Furong Ancient Town: Top Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Furong Ancient Town in Hunan Province is a fabulous place to step back in time and discover the ancient style of the Tujia minority culture. You can also see a beautiful waterfall that cascades right at the edge of the town, giving it a fairytale appearance, and enjoy traditional Tuijia dance performances. Let us help you plan your dream trip to Furong Town.

Furong Ancient Town night viewFurong Ancient Town night view

Tuwang Bridge in Furong Ancient TownTuwang Bridge in Furong Ancient Town

Furong Ancient Town is located in Yongshun County, about 40 minutes from Zhangjiajie by high-speed train and car, and is one of the highlights of the mountainous Hunan Province. It's about 1.5 hours from the famous Avatar Mountains (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park), so you can easily pair your visit with a visit to some of China's most iconic and magical mountains.

Panoramic view of Furong Ancient TownPanoramic view of Furong Ancient Town

The best time to visit Furong Ancient Town is between June and September, which is the rainy season. During this time, the waterfall is at its strongest, which makes it spectacular to see. We've put together a breakdown of what you can expect in Furong Town during each season so you can decide which time is best for you to go.

June to September (Best Time to Visit)

The summer months are an excellent time to visit, as you'll be able to view the waterfall in its full glory. Several paths give you epic views of the falls, and even one that goes behind it. The waterfall and the streets of Furong Ancient Town are also illuminated at night, giving you even more chances for splendid photography.

October to November (Excellent for Photography)

October to November is the best time for photography in general, because the leaves are changing. As it's no longer the rainy season, the waterfall itself is less impressive, but there are plenty of incredible hikes around Furong Town to explore. Plus, the weather is cool and dry, perfect for outdoor exploration.

March to May (Shoulder Season)

Late spring is another excellent time to visit Furong Ancient Town, because you'll see the mountainsides covered in beautiful blooms and enjoy crisp but mild weather. Since spring is still the shoulder season, there will be fewer crowds and a better chance to soak in all that the town has to offer fully.

December to February (Budget-Friendly)

Winter in Furong Ancient Town is cold, and the waterfall is less impressive, but there are also fewer visitors, so you'll be able to have more of the town to yourself. If you decide to visit during these chillier months, doing indoor activities, like visiting the Folk Scenery Museum, is a good idea. You'll get to see the Xinzhou Copper Pillar, a sacred artifact of the Tujia and one of the most impressive relics in Furong Town.

We can help put together a personalized itinerary for your visit to Furong Ancient Town, but if you need a little inspiration, these are the top things to do when you're there.

See the Waterfall

Furong Ancient Town's famous waterfallFurong Ancient Town's famous waterfall

Furong Town's famous waterfall is undeniably the top place to visit when you're there. This massive, 60-meter waterfall flows right off the cliff at the edge of town, and you can explore it from all different angles, including behind. It's magnificent at night. There's no additional cost to visit the waterfall.

Visit Tusi Palace

Dive into the culture and history of ancient Tusi rulers in the Tusi Palace. This cliffside marvel is about 400 years old and served as a summer residence for royalty. Most of it is made of stilted buildings, which are traditional Tusi style, and the views over the valley are absolutely stunning. There's a lot of hiking around the Tusi Palace, but the paths can get slippery during the summer, so make sure that you wear shoes with good tread.

Explore the Ancient Streets and Stilted Houses

Explore the old street in Furong Ancient TownExplore the old street in Furong Ancient Town

Furong Ancient Town is known for its Tusi architecture and unique stilted houses known as Diaojiaolou. You'll see examples of this style on the ancient cobblestone road, and particularly along Wuli Flagstone Street, where you can also pick up local souvenirs and enjoy a snack. Much of Furong Ancient Town is lit up with lanterns at night, and it's magical to wander through the twisting roads after the sun sets.

Watch Tujia Ethnic Dance Performances

One of the key reasons why Furong Ancient Town is so captivating is its culture. There are plenty of free cultural shows available, and they're included in your admission to the town. Generally, you'll find ethnic dance performances at Baishoutang between 10:30 a.m. and 21:30 (9:00 p.m.), although you'll want to check the exact schedule when you arrive.

The best way to get to Furong Ancient Town is by taking the high-speed train from Zhangjiajie West Railway Station to Furongzhen Railway Station and then taking a taxi for 10 minutes into the heart of the town. Train rides take roughly 30 minutes. There are 10 to 15 trains per day, starting at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 7:20 p.m.

You can also take a shuttle bus from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, which takes roughly 2 hours. Buses run between 6:50 a.m. and 5 p.m.

It's worth noting that ride-hailing apps, like DiDi, do not work in the scenic area or Furong Ancient Town. We can arrange a private guide and car service for a smooth, customized experience that helps you see everything without the hassle of having to organize your own transportation.

We recommend staying right in Furong Ancient Town, and we can help you book a room with a fantastic waterfall view. If you're traveling during the busier late spring and summer, we'd highly recommend making reservations so you can get the best view.

Alternatively, you can choose any number of locations in or around the town, but since it's built on the hillside and there are a lot of steps, some accommodations may be inconvenient for those traveling with heavier luggage.

Step Back in Time in Furong Ancient Town

This picturesque ancient town perched on the edge of a cliffside waterfall will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your China vacation. We can help you make it happen. Email us at trip@odynovotours.com or visit our contact page to start creating your perfect itinerary today.

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