HUNAN, China – Walking into the ancient Fúróng Town feels almost cinematic — and with good reason.
The centuries-old town perched atop a roaring waterfall had been a long-standing gem of the region, but it was only in recent years, thanks to a blockbuster local film and the spread of social media, that its beauty became widely known.
Fúróng Town, or Hibiscus Town, wasn’t always called by that name. Originally known as Wàngcūn, the town’s name was changed after the release of the 1986 movie Hibiscus Town, which was filmed here and became a major success in China.
The new name stuck, and with it came a wave of interest in this once-remote settlement nestled deep in the mountains of western Húnán. These days, it’s a popular destination, though still quieter than more famous spots like Fènghuáng Ancient City.
Fúróng welcomed us with open arms. In the main plaza, performers dressed in traditional Tǔjiā costumes gave a spirited rendition of the Bàishǒu Dance. The men wore straw outfits, their movements bold yet fluid in a dance that mimicked hunting and farm work.
As the dance picked up, visitors were drawn from the crowd and invited into the circle. For a moment, language and origin became irrelevant, replaced by a shared rhythm that felt both ancient and immediate.
The Tǔjiā, one of China’s numerous ethnic minorities, have shaped Fúróng’s identity. Numbering over 8 million, the Tǔjiā have long inhabited the mountainous regions of Húnán, Húběi, and Guìzhōu. Historically distinct from the country’s Hàn Chinese majority, the Tǔjiā have their own language, though it has become less common in recent generations.
The town’s architecture still reflects its deep roots in Tǔjiā culture, particularly in the dàojiǎolóu, traditional stilted houses that line the cliff. These homes, perched near the edge, were built not just for practicality but as an adaptation to the mountainous terrain. Their wooden beams and stone foundations are part of the village’s “ancient” charm, though you might wonder how much has been carefully reconstructed for its new role as a tourist destination.
Exploring Fúróng’s scenic paths, I was struck by the sheer drama of its setting. A narrow trail descends along the cliffside, offering panoramic views of the ancient town. From this vantage point, the waterfall appears almost surreal, tumbling through the heart of the village and flanked by the dàojiǎolóu.
Fúróng feels alive in a way many ancient towns do not, thanks to the Tǔjiā people who still call it home. In the narrow streets, life carries on much as it has for generations, with women washing clothes by hand and steam rising from bowls of hot noodle soup cradled by locals on a cold, rainy day.
Yet, modernity has crept into this ancient town. LED signs flicker above doorways, glass balconies peek out from the stilted dàojiǎolóu, and colorful stores sell Tǔjiā cultural costumes to visitors from all over the world.
Fúróng Town is conveniently located near some of the province’s most iconic attractions. Just a few hours drive away, you’ll find the towering heights of Tiānmén Mountain with its vertiginous glass walkways, the Golden Whip Stream, and the otherworldly cliffs of Huángshízhài. For those looking to immerse themselves in more of Húnán’s history, Fènghuáng Ancient City — a bustling riverside town known for its intricate wooden architecture — offers a more lively counterpart to Fúróng’s gentle pace. – Rappler.com
Disclosure: The author was part of a media delegation to the Envision 2024 Global Partners Conference hosted by Trip.com Group.