Furong Ancient Town
Furong Ancient Town Facts
History of Furong Ancient Town
Furong Ancient Town in Hunan, China has a history of over 2,000 years. In the Western Han Dynasty, it was the administrative hub of Youyang County. After the Later Jin Dynasty, it became the administrative center of the early period of the Peng family's chieftain in Xizhou, during which it was a commercial trade center.
Originally named "Wang Village," this town was renamed after being used as a filming location for the film Hibiscus Town (in Chinese: Fu Rong Zhen) by the famous director Xie Jin in 1986, and the town became famous thereafter. In 2007, Wang Village was officially renamed Furong Ancient Town.
Top Attractions in Furong Ancient Town
Furong Waterfall
Furong Waterfall, which is 60 meters high and 40 meters wide, is the largest waterfall in western Hunan. It seems to have been created especially for Furong Ancient Town, threading its way through the town from high above and cascading down from the cliff in a magnificent manner. There are streams below the waterfall, making it an excellent place for escaping the summer heat.
Xizhou Copper Pillar
The Xizhou Copper Pillar of Furong Ancient Town is important for studying the history of the Tujia ethnic group, who regard it as a sacred pillar. This copper pillar was erected by Ma Yin, the King of Chu in the late Tang Dynasty, as a pledge with the chiefs of the Tujia people. The inscriptions on the copper pillar are clearly visible, recording important historical events of that time.
Tuwang Palace
The Tuwang Palace in China’s Furong Ancient Town was originally the summer resort of the Yongshun Tusi (chieftain). Its design style is markedly different from that of Han Chinese palaces, leaning more towards the unique charm of the Tujia people. Compared to the rigorous symmetry and grandeur of Han Chinese palaces, it appears more carefree and without excessive formality.
Tuwang Bridge
This bridge leads directly to the Tuwang Palace in Furong Ancient Town, hence its name. The bridge body consists of a five-arch stone arch, and above the bridge deck is a wooden covered walkway with double-eaved gable roofs. Besides, this Tujia-style covered bridge offers an excellent spot to see the panoramic view of the stilt houses in the ancient town.
Biashou Hall
The Baishou Hall in Furong Ancient Town was an important venue for the ancient Tujia chieftains to conduct meetings and receive guests. It is now a place where the Tujia people worship their ancestors and hold grand dance and song performances during festivals. This ancient-style building is a typical Tujia stilt house, featuring flying eaves, wooden walls with gray tiles, intricately carved window grilles, and a wooden frame structure.
Things to Do in Furong Ancient Town
Enjoy the Beautiful Natural Scenery
The ancient town is embraced by mountains all around, with the mountains and waters intertwining to form a picturesque landscape. In this town, the most eye-catching attraction is undoubtedly the Furong Ancient Town Waterfall (Furong Waterfall). The waterfall plunges down from the peak of the mountain, with sparkling spray and a magnificent momentum. The pool below the waterfall is crystal clear, where the water gently beats against the rock, as if playing a symphony of nature.
Stroll through the Wuli Slate Street
Wandering through Wuli Slate Street is also one of the best things to do in Furong Ancient Town. This street, which stretches for 2,500 meters, begins at the dock by the Youshui River and runs through the entire town. On both sides are plank-paved shops and Tujia stilt houses. Over its more than 2,300-year history, the street has witnessed the prosperity and glory of this town as a major water and land transportation hub.
Immerse in the Breathtaking Night View
The night scene of Furong Ancient Town is like a flowing scroll of painting, breathtakingly beautiful. As night falls and the lights come on, the groups of stilt houses in the ancient town, illuminated by the lights, seem to take you back in time to that prosperous ancient era. The waterfall, under the brilliance of lights, appears even more dreamlike and fantastic, captivating and making people reluctant to leave.
Watch Folklore Performances
Many cultural performances and activities are held in Furong Ancient Town at night, such as the live-action ethnic epic performance "Blooming in Furong - Carnival of Bizika". The show not only includes lively songs and dances, dazzling stage designs, but also impressive audiovisual effects. What is worth mentioning is that it also incorporates the millennium-old historical legend of "Bizika," deeply portraying the love stories of the Tujia youth and the folklore of the Tujia ethnicity.
Taste the Local Delicacies
The ancient streets in Furong Ancient Town are lined with stalls selling various local specialty food and snacks. Xiangxi smoked meat, Tujia sweet rice wine, Xiangxi skewers, Yongshun berry tea, and Guzhang Maojian tea are all worth trying. Of course, the one you can't miss is Liu Xiaoqing's rice tofu. It is made from rice and has a smooth and tender texture. Served with a tangy and spicy sauce, it whets the appetite and is refreshing.
Best Time to Visit Furong Ancient Town
The best time to visit Furong Ancient Town is from March to November. In spring, the town is full of vitality, the rape flowers and azaleas are in full bloom, making it a sea of flowers. In summer, the rainy season comes, and the Furong Waterfall will be at its spectacular. As autumn approaches, the weather is clear and the leaves turn golden; with fewer tourists, autumn is also an ideal time for sightseeing.
How to Tour Furong Ancient Town
Furong Ancient Town is not a large town, which can be toured in one day. Below is a recommended route for a day trip.Route: Entrance - Baishou Hall - Copper Pillar Park- Tuwang Bridge - Jinan Square - Furong Waterfall - Landscape Gallery - Furong Town Dock - Xizhou Copper Pillar - Wuli Slate Street - Exit
Travel Tips: Before entering, you can get a map of Furong Ancient Town from the tourist center to check the route anytime.
Furong Ancient Town Hotels
There are a variety of homestays and hotels in Furong Ancient Town. You can stay in the core area of the ancient town, which allows you to step out to the ancient streets and scenic spots and enjoy the charming night scenery. Homestays near the waterfall and along the Xishui River offer superb views, and you can fall asleep to the sound of flowing water.
By the way, if you purchase tickets through the hotel or homestay, you can enjoy at least a 10% discount on Furong Ancient Town entrance fees.
How to Get to Furong Ancient Town
Furong Ancient Town can be easily reached by high-speed train. It offers bullet trains connecting major cities in China like Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha, and most cities in Hunan. Besides, you can also take a bus to the ancient town from nearby cities like Zhangjiajie and Jishou, which allows you to enjoy the beautiful views along the way.There are no direct flights to Furong Ancient Town. If you prefer to travel by air, you can take a plane to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, and then take the shuttle bus to the ancient town.
Changsha to Furong Ancient Town
The most convenient way to travel to Furong Ancient Town from Changsha is by high-speed train. You can go to Changsha South Railway Station and take a high-speed train to Furongzhen Railway Station. The journey takes nearly 3 hours. Once arrive, take a shuttle bus to the scenic area.
Chongqing to Furong Ancient Town
There are no direct flights or trains that can take you from Chongqing to Furong Ancient Town. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, and then switch to a train to the ancient town or take a bus there.Zhangjiajie to Furong Ancient Town
If you are wondering how to get to Furong Ancient Town from Zhangjiajie after your Zhangjiajie travel, just make your way to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station to take a high-speed train to Furongzhen Railway Station. Afterward, take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the ancient town.
Furong Ancient Town vs Fenghuang Ancient Town
In addition to Furong Ancient Town, Hunan is also home to the famous Fenghuang Ancient Town. Both towns have their own unique charms. More specifically, Furong Ancient Town is famed for its spectacular natural scenery, profound Tujia culture, and relatively convenient travel experience. While Fenghuang Ancient Town attracts tourists with its unique landscape layout, rich Miao ethnic flavor, and comprehensive tourism facilities.
If you also want to visit Fenghuang Ancient Town, you can carpool or charter a car from Furong Ancient Town to Fenghuang Ancient Town.Plan Your Furong Ancient Town Tour with Easy Tour China
Planning a trip to Furong Ancient Town is not an easy task, so we sincerely suggest you travel with Easy Tour China and our local guide. Below is one of our popular Zhangjiajie tour packages including Furong Ancient Town.
Contact us if you need a tailor-made China trip. We can customize a Furong Ancient Town tour for you, featuring customized travel plans, lodging, and transportation arrangements.
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