Hongcun Village Travel Guide: Step Into a Living Chinese Painting

Dear travelers, today I’m honored to guide you through a place where time slows down, reflections dance on calm waters, and every corner whispers stories of ancient China — welcome to Hongcun Village, located in Yi County, at the foot of the Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in Anhui Province.
 

Famed for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, serene canals, and picturesque layout shaped like an ox, Hongcun has inspired painters, poets, and filmmakers — including its feature in the award-winning movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Let me show you why this tranquil village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most enchanting destinations in China.

📍 Where Is Hongcun Village?

Hongcun Village lies in southern Anhui Province, approximately:

70 km from Huangshan City (Tunxi)

10 km from Xidi Village (another UNESCO site)

5 hours by high-speed train from Shanghai or Hangzhou to Huangshan

Its proximity to Huangshan Mountain makes it a popular stop for travelers exploring China's natural and cultural wonders.

🏯 A Glimpse Into History: The Legacy of Hongcun

Founded during the Southern Song Dynasty (around 1131 AD), Hongcun was established by the Wang family, a powerful clan of merchants and scholars.

The village prospered through salt trade and land ownership, allowing the Wangs to construct lavish homes, ancestral halls, academies, and an intricate water system that remains operational today.

Its most fascinating feature? The village was designed in the shape of an ox:

Leigang Hill is the head

Two trees are the horns

The canals are the intestines

Moon Pond and South Lake are the stomach and belly

This clever feng shui layout blends harmony, nature, and practicality.

🖼️ What to See in Hongcun Village

Let me walk you through the must-see highlights on our guided tour.

1. 🌙 Moon Pond (Yuezhao Lake)

Located in the center of the village, this half-moon-shaped pond reflects the surrounding white-washed buildings like a mirror. It’s the heart of the village — peaceful, photogenic, and romantic.

2. 🏠 South Lake (Nanhu)

A manmade lake built in 1607, South Lake reflects elegant bridges and stone-paved walkways. It's especially magical during sunrise or dusk when the mist rises over the water.

3. 🏯 Chengzhi Hall (Chengzhi Tang)

Known as the “Folk Forbidden City,” this 18th-century mansion showcases exquisite wood carvings, lattice windows, and ancestral relics. Once home to a wealthy salt merchant, it’s the grandest residence in Hongcun.

4. 📚 Lexu Hall and Jingxiu Hall

These were private schools built by the Wang family. They represent the Confucian value placed on education and morality.

5. 🐃 Ox-Shaped Waterway System

Built 800 years ago, this system still channels fresh mountain water to homes for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. It’s a marvel of ancient Chinese hydraulic engineering.

6. 🛕 Ancestral Halls

Don’t miss the Wang Clan Ancestral Hall, a richly decorated space used for family rituals and social gatherings.

7. 🎬 Film Sites

Fans of cinema will enjoy visiting spots used in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, including narrow alleyways, ancient courtyards, and bridges.

📸 Best Photo Spots in Hongcun

As your guide, I know just where to get the perfect shot:

Across Moon Pond at sunrise

Reflections on South Lake during golden hour

Narrow stone alleyways between houses

Under the ancient trees near Leigang Hill

Door knockers, windows, and carvings on Qing-style buildings

For photographers and artists, Hongcun is a dream come true.

📅 Best Time to Visit Hongcun Village

🌸 Spring (March–May)

Blooming flowers

Fresh green trees

Ideal for photography

🍁 Autumn (September–November)

Red and golden leaves

Crisp air and clear skies

🌦️ Avoid Summer and National Holidays

July–August is hot and crowded

Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1–7) due to extreme tourist volume

🛣️ How to Get to Hongcun Village

🚄 By High-Speed Train:

Take a train to Huangshan North Station

From there, transfer by taxi or bus (~1.5 hours)

🚌 Bus:

Tourist shuttle buses operate between Tunxi, Xidi, and Hongcun

🚕 Private Car/Taxi:

Ideal for families or groups

You can hire a driver for a day trip from Huangshan City

🎟️ Entrance Fees & Opening Hours

💵 Entrance Ticket: ¥104 RMB ($15 USD)

🎫 Includes access to most scenic spots, halls, and lakes

🕘 Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (varies slightly seasonally)

Pro tip: Early morning or late afternoon visits offer better light and fewer crowds.

🏨 Where to Stay in Hongcun Village

Staying overnight lets you enjoy peaceful evenings and mornings before tourists arrive.

🛌 Recommended Accommodations:

Pig's Inn Hongcun – Stylish boutique guesthouse with mountain views

Hongcun Renjia – Traditional inn with modern comforts

Hongcun Boutique Culture Inn – Local design, quiet courtyard

🍜 What to Eat in Hongcun

Anhui cuisine is hearty, savory, and rich in flavor. Try:

Stinky Mandarin Fish (Chou Guiyu) – Fermented, spicy, and iconic

Stewed Bamboo Shoots with Ham

Tofu in Stone Pot

Wild vegetables with garlic

Many family-run inns serve home-style meals using local produce.

🧳 Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

🗓️ Day 1:

Arrive in the morning

Tour Moon Pond, South Lake

Visit Chengzhi Hall and ancestral halls

Explore local shops and snack stalls

Sunset photography by South Lake

Dinner at a family inn

🗓️ Day 2:

Morning walk to Leigang Hill

Visit small museums or schools

Short trip to Xidi Village or Mukeng Bamboo Forest

Return to Huangshan City

🛍️ Local Souvenirs & Crafts

Huangshan Maofeng Tea

Ink stones and brushes from local workshops

Handmade rice paper

Paintings of Hongcun landscapes

🌍 Why Visit Hongcun Village?

As your guide, I assure you that Hongcun is more than a pretty postcard. It’s:

A living museum of Chinese rural heritage

A symbol of harmony between nature and architecture

A peaceful retreat from urban life

A place where art and history breathe in every stone

Whether you're a history lover, artist, photographer, or cultural explorer, Hongcun Village will leave you inspired.

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