Hongcun Village

Hongcun Village (宏村), located in Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, is one of China's most picturesque ancient villages. Established in 1131 during the Southern Song Dynasty, this 800-year-old settlement was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 alongside Xidi Village. Often called "a village in a Chinese painting," its white-walled, black-tiled Hui-style architecture and ingenious water system attract global visitors.

​​Key Features​​

1. ​​Ox-Shaped Layout​​
   Hongcun's unique design mimics a resting water buffalo:

   • ​​Head​​: Leigang Hill with two ancient trees as "horns"
   • ​​Body​​: 140+ Ming-Qing era residences (14th–19th century)
   • ​​Organs​​:
     • "Ox stomach": Moon Pond (半月沼), a crescent-shaped reservoir
     • "Ox intestines": 1,200-meter water channel network supplying households
     • "Ox belly": South Lake (南湖), featured in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

2. ​​Architectural Highlights​​

   • ​​Chengzhi Hall (承志堂)​​: A salt merchant's 1855 mansion with gold-painted woodcarvings
   • ​​Nanhu Academy (南湖书院)​​: Historic school attended by statesmen
   • ​​Horsehead Walls (马头墙)​​: Fire-resistant gables with artistic designs

3. ​​Cultural Significance​​

   • Embodies ​​Huizhou culture​​ through clan-based planning and Confucian values
   • ​​Three Carvings Art​​: Exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings adorn buildings
   • Inspired Ang Lee’s film and traditional Chinese ink paintings

​​Visitor Experience​​

• ​​Best Time to Visit​​: Spring (blossoms) & Autumn (golden rice fields)

• ​​Must-See Spots​​:

  • ​​Moon Pond at Dawn​​: Mirror-like reflections of Hui architecture
  • ​​South Lake Bridge​​: Iconic photo spot with lotus blooms
  • ​​Ancient Alleyways​​: Cobblestone paths lined with artisan shops

• ​​Practical Info​​:

  • ​​Ticket​​: ¥104 (≈$15), valid 24 hours
  • ​​Transport​​: 1.5-hour bus from Huangshan North Station
  • ​​Stay​​: Overnight in restored Ming-Qing guesthouses

​​Preservation & Recognition​​

• Protected as a ​​AAAAA scenic area​​ (China’s highest rating)
• Listed among "China’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Villages"
• Hosted global figures like Austrian entrepreneur Amin and diplomats

Hongcun offers a timeless journey through China’s rural heritage, blending ecology, architecture, and history into a living masterpiece.