Furong Town is an ancient town with a history spanning over two thousand years. It served as the initial capital and royal residence of the Tujia ethnic group’s Tusi (chieftain) dynasty, embodying the origins of an 818-year-long, illustrious history. Because a waterfall cascades directly through the town, it is often referred to as "an ancient town hanging on a waterfall." Situated along the Youshui River—a vital artery connecting Sichuan and Hubei to the north with Tianjin and Beijing to the south—the town was historically a bustling hub for merchants. Successive Tujia chieftains built palaces here, hosted major ceremonies, and met with other regional leaders. It was also the departure point for transporting *nanmu* (a prized, durable timber) to the capital for the construction of the Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs, and a staging ground for troops setting off by boat to defend the coastal frontiers against Japanese pirates. Over time, it became known in the public imagination as the "Village of Kings" (*Wangcun*). Key attractions within the scenic area include the Xizhou Tusi Square, the Xizhou Bronze Pillar Garden, the Tusi King’s Bridge, the Tusi King’s Palace, the waterfall, the Wangcun Wharf, and a five-li-long flagstone street. The site is defined by a rich tapestry of historical and cultural heritage—encompassing a diverse array of natural and man-made features, including rivers, streets, waterfalls, temples, gathering spots, deep pools, "seven stars," scenic vistas, springs, and various historic landmarks—earning it a reputation as one of China’s most beautiful riverside towns.
In December 2012, the Furong Town scenic area in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, was approved as a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction by the National Tourist Attraction Quality Rating Committee.