Yongshun County Travel, Xiangxi, Hunan

Yongshun County, Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan Province — the core birthplace of Tujia culture, home to the World Heritage site Laosicheng (Old Tusi City), the "thousand-year-old town hanging on a waterfall" Furong Town, and the "No.1 rafting under heaven" Mengdong River. It is an ultimate destination for exploring Tusi civilization and natural wonders.

3,810
sq km area
530,000+
permanent population
1
World Heritage (Laosicheng)
30+
Tujia traditional villages
Panorama of Furong Town waterfall and stilted buildings, Yongshun, Xiangxi
Furong Town Waterfall & Stilted Houses – Iconic Landscape of Yongshun
A tributary of the Youshui River runs through the town, forming a 60-meter-high waterfall. Thousand-year-old stilted buildings cling to the cliff beside the falls, presenting different sceneries by day and night. Known as the "ancient town hanging on a waterfall", it is the most recognizable landmark of Yongshun.

Yongshun County 2-Day Tusi Culture & Landscape Tour

Ancient town discovery, rafting adventure, Tusi exploration, forest retreat

Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Furong Town, Mengdong River, Laosicheng Site, Buermen Park
Suitable For
History lovers, outdoor adventurers, photography enthusiasts, cultural explorers
Budget per person
¥600–¥1,500
Day 1
Ancient Town Charm & Secret Valley Exploration
Furong Town · Buermen · Tusi Folk Customs
Highlights

Morning: Stroll through Furong Town, admire the waterfall and stilted buildings, taste rice tofu; Afternoon: Visit Buermen National Forest Park, see cliffside inscriptions; Evening: Enjoy Furong Town nightscape, experience Tujia Baishou dance.

Attractions
Furong Town
Originally named Wang Village, renamed after the film "Furong Town". This ancient town boasts over 2,000 years of history. Its core landscape features a waterfall running through the town and stilted buildings built into the mountainside. Remains include the Tusi palace and flagstone streets, earning it the title "Thousand-Year-Old Town Hanging on a Waterfall".
Buermen National Forest Park
Famous for its "Buermen" (Only Gate) cliffside inscriptions. The park features towering stone peaks and steaming hot springs, known as "the first wonder garden of Xiangxi". It preserves over a hundred cliff inscriptions from the Tang Dynasty to the Republic era, plus Guanyin Temple and Xixin Pool, blending nature and culture.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • County town minibus to Furong Town: ~40 min
  • Buermen Park is 3 km from county town, take bus or taxi
  • Walk within Furong Town, attractions are close together
Tickets
  • Furong Town: ¥100
  • Buermen National Forest Park: ¥40
  • Furong Town night view free (certain areas)
Food Recommendations
  • Furong rice tofu
  • Tujia cured pork
  • Hezha (lazy tofu)
  • Sour fermented fish
  • Stir-fried pot mushroom with meat
Day 2
Rafting Excitement & Tusi Exploration
Mengdong River · Laosicheng · Millennium Civilization
Highlights

Morning: Experience Mengdong River rafting, feel the thrill of "China's No.1 rafting"; Afternoon: Visit Laosicheng site, decode the rise and fall of the Tusi kingdom; Before departure, shop for Tujia brocade souvenirs.

Attractions
Mengdong River Rafting
Known as "China's No.1 rafting", the course is 17 km long with a drop of over 100 meters, alternating between thrilling rapids and calm deep pools. Drift through the canyon by rubber raft, enjoy spectacular rock formations on both banks, and join water fights. Perfect summer escape.
Laosicheng Site
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the former capital of the ancient Tusi kingdom that lasted over 800 years. Remains include palace, government office, and burial areas. Over 3,000 artifacts have been unearthed, systematically revealing the history of the Tujia chieftain system. Often called the "Forbidden City of the Tujia people".
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Mengdong rafting: county town shuttle ~30 min
  • Laosicheng: tourist bus from county town ~20 min
  • Recommended full-day car charter (~¥250/car) for flexibility
Tickets
  • Mengdong River rafting: ¥180 (includes insurance, gear)
  • Laosicheng site: ¥118 (includes museum)
  • Combo ticket (rafting + Laosicheng): ¥260
Tips
  • Bring change of clothes for rafting (you will get wet)
  • Hire a guide at Laosicheng (¥50/tour) for better insight
  • Summer rafting: apply sunscreen; not recommended in cold winter

Must-Try Foods in Yongshun

Furong Rice Tofu

A signature Yongshun snack made from rice into a tofu-like shape, topped with chili, garlic, scallions, and pickled radish. Smooth, tangy and spicy. Famous thanks to the film "Furong Town", it's a must-eat street food freshly prepared at stalls in the ancient town.

Tujia Cured Pork

A Tujia traditional delicacy made by smoking pork over cypress branches, resulting in a bright red color and rich aroma. Can be steamed or stir-fried, fatty but not greasy. An essential festive food, best paired with green peppers to highlight its unique smoky flavour.

Hezha (Lazy Tofu)

A Tujia homestyle dish made by grinding soybeans and cooking them with vegetables without filtering out the pulp. The texture is creamy and rich in bean flavour. Simple yet nutritious, reflecting the Tujia wisdom of frugality, often served with a chili dipping sauce.

Sour Fermented Fish

A traditional Tujia fermented food. Fresh fish is mixed with glutinous rice flour and salt, then left to ferment. Golden in colour with a pleasantly sour aroma. Can be steamed or fried; the fermentation cuts the fishiness. An age-old preservation method with a unique flavour.

Yongshun Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Ideal for Mengdong River rafting, cooling off in water
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Pleasant weather for ancient town and site visits
  • Lunar June 6: Experience Tujia folk activities like "sun-drying the dragon robe"
  • Avoid flood season (May-Jun) to prevent rafting closure
Must-Do Experiences
  • Furong Town morning mist over the waterfall (best 7:00-8:00)
  • Full Mengdong River rafting experience (~3 hours)
  • Listen to Tusi stories at Laosicheng (combine with museum exhibits)
  • Soak in hot springs at Buermen (winter)
  • Learn the Tujia Baishou dance
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: ¥300-400 (main attractions)
  • Accommodation: ¥150-400/night (Furong stilt inns slightly higher)
  • Meals: ¥100-200/day (including specialties)
  • Transport: ¥100-200 (within county and between sights)
  • Total: ¥600-1,500
FAQ
  • Is Mengdong rafting dangerous? → Professional helmsman provided; suitable for families (not recommended for children under 6)
  • How long for Laosicheng site? → About 3 hours including museum
  • Furong accommodation suggestion? → Choose an inn by the waterfall for night views
  • Driving time from Yongshun to Zhangjiajie? → ~2 hours, easy to combine trips

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