Furong Ancient Town - The Town Hanging on the Waterfall near Zhangjiajie

Why Visit Furong Ancient Town?

For years, Furong remained exactly what its name suggests—a hibiscus town blooming quietly away from the tourist trail, known mostly to savvy travelers who tacked it onto their Zhangjiajie itineraries as a hidden detour. But here's what happens when a hidden gem suddenly hits 1 billion views: the secret gets out.

What's drawing the world's attention?
Furong isn't just another ancient town with identical souvenir shops—its a thousand-year town hanging on a waterfall with Tujia culture that isn't performed but lived here.

The daytime scenery of Furong Ancient Town is already spectacular. A 60-meter-high waterfall cascades down from above, flowing through the town center and rushing among thousands of stilted houses that seem to grow out of the cliff. But night is when magic happens. Colorful lights illuminate the waterfall—gold, blue, and amber lights shimmer in the rushing water, and the rising mist captures the light. Above, thousands of Tujia stilted houses are brightly lit, their warm wooden structures standing on the cliff edge, suspended above the shimmering waterfall below. The entire ancient town seems to float in the air—countless points of light suspended between the water and the sky.

Yet the waterfall is only half the story.
This is still a living Tujia village. Elderly women weave traditional brocade on looms that have creaked in their families for generations. The alleyways smell of smoked meat curing under wooden eaves. And if you follow the sound of drumming at dusk, you'll find Hibiscus in Bloom: Bizka's Carnival—an open-air performance where fire, music, and centuries-old dances bring Tujia history to life against the glowing waterfall backdrop.

Best Ways to Explore Furong Ancient Town

If you're wondering how to truly experience Furong Ancient Town beyond just taking photos, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. To truly feel the soul of this waterfall-hugging ancient town, take it slow and follow unmissable experiences below for your reference.

5 Days Zhangjiajie Fenghuang Tour with Furong Ancient Town

Zhangjiajie - Wulingyuan - Zhangjiajie - Fenghuang Ancient Town - Furong Ancient Town - Zhangjiajie

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Marvel at the Night Wonderland Scenery of Furong Waterfall (7:30-10:30 PM daily)

You're probably drawn to Furong Ancient Town by the countless breathtaking waterfall views flooding social media. Indeed, the waterfall scenery is a major highlight of any visit to Furong Ancient Town. And what sets Furong Waterfall apart from any other you've seen, though, is its unique shape. Unlike most waterfalls that plunge straight down in a single, powerful cascade, it splits into two distinct layers, like a natural terraced waterfall.

The waterfall is magnificent during the day, and you can see the stilted houses more clearly, while the liveliness of Furong Town reaches a new level after sunset. Don't forget to find a bar perched on the cliff edge so you can sit and enjoy a drink while admiring the waterfall. Even better if your room faces the falls directly, allowing you to enjoy the view without leaving your room.

Furong Ancient Town, built around a waterfall

Rambling Behind the Grand Furong Waterfall

There's only two ways to visit the Waterfall – from the left or right side. The left way starts from Furong Town Pier and then pass by the Viewing Gallery Bridge with wooden covered boardwalk with red lanterns. The right path starts from a boutique hotel near Yinan Theatre. Following the path down leads to a large viewing platform, perfect for taking photos. The two paths are connected and eventually converge at a trail behind the waterfall.

While rambling along the path behind the waterfall with the rushing water on one side and a steep cliff on the other, it's sure to be a unique and fascinating experience. Don't worry about not being able to see anything, you can still experience this path even after nightfall because there is enough lighting along the way. However, be aware that there is water splashing from the waterfall along this path, so it's be better to use an umbrella or at least wear a hat.

Furong Ancient Town, known as Hibiscus Town

Strolling Around Wuli Flagstone Street

Shopping is an essential part of any trip. Along this 2.5km ancient path, there are hundreds of shops with varieties of snacks and handcrafts for you to choose. These wooden buildings still retain their unique ethnic style, allowing you to experience the local living conditions and lifestyle up close while you stroll around. Don't forget to try the famous Rice Tofu. In the movie of the same name Furong Town, the female lead made a living selling it.

More importantly, most restaurants along this street have balconies overlooking the waterfall. Enjoying the waterfall view while dining is, of course, a fantastic experience. The average cost per person for a meal is around CNY 60 there. Some people might spend over CNY 100, after all, they're not just paying for the food, but also for the beautiful scenery.

Five-Li Stone Slab Street of Furong Ancient Town

Indulging in Tujia Cultural Shows Like Hand-waving Dances

Not all ancient towns have procession performances, but Furong Town does. If you are lucky enough to encounter the team, be sure to approach the Tusi (local king of Furong Town) and ask for a decree. The hand-waving dance is also exceptional. Just follow the crowds to wave your hands, which are the essential part of the local dances. Don't worry about missing it, because there are at least four Baishou Dance performances every day at Baishou Hall in Furong Town, at 10:30, 13:30, 16:30, 19:30 and 21:00 (Timetable may be adjusted according to weather conditions). No extra charge is required for the performances and shows.

Furong Ancient Town Baishou Hall

Have a Taste of Local Xiangxi Flavor

After a tiring stroll, find a small shop in the ancient street to savor authentic Xiangxi cuisine. The rice tofu is smooth and refreshing, with a tangy and spicy flavor that whets the appetite—a signature taste of Furong Town. The Miao-style Three-Ingredient Stew is fragrant and spicy, with cured meat, tofu, and wild vegetables stewed together, full of Xiangxi flavor. The mugwort cakes and glutinous rice cakes are soft, sweet, and chewy, coated with sesame seeds and white sugar, bursting with the aroma of grains. Finally, a cup of Xiangxi berry tea is refreshing and sweet, cutting through the richness and cooling the body—the flavors of Xiangxi are truly soothing.

Visit Furong Ancient Town with AOT

Capture Your Story in Miao Attire

Dressing in traditional Miao clothing is your chance to immerse yourself fully in the culture.

For just 399 RMB, you can enjoy a complete styling package, including a beautifully crafted Miao outfit, intricate headpiece, and silver accessories, paired with professional hair and makeup. An experienced local photographer will then guide you to the town's most photogenic spots—from the misty waterfall curtain to the ancient stone streets lit by lanterns at dusk.

Whether it's your first trip or your tenth, let this experience transform you from visitor to legend, with stunning photos to treasure forever.

Try Local Dress in Furong Ancient Town, Zhangjiaije

Having a Leisure Boat Tour

If you are tired of watching the town and waterfall on the cliff area, you can also take a boat from the town pier for a panoramic view of it from the Youshui River. However, some people have commented that CNY 100 for a 2-minute experience is not very cost-effective, so please purchase with caution.

Furong Ancient Town

Best Time to Visit Furong Ancient Town

Given that Furong Ancient Town is famous for being built on a waterfall, visiting during the high-water season between April to October, especially spring and summer seasons, is the best choice, as the abundant water makes the waterfall even more spectacular.

However, even if you visit during the drier months, the town still offers a rich and immersive experience. As a millennium-old town with deep cultural roots, Furong is also a window into the traditions of the Tujia people. You can explore the iconic stilted houses, walk along the ancient stone streets, and witness traditional performances such as the Hand-Beating Dance. Whether the waterfall is roaring or gentle, the authentic ethnic charm of the town remains timeless and well worth the journey.

Furong Ancient Town Hotel Recommendations with Waterfall Views

Because the night view of Furong Town is so enchanting, more than 99% of tourists choose to stay overnight here, making the selection of a Furong Town hotel particularly important. There's even a saying: if you choose the right accommodation in Furong Town, your trip is half successful.

There are over 300 hotels in and around Furong Town. Normally, the hotel prices vary from $15 to $900. No matter you are looking for a budget or a relatively high-end choice, you can find the one you like here. However, if your budget is not that limited, we highly suggested you to book a hotel with fantastic waterfall views. Such hotels are not settled above the waterfall but by its side or almost in front of it, providing an excellent wide-open waterfall view. When the night falls, there is no longer need for you to find somewhere to capture the waterfall. You can have a glimpse of it just at your hotel. What a big surprise! Below are some suggestions.

Where is Furong Ancient Town & How to Get There

Furong Ancient Town is located in Yongshun County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province (湖南省湘西土家族苗族自治州永顺县). It is on the middle way from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Ancient Town (or called Phoenix Ancient Town). Its nearest high speed train station is Furongzhen Station (芙蓉镇站), which is about 5.5 kilometers (15 minutes’ drive) away from the ancient town. And the nearest Bus Station is Furongzhen Bus Station (芙蓉镇汽车站), about 2.3 kilometers (10 minutes’ drive) away from the ancient town. If you want to get there, it is suggested to find a high speed train, bus or private car.

However, instead of visiting Furong Ancient Town in direct, most of the tourists visit Furong Town together with highlights in Zhangjiajie. Therefore, no matter you are coming from Changsha, Shanghai or anywhere else in China, you are suggested to go to Furong Ancient Town from Zhangjiajie.
Shanghai to Furong Ancient Town >>

How to Get to Furong Ancient Town from Zhangjiajie?

Get From Zhangjiajie to Furong Ancient Town By High Speed Train

• Time duration: half an hour around by train

Every day from 7:30 to 20:30, there are 15+ high speed trains riding from Zhangjiajie to Furong Ancient Town. The entire journey costs less than half an hour. The ticket price varies from CNY 40 to 140. You can pick the one according to your itinerary.

Get From Zhangjiajie to Furong Ancient Town By Car

• Time duration: 1.5 hours around from your last stop in Zhangjiejie to Fenghuang Ancient Town in direct

Considering that it's still 5.5 kilometers from the high-speed rail station in Furong to Furong Ancient Town, you can also choose to hire a private car to take you directly from Zhangjiajie to Furong Ancient Town. However, remember to seek help from a professional travel agency rather than an unlicensed car in direct otherwise your travel safety cannot be guaranteed.

How to Get to Fenghuang Ancient Town from Furong Ancient Town?

Fenghuang Ancient Town is only 116 kilometers southwest of Furong Ancient Town. Some visitors may spend one day more to include this charming old town on their trip too after the visit of Furong. To get from Furong to Fenghuang, you can ride a private car, which takes about 2 hours around.

Furong Ancient Town vs. Fenghuang Town

Furong Ancient Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang Old Town is only 2 hours away from Furong Ancient Town. It offers a vibrant, large-scale, and highly touristy experience with scenic river-stilt houses, lively nightlife, and shopping. Conversely, Furong Ancient Town is smaller, quieter, and dramatic, famous for being built around a massive, illuminated waterfall.

Check more about Fenghuang Ancient Town vs. Fenghuang Ancient Town if you are interested. 

How to Plan a Furong Ancient Town Tour with Itinerary Suggestions

When it comes to a Furong Ancient Town tour, half a day with an overnight stay is usually enough.

After entering the scenic area, first drop your luggage at your hotel, then make your way to Wangcun Bridge. From there, continue onto Wuli Stone Street, the slate-paved path that serves as the town's main artery. As you stroll along, you'll pass Xizhou Tusi Square on your right, where you can explore the historic Xizhou Bronze Pillar. Follow the stone street until you reach the spectacular Furong Waterfall—walk behind its curtain for an immersive experience, and cross the stone steps at its base for the iconic photo angle. As night falls, the waterfall transforms under colorful lights, creating a magical scene. Before heading to bed, join the locals at Baishoutang (Waving Dance Hall) for a lively circle dance around a bonfire—a perfect end to your day.

5 Days Zhangjiajie Fenghuang Tour with Furong Ancient Town

Zhangjiajie - Wulingyuan - Zhangjiajie - Fenghuang Ancient Town - Furong Ancient Town - Zhangjiajie

Ancient Towns 5 Days 6 Places View Detail

Travel to Zhangjiejie, Furong Ancient Town (and Fenghuang) Together

However, seldom tourists visit it alone but combine it with other hot spots like Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town and Changsha, etc. Below are two HOT-SELLING Furong Ancient Town Itineraries for your Reference:

6 Days Surreal Zhangjiajie Tour: Avatar, Furong & Fenghuang Ancient Town

Zhangjiajie - Wulingyuan - Zhangjiajie - Furong Ancient Town - Fenghuang Ancient Town - Zhangjiajie

Hot Tour 6 Days 6 Places View Detail

Furong Ancient Town Travel Tips & Notes

1. Do You Need Tickets for Furong Ancient Town?

Yes, at least CNY 108 is required. Once you get such a ticket, you can enter and exit the scenic area freely within 3 days. Do not lose your ticket, because you may need to show it to the staff or security several times while visiting.

2. What Time is the Show at Furong Ancient Town?

The performance at Furong Ancient Town is named Hibiscus in Bloom: Bizka's Carnival. It is free of charge. Normally, it opens at 10:30am, 14:30pm, 18:30pm, 20:00pm, 20:25pm and 21:00. Three of the events were held at Baishou Hall (摆手塘), while the others were held at Tongzhu Square (铜柱广场剧场) or Jinan Theater (暨南剧场).

3. Do not Get Confused by Names of Furong Ancient Town Attractions

Maps of different publishers may have different names of the attractions or landmarks in the ancient town. We recommend you refer to the official information. And all our information is synchronized with official announcements.

4. The Cobbled Footpath to Furong Waterfall May be Slipery

Wearing non-slip shoes is essential, as the paths near the waterfall are quite wet, especially the paths behind the waterfall.

5. Visiting Furong Waterfall during the Day or at Night, Which is Better?

Each perspective reveals a different side of this unique waterfall town. By day, you'll witness the waterfall's raw power and mist, feel its cool spray on your skin, and clearly see the surrounding cliffside stilt houses in natural light. At night, the waterfall transforms. Colorful lights illuminate the cascades and ancient buildings, casting dreamy reflections on the water. The atmosphere becomes magical and romantic.

6. Is it Possible to Visit Furong and Fenghuang in One Day?

Yes, but not really recommended. You have to really rush to see both Furong and Fenghuang in the same day and it takes time to get from one town to another, especially if you are coming from Zhangjiajie after the visits of highlights there. At least an overnight stay in Furong is the best choice, because Furong is located on the way from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang. One extra night in Fenghuang is also good because the night life there is really popular.