Picture white walls, black roof tiles and a crescent pond so still that it doubles every house. That is the first view most travelers get of Hongcun Village, a Ming and Qing era settlement tucked into the hills of southern Anhui. In fact, the village looks so much like an old ink painting that locals call it “a village in a Chinese painting.” So, if you love quiet lanes, old merchant houses and calm water, this guide will help you plan the perfect visit.
Hongcun Village Quick Facts
| Country | China |
| Region | Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province |
| Known For | Moon Pond, South Lake and Huizhou style houses |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site since 2000, listed with Xidi |
| Founded | Around 1131, during the Southern Song dynasty |
| Best Time to Visit | March to May and October to November |
| Getting There | Fly or take the train to Huangshan, then ride a bus |
| Time Needed | One or two days |
| Continent | Asia |
Where Is Hongcun Village?
Hongcun Village sits in Yi County, in the far south of Anhui Province in eastern China. It lies at the foot of Leigang Hill, roughly 60 kilometers from the famous peaks of Huangshan. In addition, the sister village of Xidi is only about 10 kilometers away. Together, the two villages form the UNESCO site called Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui.
The region was once known as Huizhou. For centuries, its merchants traded salt, tea and timber across China. Then they came home rich and built grand houses. As a result, the whole area is packed with carved wood, stone gateways and ancestral halls.
Why Visit Hongcun Village?
First, the layout is unique. The Wang clan, who founded the village, planned it in the shape of an ox. Leigang Hill is the head, and two old trees are the horns. Meanwhile, the houses form the body, the bridges are the legs and a canal winds through the lanes like an intestine. Moon Pond is the stomach, and South Lake is the belly.
Second, the water system still works. Fresh water flows past almost every doorway. So, residents can wash vegetables and clothes just steps from home, as they have for hundreds of years.
Finally, the village is beautiful in every season. For example, spring brings yellow rapeseed fields, while autumn turns the trees gold. Even rain suits the place, because mist softens the rooftops. Overall, it is one of the most photogenic villages in China.
Things to Do in Hongcun Village
Walk Around Moon Pond
Moon Pond, or Yuezhao, is the heart of the village. It is shaped like a half moon, and houses wrap around its edge. Early in the morning, the water is often glassy. Therefore, this is the best time for photos.
Relax at South Lake
South Lake was dug in the early 1600s. Today, an arched stone bridge crosses its middle, and willows hang over the bank. In fact, film fans may recognize it, because a scene from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was shot here. Also, you will often see art students sketching along the shore.
Tour Chengzhi Hall
Chengzhi Hall was built in 1855 by a wealthy salt merchant. It is famous for its detailed wood carvings, many covered in gold leaf. As a result, locals nicknamed it the folk Forbidden City. Look closely at the beams, because the scenes show operas, fishermen and daily life.
Visit Nanhu Academy
Next to South Lake stands Nanhu Academy, an old private school from the early 1800s. Here, the sons of local families once studied for the imperial exams. Inside, the halls are calm and simple. However, the view of the lake from the doorway is the real highlight.
Follow the Water Channels
Simply wander and let the canals guide you. Narrow lanes twist between high walls, and small bridges lead to quiet courtyards. Meanwhile, you can stop for tea, local bamboo shoots or stinky tofu, a regional favorite.
Sleep in a Courtyard Guesthouse
Many old homes now run as small guesthouses. Rooms often face a tiny courtyard with a skylight, potted plants and a stone water basin. In addition, hosts usually cook simple home meals, such as smoked tofu, bamboo shoots and river fish. Staying inside the walls also means you can walk the lanes at dawn and after dark. At night, red lanterns glow over the water, and the village becomes peaceful again. For this reason, an overnight stay is the best way to enjoy it.
Tips for Visiting
- Stay overnight, since tour groups leave by late afternoon.
- Keep your ticket, because it is checked at several points.
- Wear shoes with grip, as stone lanes get slippery in the rain.
- Respect residents, since many houses are still private homes.
Day Trips From Hongcun Village
Xidi is the obvious first choice. It is smaller and quieter, and its carved stone archway is a landmark. In addition, it is easy to reach by local bus or taxi.
Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, is about an hour away. Its granite peaks, twisted pines and seas of clouds have inspired poets for centuries. However, the climb is steep, so plan a full day or stay a night on the mountain.
Tachuan village is another short trip. It is best in late autumn, when its old trees turn bright red. Also consider Shexian, the old Huizhou capital, with its long lines of memorial archways. If you enjoy historic China, our guides to Fenghuang and Pingyao Ancient City are good next reads.
One Historical Fact About Hongcun Village
The water system was designed more than 600 years ago. In the early Ming dynasty, the Wang clan hired a feng shui master to plan it. He advised them to dig Moon Pond and to channel the stream through every lane. Remarkably, that same network still supplies the village today. So, it is both a work of art and a working piece of engineering.
How to Get to Hongcun Village
Most travelers start in Huangshan City, also called Tunxi. From there, the trip is simple.
- Flying in: Huangshan Tunxi International Airport has flights from Beijing, Shanghai and other cities.
- Train: High speed trains run to Huangshan North Station from Shanghai, Hangzhou and Hefei.
- Bus: Buses leave from the Huangshan bus station for Yi County and then continue to the village.
- Private driver: A car from Huangshan takes around one hour and suits small groups.
Best Time to Visit Hongcun Village
Spring, from March to May, is lovely. At this time, rapeseed flowers bloom and the hills are green. Autumn, from October to November, is equally good, with clear skies and golden leaves. In contrast, summer is hot and humid, and national holidays bring big crowds. Winter is cold, yet a light snowfall makes the village look magical.
Is Hongcun Village Worth Visiting?
Yes, without doubt. Few places in China keep their old layout, water system and daily life so well. Of course, it can be busy at midday. Still, if you arrive early or stay the night, you will find calm lanes and mirror-like water. For lovers of architecture and photography, it is a true highlight of Anhui.
Final Thoughts
In short, this village is a living painting. Take your time, follow the canals and watch the light change on Moon Pond. Then pair your stay with Xidi and Huangshan for a perfect few days in southern Anhui.
Image Credits
Unsplash
- Ace Lucas: White houses reflected in still water, Unsplash License
- MChe Lee: Rooftops reflecting in a pond, Unsplash License
- Yilei (Jerry) Bao: Village buildings at sunset, Unsplash License
Wikimedia Commons
- 颐园新居: South Lake of Hongcun 20141110, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Francesco Bandarin: Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun-127239, CC BY-SA 3.0 igo
