Hongcun village, located at the southwest foot of Yellow mountain and 11 kilometers away from Qian county of Huangshan city, was built in 1131 AD. The whole village covers an area of 30 hectares with beautiful natural landscape and profound history, which enjoys the reputation of “the charming village of an oil-painting”. Nowadays, there are about 140 ancient buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasty, which is a carrier of Huizhou culture in the late period of Chinese feudal society. The harmonious coexistence of natural and cultural landscape differs Hongcun ancient village from other residential architecture layout. In 2000, it was listed as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO.

Basic Facts about the Hongcun Ancient Village:

• The shape of Hongcun looks like an ox. During the Songdynasty, local peoplebuilt a man-made water system based on the unique shape for irrigation and fireproofing. The curved water ditches just like the “ox intestines”, the folk houses stand along the “ox intestines” are the main body of the ox, the two “Moon Ponds” dug besides the hole of spring is the “ox stomachs”, and the south lake is the “ox tripe”. In addition, two old trees look like the ox horns. This great artificial water system is the most unique one in China.
• The buildings in Hongcun consist ofresidential and private gardens, orpublic facilities such as academies and ancestral halls. All kinds of buildings possess exquisite engravings, which are high in artistic value. There are more than 140 well-preserved dwellings of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the majority of them were built along the river. Some people also channeled water into the house to build a water courtyard with the fish pond. The most famous buildings are South Lake Academy, Lexu Hall, Chengzhi Hall, Bi Garden and so on.
• South lake, located in the south of Hongcun village, was built during the Wanliperiod of the Ming dynasty. It was built in imitation of the west lake in Hanzhou. The lake is in a bow shapewith upper and lower lake embankment. With the dense verdant trees and ancient style buildings, it has a charming and picturesque scenery. It has been rebuilt three times in history. In 1986, the middle dike was rebuilt to construct a “painted bridge” for boating.

How to Buy Entrance Tickets:

• Price of ticket:

• Opening time: 7:30-17:30

Notes: The ticket is valid for using in three days.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time for touring in Hongcun Ancient Village is March to November. Because during these months, the weather is pleasant and the natural landscape is fascinating, which attracts many visitors to come here and appreciate the picturesque view.

Tips: Visitors had better avoid the official holiday in China, because many Chinese citizens choose to travel on official holidays to ease the pressure of their work. As a result, many Chinese tourist attractions are overcrowded and traffic jams are common. Therefore, visiting China at this time will bring tourists a less pleasant travel experience.

Official Holidays in China

How to get to the Hongcun?

The buses that can directly get to Hongcun Village are available at the Qian couty Bus Station, Huangshan Bus Terminal (Tunxi Bus Station) or Yellow Mountain Scenic Spot Transfer center. Visitors can also take a tourist bus to Hongcun from the Xidi Ancient Village.