Ancient Waterfall Towns of Hunan: Furong & Fenghuang

Visiting the Ancient Chinese Town built on a Waterfall 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaProvince:HunanCity:Furong
Visiting the Ancient Chinese Town built on a Waterfall 🇨🇳
Travis Leon2025-06-2123 min

I visited Furong Ancient Town, a 2,000-year-old village in Hunan, China, that’s literally built on top of a waterfall — and it might be one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen. Nestled deep in the mountains, Furong blends ancient Chinese architecture with surreal natural beauty. You’ll see traditional wooden houses, glowing lanterns, and thundering waterfalls all in one place — and barely any tourists. I also explored Fenghuang Ancient Town, another hidden gem famous for its Qing Dynasty architecture, stone bridges, and peaceful riverside streets. These towns aren’t just beautiful — they’re living history.

--- Travis Leon
June 21, 2025, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Arrival at Furong Ancient Town
  2. 1:30Hotel room tour
  3. 3:01Drone rescue mission
  4. 4:19Ancient town food
  5. 4:49Arrival at Fenghuang Ancient Town
  6. 5:48Fenghuang hotel room
  7. 7:01Fenghuang food and nightlife
  8. 10:45Morning in Fenghuang
  9. 12:44Evening in Fenghuang
  10. 20:38Bullet train to Changsha

Travis Leon's China adventure: exploring ancient towns built on waterfalls, savoring local food, and experiencing unforgettable cultural immersion. Breathtaking views and heartwarming encounters!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Even many cafes and restaurants have the same amazing view of the waterfall as the honeymoon suite at Tenwan Hotel. Consider booking a room with a view for an unforgettable experience. (2:10)
  2. Tip 2Finding the hotel in Fenghuang Ancient Town can be tricky; use Trip.com, but be prepared to call the hotel for pickup. This will save you time and potential frustration. (5:12)
  3. Tip 3Food prices in ancient towns are higher than in other areas of China. Budget accordingly, and be prepared to pay more for meals in these tourist destinations. (9:30)
  4. Tip 4Convenience stores in China are surprisingly affordable. Stock up on snacks and drinks to save money and time during your explorations. (9:57)
  5. Tip 5When visiting China, venture beyond the big cities to discover the charm of small ancient towns. These hidden gems offer unique cultural experiences and stunning scenery. (12:10)
  6. Tip 6In Fenghuang Ancient Town, try the 'meowing,' a local vegetable seedling cake. It's a savory and delicious must-try snack. (15:14)
  7. Tip 7Sample the refreshing bamboo tea in Fenghuang Ancient Town for a unique and flavorful beverage experience. It's a local favorite. (16:38)
  8. Tip 8Explore the lively nightlife in Fenghuang Ancient Town. Many bars feature live music, offering a vibrant and entertaining evening. (17:25)
  9. Tip 9China's bullet trains are fast and efficient. Consider booking business class for a comfortable journey. Note that plugs and complimentary snacks may not be available in all classes. (20:40)

Explore the magic of Furong and Fenghuang Ancient Towns with Travis Leon! This isn't your typical China travelogue; it's a journey into living history, where ancient architecture meets breathtaking natural beauty. From a honeymoon suite with a waterfall view to unexpected encounters with local fishermen and a hilarious drone rescue mission, Travis's adventure is filled with unique details and emotional moments that will leave you wanting more. Discover hidden gems, vibrant nightlife, and delicious local cuisine in this captivating exploration of China's cultural heritage.

More about the current video:( 4 / 4 )

Visiting the Ancient Chinese Town built on a Waterfall 🇨🇳

This travelogue follows Travis Leon's captivating journey through two ancient towns in Hunan, China: Furong and Fenghuang. The video begins in Furong Ancient Town, a 2,000-year-old village dramatically situated atop a waterfall. Travis's initial awe is palpable, describing the town's magical atmosphere and stunning views. His stay at the Tenwan Hotel, specifically the honeymoon suite with its panoramic waterfall vista, is highlighted as a worthwhile splurge.

However, the trip takes an unexpected turn when his drone gets stuck in a tree. This leads to a humorous anecdote involving a call to the fire department and a resourceful rescue operation using bamboo and a net, showcasing the helpfulness of the local people. The video also features a delicious-looking meal of local cuisine, including tofu and rice dishes.

The journey continues to Fenghuang Ancient Town, reached after a mishap with a bullet train. This town is described as busier and more developed than Furong, yet equally charming. Travis details the challenges of finding his hotel, offering viewers helpful tips for their own travels. The hotel's balcony provides a stunning view of the town's main area, and the video showcases the lively nightlife, including bars with live music and the picturesque riverside setting. Travis highlights the local food scene, mentioning a spicy rice tofu dish and a refreshing pickled radish. He also shares the surprisingly affordable prices of taxis and convenience stores in China.

The video captures Travis's interactions with locals, including a friendly fisherman who gifts him a fish and a conversation with a local woman who practices her English. He emphasizes the energy and culture of Fenghuang, contrasting it with the tranquility of Furong. The video includes a taste test of a local snack, 'meowing,' and a sampling of bamboo tea. Travis's experience in a lively Chinese bar, complete with a Phoenix cocktail, adds another layer to his immersive cultural experience. The final scenes depict Travis's journey back to Changsha via the high-speed bullet train, reflecting on his overall positive experience and encouraging viewers to explore beyond China's major cities. He concludes by emphasizing the friendliness of the locals and the unique opportunities for exploration and cultural discovery that China offers.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most memorable part of your stay in Furong Ancient Town?
A: Definitely waking up to that waterfall view from the honeymoon suite! It was absolutely breathtaking.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced during your trip?
A: Getting my drone back after it got stuck in a tree! But hey, the firemen were awesome and got it back for me.
Q: What was your favorite thing about Fenghuang Ancient Town?
A: The lively nightlife and all the bars with live music were amazing. And the views from the hotel balcony were incredible!
Q: What's one thing you'd recommend people try in Fenghuang?
A: The meowing! It's a local snack and it was one of the best things I ate in China.
Q: What's your overall impression of China after this trip?
A: I loved it! The people were super friendly, and there's so much to explore beyond the big cities. I'd recommend it to anyone!

Ancient Waterfall Towns of Hunan: Furong & Fenghuang

I visited Furong Ancient Town, a 2,000-year-old village in Hunan, China, that’s literally built on top of a waterfall — and it might be one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen. 🇨🇳 Nestled deep in the mountains, Furong blends ancient Chinese architecture with surreal natural beauty....

China's Waterfall Towns: Furong & Fenghuang Ancient Towns

Discover the magic of Furong Ancient Town, a 2,000-year-old village nestled in the Hunan mountains, where ancient architecture meets breathtaking waterfalls. Explore traditional wooden houses and glowing lanterns, all while enjoying the tranquility of this hidden gem. Then, journey to Fenghuang Ancient Town, another captivating destination showcasing stunning Qing Dynasty architecture, stone bridges, and serene riverside streets. These towns offer a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history, promising an unforgettable adventure in China.

Attractions in this video: Furong Ancient Town, Fenghuang Ancient Town