Overview
Furong Town, formerly known as Wangcun, is an ancient Tujia town with a history of over 2,000 years. It was once the site of the Xizhou Tusi's palace and gained fame after the film "Furong Town" was shot there, earning it the reputation of "a thousand-year-old town hanging on a waterfall."
A half-day visit (approximately 2-3 hours) is recommended, or an overnight stay for a full day and night experience. The best time to visit is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the waterfall's water volume is abundant and the temperature is comfortable and pleasant.
How to Get There
High-speed rail is the most convenient way: you can take a high-speed train directly from Zhangjiajie West Station to Furong Town Station, the journey takes about 23 to 30 minutes and the ticket price is about 29 to 50 yuan; from Huaihua South Station it takes about 40 minutes, and from Jishou East Station it takes about 30 minutes. After exiting the station, you can take a taxi for 10 to 15 minutes to reach the scenic area, costing about 30 yuan. Alternatively, you can choose to hire a private car for your tour.
The core itinerary is to enter the park in the afternoon, first visiting Baishou Hall, Tuwang Bridge, and Wuli Stone Slab Street, then enjoying the sunset over the waterfall at the viewing platform in the evening, and watching the light show at night; staying overnight is highly recommended, as the night view is the biggest highlight of Furong Town.
What to Expect
The scenic area is primarily paved with bluestone slabs, with numerous slopes and steps that become slippery in rainy weather. It is recommended to wear non-slip flat shoes and avoid dragging heavy luggage. Restrooms are available at the entrances and near major attractions, some requiring a fee. Several gift shops and souvenir stores sell Tujia silver jewelry, batik fabrics, chili sauce, and other local specialties. The area is well-lit at night, but caution is advised in some less prominent areas. A newly built large tourist distribution center nearby offers more hotel and dining options.
Practical Tips
- You absolutely must visit Furong Town Scenic Area during the high-water season; the waterfalls aren't as spectacular during the dry season.
- If you want fewer people, it's recommended to enter before 9 AM or after 7 PM.
- Respect local customs and refrain from photographing residents (especially the elderly) without permission.
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes! The area around the waterfall is very humid, and the stone path can be slippery.
