as the foremost of the "Four Great Towns" in western Hunan. In 1986, the film "Hibiscus Town" directed by renowned filmmaker Xie Jin and starring Jiang Wen and Liu Xiaoqing, became a nationwide sensation. This cinematic masterpiece catapulted the hidden gem of the Wuling Mountains into global prominence under the name "Hibiscus Town," marking its transformation from a historical royal village to a cultural landmark.

The Road to Rebirth-From the Dock Town to the Cultural and Tourism Landmark
The modern revival of Furong Town is a classic case of rejuvenation through artistic empowerment.
-Prosperous Past (Before the 1980s): As a vital waterway connecting Sichuan and Guizhou with Dongting Lake, this ancient town thrived with bustling boats and merchants. Its five-mile cobblestone street was alive with the vibrancy and wealth of a 'Little Nanjing.'
-Art Awakening (1986): The film "Hibiscus Town" was shot here. It not only showcases the beauty of the ancient town's landscape and architecture, but also vividly portrays the social customs of a unique historical period, making it a collective memory symbol for a generation.
-Cultural Tourism Boom (Since the 21st Century): Leveraging its unique waterfall scenery and profound Tujia cultural heritage, the ancient town has evolved from a mere film set into a comprehensive tourist destination that integrates natural sightseeing, cultural immersion, and folk holiday experiences. The iconic "No.113" rice tofu shop, immortalized in the movie, has transformed from a prop into a pilgrimage site where countless visitors come to "savor" the past.

> In-depth exploration: Discover more treasure destinations in China that have gained fame through films>> [Wuzhen] | [Yangshuo West Street]

Nature Creation-Heartbeat on the Waterfall
The soul of Furong Town lies in the breathtaking view of the ancient town hanging from the waterfall. It is not only a visual spectacle but also a comprehensive sensory experience.
The Core Waterfall: The Pulse and Background Sound of the Ancient Town
-Grand Waterfall: This is one of the rare large waterfalls that passes through a town in China and even globally. The waterfall has two tiers, cascading down from the cliffs into the You River. Its charm lies in the multi-dimensional and multi-angle experiences: above the waterfall, you can walk through the ancient town's streets, with the rushing river beside you and the roaring abyss beneath your feet; after passing through the waterfall, the natural water curtain cave path stretches dozens of meters, allowing you to reach out and touch the water curtain, gazing through the crystalline curtain at the Tujia stilt houses on the opposite bank, like a dreamlike vision; below the waterfall, ride a small boat and look up at the majestic harmony between the waterfall and the architecture. The best time to view it is after dusk when the lights illuminate the waterfall, turning it golden-red and creating a magnificent and dazzling spectacle that complements the ancient town's lights.
Yushui Gallery: Flowing Landscape Poems
-You River: Often referred to as the 'White River' in Shen Congwen's writings, the You River meanders through the ancient town, its waters a vibrant emerald green. A boat tour along the You River Gallery reveals karst peaks and Tujia villages lining both banks, offering a serene experience of' a boat gliding through a painting.' Particularly at dawn or dusk, the interplay of light and shadow drapes the landscape in a soft veil, creating the perfect backdrop for photography.

Humanistic Craftsmanship-Living Epic on the Blue Stone Slab
Every bluestone slab and stilted house here bears the imprint of the Tujia people's history and way of life.
-Five-Li Stone Slab Street: The Lifeline of the Ancient Town. This historic five-li-long street stretches from the wharf to the highest point of the ancient town, lined with shops and residences in Ming and Qing architectural styles. The winding path features cultural landmarks such as the Xizhou Bronze Pillar (a national key cultural relic that bears witness to the history of the Tusi chieftains), the Tuwang Temple, and the Baishou Hall. Strolling along it feels like stepping into a time tunnel.
-Tujia stilt house clusters: This architectural marvel thrives in harmony with the waterfall. The riverside clusters, built in layers to follow the mountain's contours, feature suspended wooden pillars anchored into the cliff, showcasing the perfect fusion of ethnic architecture and natural surroundings. At night, the illuminated structures with their upturned eaves cast reflections in the You River, creating a breathtaking three-dimensional spectacle alongside the waterfall's lights.
-Film scenes and intangible cultural heritage workshops:
-Liu Xiaoqing Rice Tofu Shop (originally named 'Hu Yuyin Rice Tofu Shop' in the film): The most popular spot in the ancient town. Savoring a bowl of authentic Xiangxi rice tofu is no longer just about satisfying hunger—it's about reconnecting with those nostalgic screen memories.
-Tujia Brocade (Xilan Kapu) Workshop: In this historic street-side workshop, visitors can witness Tujia grandmothers weaving vibrant brocades adorned with ethnic totems using traditional waist looms and multicolored threads. These creations are truly 'epics worn on the body.'
-The pier and the city gate: The ancient pier once stood as a testament to prosperity, now offering one of the best vantage points to admire the waterfall from the railing. Meanwhile, the imposing city gate silently testifies to its former military significance.

> Photography Tips:
Best camera angles: 1) The viewing platform across the waterfall offers panoramic views of both the waterfall and the ancient town; 2) The cruise boat on the Youshui River captures a complete shot with the water's reflection.
The best vantage point for photography is at the corner of Wuli Stone Slab Street, where the alleys of stilted houses serve as a backdrop. Using the stone-paved paths and historic buildings as guides, you can capture the authentic moments of local life.
Night photography with slow shutter speed: For waterfall night scenes, a tripod is essential for stability. Using a small aperture and low ISO can create a dazzling effect with shimmering lights and silky water flow.
Drone Advisory: The scenic area permits drone flights in designated zones to capture the breathtaking 'God's-eye view' of the waterfall cascading through the town. Please avoid crowds and comply with all park regulations.

Five Must-do Things to Unlock the Complete Ancient Town Tour
1. The Water Curtain Cave after a Walk by the Waterfall
-Experience: This is the one-of-a-kind experience in Furong Town. As you walk behind the roaring waterfall, water droplets splash and a refreshing coolness envelops you. Peering through the misty water curtain at the outside world, it feels like stepping through a fairy-tale gate.
2. A Dream of Interweaving a Movie and Reality
-Key: Find the movie poster and stills of 'Hibiscus Town' and check in at the same spots. Must-visit locations: Shiban Street, the rice tofu shop, and the pier.
-Upgrade your experience: If you're interested, you can revisit the movie in advance and follow the storyline to enhance your experience.
3. Stay in a stilt house on the cliff for one night
-Premium Experience: Choose a cliffside stilt house by the waterfall. Sleep under the soothing sound of the waterfall at night, and wake to the misty river at dawn—opening the window reveals a breathtaking landscape.
-Value-for-money pick: These distinctive inns in the ancient town's core area feature rustic decor and convenient access, letting you fully experience the town's vibrant day-night cycle.
4. Try a table of authentic Tujia cuisine
-Must-try dishes: Osmanthus Fish (You River Fresh), Tujia-style cured pork, pork with snails, and rice tofu.
-Snack Delights: Beyond rice tofu, the street food scene features artemisia cakes and fried cakes, all brimming with the authentic charm of Xiangxi.
5. Watch a Tujia performance in its original form
-Cultural Feast: At the Tujia King Temple or Baishou Hall, you can often witness authentic performances of the Tujia Maogusi Dance, Baishou Dance, and Tima Song. These bold and unrestrained dances offer a vivid window into the Tujia people's beliefs and history.
-Folk Custom Experiences: You can participate in traditional Tujia customs like the 'Lanmen Wine' (a ceremonial drink at the door) and 'Ku Jia' (a traditional wedding ritual) when available.

Recommended Tour Routes
A "Light and Shadow Journey" Tour (Premium Experience, Fully Covering Core Features):
Morning itinerary: Begin at the scenic area entrance → Explore Xizhou Bronze Pillar Square to learn about its history → Proceed to Wuli Stone Street, visiting the Tuwang Temple, Baishou Hall, and various intangible cultural heritage workshops along the way → Enjoy lunch at Liu Xiaoqing's Rice Tofu Shop.
Afternoon: Continue along Shiban Street toward the waterfall → Upon reaching the upper section, enjoy panoramic views from multiple angles → Explore the Water Curtain Cave to experience the spectacular scenery behind the waterfall → Finally, relax and admire the views at the dock area below.
Evening to Night (Highlight): Enjoy dinner at the pier or the restaurant on the opposite bank, then wait for the city lights to glow. → Marvel at the waterfall and panoramic views of the ancient town under the illumination → Wander through the stone-paved old street lit up at night, experiencing a serene or lively atmosphere unlike daytime → Conclude the itinerary.
IntoTravelChina recommends: This itinerary is packed yet rewarding, highlighting daytime cultural experiences and nighttime scenic views. Wear slip-resistant shoes as the Water Curtain Cave and some stone paths can be slippery.
Two-day "Deep Roaming" package (Recommended: Relax and expand your experience)
Day 1: Arrive in Furong Town around noon, check into a cliffside or riverside homestay → Take a leisurely stroll through the stone-paved street, exploring cultural landmarks and savoring local snacks → At dusk, wait patiently and capture the waterfall's night view → Enjoy a relaxed Tujia-style dinner → Spend the night in the ancient town, falling asleep to the soothing sound of the waterfall.
Day 2: Wake up early to soak up the tranquil ancient town, where you'll find few tourists around. Capture the morning mist and wisps of cooking smoke → After breakfast, head to the pier for a boat tour of the You River Gallery (about 1-2 hours) → After check-out, you can choose:
-Option A (Cultural Extension): Drive to the Lao Sicheng Ruins (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of the Tusi Kingdom), located about 30 kilometers away, for a half-day exploration.
-Option B (Natural Extension): Drive to Hongshilin National Geopark (about 1 hour drive) to experience the unique Danxia landform landscape.
After the tour, you can either return to your previous destination or proceed to the next one, such as Zhangjiajie or Fenghuang Ancient City.
IntoTravelChina Advantages: We provide one-stop services including accommodation, tickets, ferry tickets, and transportation to nearby attractions, ensuring seamless itinerary coordination. Our professional guided tours in Laosicheng and other locations offer in-depth insights into Xiangxi's history.>> [Request a Customized Consultation Now]

How to get there: Transportation hub in the hinterland of Xiangxi
Furong Town is located between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient City, and the transportation is convenient.
-Traveling from anywhere in China: The most convenient option is to take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie West Station or Jishou East Station. Upon arrival, you can transfer to a tourist shuttle bus or coach to Furong Town (approximately 1-1.5 hours). Travel tip: Booking a pickup service in advance is the most hassle-free and comfortable choice.
-Departure from Zhangjiajie: Choose between self-driving, chartered vehicles, or shuttle buses, with the journey taking approximately 1-1.5 hours. This is the most popular combined tour route. Travel tip: The 'Furong Town' exit on Zhangjiajie-Huayi Expressway has clear self-driving directions.
-Departure from Fenghuang Ancient Town: Choose between self-drive, chartered car, or shuttle bus, with a 1.5-2 hour journey. Travel tip: Perfect for completing the classic Xiangxi Triangle route of "Fenghuang-Furong Town-Zhangjiajie".
Important return note: If you plan to stay overnight in Zhangjiajie or Jishou after viewing the night scenery, make sure to confirm the latest bus schedule or book a vehicle in advance, as nighttime transportation options are limited.

The best time to visit
Furong town can be visited in all seasons, but the charm is different.
-Spring and Autumn Golden Season (April-May and September-October): The climate is most pleasant, with pristine mountains and clear waters. Spring brings lush greenery, while autumn offers sunny weather and moderate waterfall flow, making it the perfect time for sightseeing and photography.
-Summer flood season (June-August): Waterfalls reach their peak volume, creating a majestic spectacle. However, this rainy season requires rain gear and brings scorching heat.
-Winter's Tranquil Season (November to March): Fewer visitors and often discounted tickets. The waterfall's reduced flow creates a serene and picturesque scene. While the cold, damp winter in western Hunan requires warmth, it offers a deeper appreciation of the ancient town's tranquil lifestyle.

Accommodation Options
-Within the scenic area (preferred, experience-focused):
1. Waterfall Scenic Homestay/Hotel:
        Experience: Enjoy an unparalleled waterfall vista, with some rooms offering stunning night views of the waterfall. Truly achieve the dream of 'sleeping under the waterfall'.
        -Disadvantages: The price is relatively high, and reservations need to be made well in advance during peak seasons. The waterfall is located close by, and the nighttime water flow can be quite loud (which some people find as white noise, while others with sensitive sleep patterns may find it disruptive).
        -Suitable for: those seeking an ultimate landscape experience, photography enthusiasts, and budget-conscious travelers.
2. Stone Slab Street Characteristic Inn:
        -Experience: Nestled in the heart of the ancient town, this area offers immediate access to attractions and a vibrant, authentic lifestyle. The buildings, mostly renovated historic residences, exude a timeless charm.
        -Ideal for: Most travelers seeking an immersive experience in the ancient town, who value convenience and value for money.
-Accommodation outside the scenic area (flexible and economical option):
1. Town New District Hotel: Affordable rates, high standardization, and quiet surroundings. However, daily access to the scenic area (usually nearby) requires walking or taking a ride.
2. Surrounding village homestays: These offer a more authentic taste of rural life in western Hunan, though they are somewhat distant from the scenic area, making them ideal for self-driving travelers.

IntoTravelChina accommodation booking tips:
We strongly recommend booking your dream accommodation at scenic spots at least 1-2 months in advance, especially waterfall-viewing rooms, which may require even earlier reservations during peak seasons. Through our booking service, you can secure scarce accommodations while bundling them with scenic spot tickets, local transportation, and event experiences. You'll often get package discounts and hassle-free transfers from high-speed rail stations to hotels, ensuring a worry-free journey from start to finish in Western Hunan.>> [Click to contact IntoTravelChina travel consultants]

Furong Town is the perfect key to unlock the mysterious Xiangxi landscape, forming a classic tourist loop with its surrounding world-class attractions.
Zhangjiajie-Furong Ancient Town 2-Day Tour: Explore Zhangjiajie's Wulingyuan (Maze of Peaks) and the millennium-old Furong Town (a historic settlement clinging to a waterfall). This itinerary epitomizes the perfect blend of UNESCO World Heritage sites and cultural wonders, allowing you to traverse quartz sandstone peaks formed over hundreds of millions of years alongside the 2,000-year-old Tujia ethnic town in just one weekend. Experience the harmonious symphony of landscapes and heritage in western Hunan.>> [View 2-Day Mountain-Water Cultural Odyssey]

The story of Furong Town is an eternal dialogue between mountains and water, the echoes of the chieftain's past on the stone slabs, and a cinematic portrayal of the era's tears and smiles. IntoTravelChina focuses on creating in-depth, personalized, and worry-free China travel experiences. Our Xiangxi travel experts can provide you with:
-Customized itinerary: We'll craft a seamless route connecting Furong Town with Xiangxi's top attractions, tailored to your interests (nature, culture, photography, cuisine) and available time.
-All-inclusive concierge service: handling all ticket bookings, accommodations at iconic cliffside or stilted houses, intercity transfers, local bilingual guides, and folk activity reservations.
Exclusive experiences include: private dinner reservations at the waterfall-view restaurant, immersive hands-on workshops at the intangible cultural heritage studio, and authentic homestays in Tujia villages.
Make your Furong Town journey more than a cursory sightseeing—it becomes a profound dialogue with history, nature, and the interplay of light and shadow.

> Start planning your trip now
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