Furong Ancient Town China surprised us in the best way possible. We never planned to visit until we saw its waterfalls, lantern-lit streets, and dramatic cliffs appearing on Instagram, and suddenly it became an unmissable stop. The town sits peacefully between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang, yet it carries a presence that feels much larger than its size. What makes Furong Ancient Town China truly unforgettable is its transformation at night when warm golden lights reflect across the river and turn the entire village into a postcard-perfect scene. Although small and simple to explore in a few hours, Furong Ancient Town China becomes even more worthwhile when you stay overnight. Travellers quickly discover that Furong Ancient Town China blends peaceful charm with cinematic history in a way that feels timeless and deeply atmospheric.
What Makes Furong Ancient Town China So Captivating?
Furong Ancient Town China gained national fame after appearing in several films, the most iconic being Furong Town. Before the movie captured national attention, the village was known as Wang Village. After the film’s success, it was renamed to honour its new identity, giving the town a strong link to storytelling and cultural memory. This cinematic energy still lingers in every corner. Stilted wooden houses line the cliffs, waterfalls surge through the centre of town, and lantern-lit evenings create a gentle, almost surreal glow. This blend of nature, tradition, and atmosphere makes Furong Ancient Town China one of the most captivating destinations in Hunan.
Reaching the village is incredibly easy. A short 30-minute train ride from Zhangjiajie West takes you to Furongzhen Station, followed by a 20–30 minute Didi ride into the town. Everything inside the ancient area is walkable, yet the charm stretches beyond the gates. Many travellers wonder whether to stay inside or outside the ancient city walls, and the truth is that both sides offer beautiful views. Inside the gates you are closer to the historic heart of the village, while outside feels quieter and slightly more affordable. Regardless of where you stay, the highlight unfolds at night when the lights shimmer across the cliffs and the famous waterfall becomes the centrepiece of the village.
Our Experience in Furong Ancient Town China
Arriving in Furong Ancient Town China felt like stepping into a small, quaint hillside village where time moves gently. The drive from the station takes you through a busy local part of town before the ancient cliffside settlement appears, and from the moment we walked through the gates we knew we were going to enjoy it. We wandered slowly for almost two hours on arrival, exploring pockets of quiet walkways, small shops, and river views. The village has a calm rhythm, especially once you move away from the area where the restaurants face the waterfall. That part can feel chaotic and overpriced, but the rest of the town stays peaceful and easy to enjoy. The real magic happens at night when the lights switch on and the waterfall glows across the cliffs. There are many places to admire the view without sitting in a restaurant, and our favourite spot was the Huashao Viewing Platform, which gave us one of the most stunning night scenes of the entire trip.
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Top Things to Do in Furong Ancient Town China
Visit the Main Waterfall
- The waterfall is the heart of the town. It flows straight through the ancient streets and becomes even more striking at night when warm lights reflect across the water. You can walk around it on platforms at different heights and enjoy beautiful views from every angle.
Wander the Ancient Streets
- The stone walkways, wooden stilt houses, and lantern-lit alleys create a timeless atmosphere. Early mornings are especially peaceful when the river mist sits low and the streets feel quiet and untouched.
Catch a Show
- Small cultural performances are held throughout the village each day, adding a fun and lively touch to your visit. The first show usually begins around 10.30am, with short and entertaining acts that share local traditions. Most performances take place in the town centre, and the final show is held at 8.30pm. If you are staying inside the ancient city, remember to carry your passport and ticket, as the show areas have gated entry checkpoints.
Capture Night Photography
- Nighttime is when Furong truly becomes magical. The entire town glows with lanterns and soft-coloured lights, creating stunning reflections across the river. Every balcony, bridge, and pathway offers a different perfect angle.
Fly a Drone
- Surprisingly, drones are allowed here. If you fly respectfully and follow local rules, you can capture incredible aerial views of the waterfall, river, and dramatic cliffside homes.
Where to Stay in Furong Ancient Town China
There are two main options: inside the ancient city gate or just outside the gate along the riverside street.
Staying Inside the Ancient City
This is where we stayed, and it created a more immersive experience. Inside the gates, you are right among the old streets, lanterns, walkways, and evening glow. Hotels cost more here, especially those facing the waterfall, but the convenience and atmosphere add something special to your stay.
Staying Outside the Gate
Hotels outside the gate can be slightly cheaper while still offering amazing river views. It feels quieter and relaxed with plenty of small restaurants nearby. You are just a short walk from the ancient city entrance.
Our Hotel: Baihe Wharf Inn
A warm and simple stay inside the ancient gate with:
- Free laundry
- Free breakfast
- Discounted entry tickets
- Free one-way train station pickup
A firm bed, but an overall comfortable stay with everything we needed.
Where to Eat in Furong Ancient Town China
Food is plentiful throughout the ancient town and just outside the gates.
Inside the Gate
Expect slightly higher prices and dramatic waterfall-side views. Great for enjoying a slow sunset meal.
Outside the Gate
We ate here most nights because it felt more local and slightly cheaper. Portions were generous and the street felt lively.
What to Try
- Tujia-style stir-fries
- River fish dishes
- Handmade noodles
- Pancake-style snacks
Most dishes are mild, which was a pleasant surprise for Hunan.
Travel Tips for Visiting Furong Ancient Town China
Getting There
- Take a simple 30-minute train from Zhangjiajie West to Furongzhen Station. From there, it’s a 20–30 minute Didi ride into town. If your hotel doesn’t provide a pickup, expect to pay around 30 yuan.
Carry Your Passport and Ticket Everywhere
- Access points across the ancient city require verification.
One Night Is Perfect – Two Nights Is Relaxing
- You can explore the town in a few hours, but the night scenery is what makes your stay truly worth it.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
- There are steps, platforms, uneven stones, and narrow walkways.
Visit After 6pm
- This is when the village transforms with lights that make the scenery feel unreal
Five Interesting Facts About Furong Ancient Town
- The town was originally called Wang Village until the film Furong Town made it famous.
- The waterfall running through the centre is naturally formed and has been a village landmark for centuries.
- Many homes in the village are traditional Tujia stilt houses, built to withstand humidity and flooding.
- Furong was once a key stop on an ancient trade route linking the mountains to river markets.
- The Tujia people originally lived in caves and cliffside shelters, gradually evolving their homes into the distinctive stilted wooden houses seen in Furong Ancient Town China today.
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. “Some places whisper to you in daylight but come alive in the quiet glow of night.”