Written by Clementine |
Hongcun village, located at the southwest foot of Yellow mountainĀ and 11 kilometers away from Qian county of HuangshanĀ 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 ofĀ āthe charming village of an oil-paintingā. 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.Ā In 2000, HongcunĀ VillageĀ was listed as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO.Ā The tranquility and beauty of Hongcun VillageĀ in AnhuiĀ make it an ideal stop during your Huangshan travel, especially for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Content Preview
- HongcunĀ Ancient Village Facts
- HongcunĀ Ancient Village History
- Why Visit theĀ Hongcun Village
- What to Do in Hongcun Village
- Recommended Visiting Route in Hongcun
- Hongcun Village TravelĀ Tips
- Hongcun Village Weatherā
- Nearby Attractions
- Plan Your Huangshan Tour with China Xian Tour
HongcunĀ Ancient Village Facts
- Address: Northeastern Yixian County, Huangshan City, Southern Anhui Province
- Hongcun Village in Chinese: å®ę
- Type: World Heritage, Ancient Villages
- Best Time to Visit: Spring & Autumn
- Recommended Visiting Hours: 5-6 hours
- Open Hours: All Day
- Tickets: 104 Yuan per person, valid for 3 days
HongcunĀ Ancient Village History
Hongcun Village was originally established during the Shaoxing years of the Southern Song Dynasty. It was named āHongcunā (originally āHĆ³ngcÅ«nā with the same pronunciation but a different character).
During the Yongle years of the Ming Dynasty, Hu Chong, the wife of the village head of Hongcun Village, designed and organized the construction of a water system that connected the inside and outside of the village, solving the problem of water supply for the villagers. In the Qianlong years of the Qing Dynasty, the name was changed to āHongcunā (with the current character) to avoid the taboo of the emperor’s name, symbolizing grandeur and prosperity.
The location, layout, and beauty of Hongcun are all directly related to water, making it a meticulously planned ancient village. The artificial water system inside and outside the village adopts a biomimetic āoxā shape. The residential buildings form the body of the ox, and the four ancient bridges act as its legs. The entire village resembles a leisurely water buffalo lying amidst green mountains and clear waters, with a vivid and lifelike appearance. As you step into Hongcun, you will be impressed by the remarkable wisdom of water management and the brilliant water cultureĀ in China.
Why Visit theĀ Hongcun Village
Ox-shaped Structure
The shape of Hongcun looks like an ox. During the Songdynasty, local peopleĀ built a man-made water system based onĀ the unique shape for irrigation andĀ fireproofing. The curved water ditches just like the āox intestinesā,Ā the folk houses stand along the āox intestinesā are the main body of the ox, the two āMoon Pondsā dug besides the hole of spring is the āox stomachsā, and the south lake is the āox tripeā. In addition, two old trees look like the ox horns. This great artificial water system is the most unique one in China.
The Artistic Architecture
The most prominent feature of HongcunĀ VillageĀ is its rustic and elegant architectural art. Most of the houses in Hongcun were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, using wood, bricks, and tiles as the main materials, forming a unique Huizhou-style architectural style. HuizhouĀ VillageĀ architecture is renowned for its exquisite carvings, delicate decorations, unique shapes, and symbolic patterns.
The houses in HongcunĀ VillageĀ are not only aesthetically pleasing on the outside but also have well-organized interiors that balance functionality and beauty. Hongcun is home to many famous ancient buildings, such as the Nanhu Academy, Chengqi Hall, Chenghua Hall, and Rongguo Mansion, all of which are representative works of Huizhou architecture and are worth visiting one by one.
The buildings in HongcunĀ VillageĀ consist ofĀ residential and private gardens, orĀ public facilities such as academies and ancestral halls. All kinds of buildingsĀ possessĀ exquisiteĀ engravings, which are high in artistic value. There are more than 140 well-preserved dwellings of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the majority of themĀ were built along the river. Some people also channeledĀ water into the houseĀ to build a water courtyardĀ with the fish pond. The most famous buildings are South Lake Academy, Lexu Hall, Chengzhi Hall, Bi Garden and so on.
Tranquil Water
South lake, located in the south of Hongcun village, was built during the Wanliperiod of the Ming dynasty.The lake is in a bow shapeĀ with upper and lower lake embankment. With the dense verdant treesĀ 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 constructĀ a āpainted bridgeā for boating.Ā IncludingĀ the South Lake into Hongcun Village itinerary is perfect for anyone looking to experience the authentic charm of a traditional Chinese village.
Recommended Tourļ¼One Day Hongcun and Xidi Villages Tour in Huangshan
What to Do in Hongcun Village
Experiencing the Hongcun Night Market
There is a small night market in Hongcun, located on the only commercial street in the village. Since there are many students who come here to sketch and paint, the night market mainly sells small handicrafts and snacks. It offers a unique kind of fun that you canāt find elsewhere. Itās worth taking a walk around.
Appreciating the Autumn Colors of TachuanĀ Village
The characteristic of the autumn colors in Tachuan Village is its sense of layering. In the eyes of artists and photographers, it is very rich and conducive to creating beautiful works. There is a photography festival held here every early November, and the autumn colors usually last for about half a month.
Capturing the Beauty of the Moon Pond
As is well-known, the distinctive feature of Hongcun is the winding and meandering water channels that encircle the entire village. In fact, if we call them āditches,ā everyone would immediately understand. Another highlight of Hongcun is the āeyeā of the villageāthe Moon Pond. This crescent-shaped pool in the center of the village is the essence of Hongcun’s charm and elegance. The Moon Pond is merely a small pond in the village, yet it is an extremely enchanting one.
Located in the heart of Hongcun, the Moon Pond is locally known as the Moon Pond (Yuetang). It is the most beautiful and representative spot in Hongcun. One glance at it, and you know you are in Hongcun. The white-washed walls and dark-tiled Hui-style architecture, together with their reflections in the water, create a picturesque scene that has become the symbol of this place. It attracts countless photography enthusiasts and painters who come here to sketch, photograph, and create, leaving behind masterpieces for the world to admire.
Wander Around the South Lake
South Lake is at the entrance of Hongcun Village. The charm of this lake is the perfect reflection of the surrounding architecture on its mirror-like surface. To catch the moment, the early morning and late afternoon are the best time. For a panoramic view of the whole lake, the painted bridge offers you the best shooting position. During the tour, you will find many art lovers sketching by the lake. It is also a unique experience to watch how they transform the beautiful scenery before your eyes into the ink-wash paintings.
Appreciate the Huizhou Architectural Art in Chengzhi Hall
Chengzhi Hall was a luxury residence built by a salt merchant in the Qing Dynasty. It is renowned as the āFolk Forbidden Cityā. This architectural complex consists of 7 pavilions, 9 patios and about 60 rooms. The highlight of the hall is the brick carvings, wooden carvings and stone carvings. All are extremely exquisite and present various themes, such as the scene of children playing, magpies on the plum blossom, etc. Try to explore the details during the visit.
Recommended Tourļ¼4 Days Huangshan Tour with Hongcun and Xidi Villages
Recommended Visiting Route in Hongcun
To cover the core attractions in Hongcun, try the following route. In the morning, start from the South Lake first, when it is at the most beautiful moment. Wander around the lake to immerse in the picturesque scenery. Then cross the painted bridge and pay a visit to Nanhu Academy. The last stop in the morning is the heart of Hongcun, Moonpond. Here, you can take a photo of the crescent-shaped pond and the reflections of the surrounding Hui-style architecture. At noon, taste the local cuisine in the nearby restaurants.
In the afternoon, focus on the mansions of Huizhou merchants and the tranquil alleys. Chengzhi Hall is the highlight, where at least one hour is needed to observe the carvings there. Then wander along the alleys and step into the ancient residences as you like. Finally, return to the Moonpond or South Lake to appreciate the architecture dressed with the golden sunlight of the setting sun.
Hongcun Village TravelĀ Tips
How to Get to Hongcun Village
Hongcun is approximately 60 kilometers away from Huangshan City and about 90 kilometers from the Huangshan Scenic Area. You can reach Hongcun by bus or taxi from either Huangshan City or the Huangshan Scenic Area.
The buses that can directly get to Hongcun Village are available at the Qian coutyĀ Bus Station, Huangshan Bus Terminal (Tunxi Bus Station)Ā or Mount HuangshanĀ Scenic Spot Transfer center.Ā Visitors can also take a tourist bus to HongcunĀ VillageĀ from the Xidi Ancient Village.
Hongcun Village Accommodation/Hotel
There are many inns and guesthouses in Hongcun, where you can experience the simple and rustic Hui-style architecture and the local customs. It is recommended to book in advance to avoid the risk of having no available rooms during peak seasons. The prices generally range from 100 to 300 yuan, depending on the season and the facilities provided.
Hongcun Village Dining
There is a variety of local specialties and delicious snacksĀ offered in Hongcun and Xidi ancient village, such as baked cakes, fried tea, roast chicken, stinky tofu, and baked pancake helmets.Ā All of themĀ are worth trying. In addition, Hongcun has some local products, such as tea, honey, and bamboo weaving, which can be purchased as souvenirs to take home.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit China HongcunĀ VillageĀ are spring and autumn, when the climate is pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful. It is recommended to spend a full day exploring HongcunĀ Village, visiting ancient buildings like the Nanhu Academy, Chengqi Hall, and Chenghua Hall.Ā Especially, you can admireĀ the ink-wash painting-like beauty of Nanhu Lake, and experienceĀ the local folk customs. If you have extra time, you can also visit other nearby ancient villagesĀ in your Huangshan tour, such as Xidi Ancient Village, to enjoy different aspects of Hui-style charm.
Essential Tips for Visitors
- At the entrance of the village and near the main scenic spots, the toilets can be found easily.
- The ticket for Hongcun village is CNY 104 and is valid for 3 days. So keep your ticket well. Besides, it covers almost all the core attractions. What needs an additional fee are the performanceAjun in HongcunĀ and handicraft making experience.
- To take memorable photos, the golden time is 06:00 – 08:00 and 16:30 – sunset time and the classic locations are the painted bridge in South Lake, Moonpond and Chengzhi Hall.
- Walking is the main way of sightseeing in the village, so wear comfortable shoes.
- If you want to avoid crowds and appreciate the Moonpond and South Lake all by yourself, it is highly recommended to stay overnight in the village. You can also experience the transformation from noise and tranquility and watch the scene of the thin mist and smoke that curls up from kitchen chimneys at dawn.
- The nearby hotels are mostly renovated from old houses, so the condition varies a lot. Check the reviews carefully when booking.
Hongcun Village Weatherā
Located at the southwestern foot of Mount Huangshan in the southern part of Anhui Province, HongcunĀ Village features a terrain that is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast. Its geographical coordinates are 117Ā°38ā east longitude and 30Ā°11ā north latitude. It falls within the subtropical monsoon humid climate zone. The average annual precipitation is 1,763.2 mm, with the period from April to July being the rainy season, during which 65% of the annual precipitation occurs. Floods and droughts are the main hydrological disasters in this area.
During the Hongcun Village tour, visitors can explore the Moon Pond, the ancient South Lake, and traditional Hui-style houses, experiencing the charm of this ancient village firsthand.
Nearby Attractions
- Chengkan Village: The Chengkan Village is located in Huizhou District, Huangshan City, with 140 well-preserved ancient residential buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
- Mukeng Bamboo Forest: 2 kilometers away from Hongcun. It is a charming mountain village among the many beautiful and fertile natural villages in Xiaotaoyuan, Yixian County.
Plan Your Huangshan Tour with China Xian Tour
In Huangshan City, Huangshan Mountain and Hongcun Village are the must-visit attractions, but both of them are far from the downtown area. So joining a tour group will be a more carefree choice. The highlight of China Xian TourĀ is that we can tailor a trip based on your preferences. All your requirements in driver, guide, hotel and dining will be met. If needed, we can also include more attractions or cities you are interested in. So do not hesitate to contact us.
