Walk in the mists of time

After taking a shower, I sat on the balcony, singing along with the performers while enjoying the cool breeze and the enchanting night view of the town.

However, when my colleague suggested that I sing a song at an open-air karaoke in Furong ancient town, located in Yongshun county of the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, I was too shy and declined.

Furong town, formerly known as Wangcun village, boasts a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. It served as the founding capital of the Tusi Kingdom of the Tujia ethnic group in the region, marking the origins of the 818-year history of the Tujia Tusi Dynasty.

As we crossed the brownish-black Tuwang Bridge (literally the Tusi King Bridge), we headed toward the temporary palaces of the Tusi kings. This bridge is a quintessential example of traditional Tujia architecture, featuring the distinctive "corner-turning tower "structure.

With elegantly upturned eaves and an imposing grandeur, the bridge embodies the dignity of royalty. Stone pillars at its ends are intricately carved with coiling dragons, symbolizing both authority and protection against evil spirits.

Descending the winding stairs through the temporary palaces, we arrived at the path beneath the town's signature landmark — the waterfall. Known as the "Millennium-old Town Perched on a Waterfall", the town is uniquely characterized by a waterfall cascading directly through it.

Walking behind the waterfall on a hot day is a delight. Glistening water curtains fall into the Youshui River, creating cool, humid breezes.

A one-hour boat journey downstream on the Youshui River will take you to another renowned geological attraction in Xiangxi — the Red Stone Forest National Geological Park in Guzhang county.