Furong Town: China’s Hidden Gem in Hunan

Nestled in the Hunan province of China, Furong Town (芙蓉镇) is one of those rare destinations that takes your breath away the moment you arrive. This 2,000-year-old ancient town, also known as Hibiscus Town, is built on a waterfall—yes, you read that right. A massive waterfall cascades right through the heart of this historic settlement, creating one of the most unique and photogenic locations in all of China.

Why Furong Town Should Be on Your Bucket List

1. The Waterfall Town

What makes Furong Town truly extraordinary is its centerpiece: a stunning 60-meter-high waterfall that flows through the town itself. The roar of the water echoes through the ancient stone streets, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. At night, the waterfall is illuminated with lights, transforming the entire town into a magical wonderland.

I spent hours just sitting by the waterfall, watching the mist rise and listening to the water crash onto the rocks below. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to put your phone away and just… be present.

2. Ancient Architecture

The town dates back over 2,000 years and features incredibly well-preserved stilted houses (吊脚楼) built into the cliffside. These traditional wooden structures seem to defy gravity as they cling to the steep terrain. Walking through the narrow stone pathways feels like stepping back in time.

The architecture here is quintessentially Tujia and Miao minority style—intricate wooden carvings, upturned eaves, and hanging balconies that offer stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding mountains.

3. Less Touristy Than Other Ancient Towns

Unlike the overcrowded tourist traps of Lijiang or Fenghuang, Furong Town still maintains its authentic charm. Yes, there are tourists, but it hasn’t lost its soul to commercialization. You’ll still find locals going about their daily lives, hanging laundry from their stilted houses, and selling fresh produce in the morning markets.

What to Do in Furong Town

Explore the Old Streets

Get lost (literally) in the maze of stone staircases and alleyways. Every corner reveals something new—whether it’s a centuries-old doorway, a hidden teahouse, or a viewpoint offering spectacular vistas of the waterfall.

Try the Local Food

Furong Town is famous for rice tofu (米豆腐), a local Tujia specialty. It’s a silky-smooth dish made from rice and served in a savory or spicy broth. You’ll find small family-run restaurants serving this delicacy for just a few yuan. Don’t leave without trying it!

Other must-tries:

• Spicy fish hot pot - Hunan is known for its fiery cuisine
• Tujia bacon - Smoked pork belly that’s been aged for months
• Sweet rice wine - A mildly alcoholic local beverage

Visit at Sunset

The golden hour in Furong Town is absolutely magical. The setting sun casts a warm glow on the ancient buildings, and the waterfall becomes even more dramatic. I recommend finding a spot near the observation deck around 5:30 PM and just soaking it all in.

Stay Overnight

While many tourists visit Furong Town as a day trip, I highly recommend spending at least one night here. The town transforms after dark when the lights come on and most day-trippers leave. You’ll have the streets nearly to yourself, and there’s something incredibly peaceful about falling asleep to the sound of the waterfall.

Where to Stay

I stayed at a traditional guesthouse right on the main street with a balcony overlooking the waterfall. The rooms were simple but charming, with wooden furniture and traditional decor. Prices are incredibly reasonable—expect to pay around ¥150-300 ($20-40 USD) per night for a room with a waterfall view.

Pro tip: Book a room on the cliff side for the best views. Trust me, it’s worth it.

How to Get There

Furong Town is located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hunan Province.

From Zhangjiajie:

• Bus: 2-3 hours, runs multiple times daily (¥50-70)
• Private car: More expensive but more comfortable

From Changsha:

• High-speed train to Jishou (3 hours)
• Then bus to Furong Town (1.5 hours)

Best Time to Visit

I visited in spring (April-May), and the weather was perfect—mild temperatures, lush greenery, and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter offers a completely different experience with misty mornings and a mystical atmosphere.

Avoid Chinese national holidays (October 1st week and Chinese New Year) unless you enjoy massive crowds.

Final Thoughts

Furong Town is the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with travel in the first place. It’s not overrun with tourists, it hasn’t been commercialized to death, and it offers something genuinely unique—a 2,000-year-old town built on a waterfall.

If you’re traveling to the Hunan or Zhangjiajie area, make the detour to Furong Town. You won’t regret it. This hidden gem won’t stay hidden forever, so visit before it becomes the next big thing.

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Have you been to Furong Town? What’s your favorite hidden gem in China? Let me know in the comments below!

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