Furong ancient town a Picturesque place to visit
Furong ancient town Overview⛩️
Furong Ancient Town Scenic Area, also known as Furong Town, is a tourist destination located in Furong Town, Yongshun County, within the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, China. Originally named Wangcun, Furong Town is an ancient settlement with a history spanning over two thousand years. It was the birthplace of the Xizhou Tujia chieftain dynasty, marking the origin of an 818-year-long era of Tujia chieftain rule.
Due to a waterfall that flows directly through the town, it is also called “The Millennium Ancient Town Hanging on a Waterfall.” Wangcun is situated along the You River, connecting the upper reaches to Sichuan and Hubei, and the lower reaches to the bustling metropolis of Beijing. Historically, it was a major commercial hub, where successive chieftains built palaces, held significant events, and met with other local rulers.
*Tall Pavilions in Furong Ancient Town.
*Waterfall Scenery in Furong Ancient Town.
From here, precious golden phoebe wood was shipped to the capital for the construction of the Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs, and chieftains set sail from here to defend the coast against Japanese pirates. Over time, it became known as the “Village of Kings.” The scenic area’s core attractions include Xizhou Tusi Plaza, Xizhou Copper Pillar Garden, Tuwang Bridge, Tuwang Palace, the waterfall, Wangcun Wharf, and the Five-Mile Stone Street.
Historical Development🚩
In 1986, renowned director Xie Jin chose this location to shoot the film “Furong Town.” Following the film’s success, the small town gained widespread fame under the name “Furong Town.” In 2007, with the rise of tourism, Wangcun was officially renamed Furong Town.
On January 7, 2019, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Furong Town (5A) Tourist Service Center was held, marking the town as a hub for tourism in northwestern Hunan. On June 8, 2024, the opening ceremony for the Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience and Exhibition Center, located on the Five-Mile Stone Street, was held.
Location and Geography🌏
Furong Town Scenic Area is situated in the Wuling Mountains, within Yongshun County. It faces Hongshilin Town and Luoyixi Town of Guzhang County across the river.
Location and Geography✨
The town is nestled on steep limestone terrain, surrounded by water on three sides.
Climate🌦️
Furong Town experiences a subtropical monsoon climate. The weather is mild, with four distinct seasons, ample sunshine, and abundant rainfall, averaging 1300-1500 mm annually. The average yearly temperature ranges from 12°C to 16°C, making it suitable for tourism year-round. July, the hottest month, sees temperatures between 24°C and 27°C, while January, the coldest month, ranges from 1.7°C to 4.3°C. The frost-free period lasts for about 240-280 days.
*Majestic Pavilions in Furong Ancient Town.
*Ancient Streets of Furong Ancient Town.
Hydrology🪄
Furong Town has two rivers: a small river at the top of the mountain and a larger one at its base. The larger river, known as the You River (or Youxi), connects to Bayu upstream and winds down to Dongting Lake, providing passage to the bustling city of Hankou. The smaller river, called Yingpan Creek, originates from the Lianhua Cave miles away and flows through Furong Town. Due to geological faults, it forms a two-tiered waterfall at its end before merging with the You River.
Xizhou Copper Pillar Garden🌺
The Copper Pillar Garden features sculptures depicting the historical signing of the “Xizhou Copper Pillar” peace agreement between the Chu king and the local Tujia chieftain. The original copper pillar is preserved in the Furong Town Folk Museum. In the year 940, after years of conflict, the local chieftain Peng Shichou and the Chu king Ma Xifan signed a peace agreement, inscribing the terms on a copper pillar weighing 5,000 catties, symbolizing peace and territorial demarcation. Despite the pillar enduring years of weathering, its inscriptions remain as clear as ever, making it a crucial artifact for studying Tujia history.
*Xizhou Copper Pillar Garden.
Tuwang Bridge🌉
Tuwang Bridge is a classic example of Tujia architectural style, featuring high, curving eaves and a majestic appearance symbolizing royal authority. The bridge is adorned with twin dragons carved onto the stone pillars at its entrance, serving as a charm against evil. It was named Tuwang Bridge because it led directly to the palace of the local chieftains, who frequently used it for leisure.
*Tuwang Bridge.
Tuwang Palace 🏛
The Tuwang Palace served as a summer retreat for the Yongshun chieftains. It consists of two main structures: the Youyang Palace, a core attraction for tourists, and the Babutang, which has been transformed into a luxurious cliffside inn by local designer Mr. Fu Wen. The inn, known as the “Cliffside Waterfall Inn,” has 26 rooms, each with a private balcony overlooking the waterfall.
*Tuwang Palace.
The Waterfall 🌊
Furong Town Waterfall, standing 60 meters high and 40 meters wide, cascades down a two-tiered cliff. During peak seasons, the waterfall becomes a magnificent sight, with its thundering roar audible from miles away.
*The Waterfall.
Wangcun Wharf🥌
Dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties, the wharf was a thriving trade port during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Goods were transported in and out of the region by both water and land routes. The renowned writer Shen Congwen once praised it as the most beautiful and distinctive port along the river.
*Wangcun Wharf.
Five-Mile Stone Street🪨
The convenient waterway traffic spurred economic growth among the residents living along the ancient street known as the Five-Mile Stone Street, which has witnessed the town’s historical changes over thousands of years. The movie “Furong Town” was filmed along this very street.
*Five-Mile Stone Street.
Cultural Activities🎏
On July 1, 2022, the first “Double Heritage” Cultural Tourism Festival, celebrating the Furong Town World Geopark and Laosicheng World Cultural Heritage, was held in the town. On August 29, 2023, the second Yongshun Tourism Development Conference and the 10th Xiangxi Mud Festival took place in Furong Town. On June 8, 2024, the main event of the 2024 Cultural and Natural Heritage Day and the 2nd Wuling Mountain (Xiangxi) Tujia and Miao Cultural Eco-Protection Festival was hosted here. In mid to late October 2024, Furong Town will host the 2nd Hunan Ethnic Film Festival.
*Night View Waterfall in Furong Ancient Town.
*Signboard of Furong Ancient Town.
Local Delicacy🥞
Rice tofu is a traditional delicacy of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups in Hunan, and Furong Town’s rice tofu is particularly famous, gaining popularity after being featured in the film “Furong Town.” The dish is known for its refreshing, tender, and slightly tangy flavor. Seasoned with sesame oil and chili, it delivers a perfect blend of aromatic, spicy, and fresh tastes.