Hongcun Scenic Area is located in Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National 5A-level Tourist Attraction. Established in 1131 during Southern Song Dynasty, the village preserves 137 Ming-Qing dwellings across 19.11 hectares. Renowned for its "Ox-shaped" water system and Huizhou architecture, it's hailed as "Village in Chinese Painting" and represents the pinnacle of ancient Huizhou settlements alongside Xidi.
History & Culture
Designed by fengshui master He Keda for Wang clan ancestors after a fire displacement, the village flourished during Ming Yongle Period when merchant families built exquisite structures like Chengzhi Hall. Reaching zenith in Qing Qianlong-Jiaqing eras, its unique layout features Leigang Hill as "ox head", ancient trees as "horns", houses as "body", bridges as "legs", and waterways as "intestines/stomachs" - a masterpiece of ancient village planning. Inscribed as World Heritage in 2000.
Main Attractions
South Lake
Ming Dynasty "ox stomach" water reservoir (20,000㎡) shaped like crescent moon. Willows and lotuses frame reflections of white-walled houses, with Qing-era painted bridge featured in . Prime spot for painting and photography.
Moon Pond
Central 1,800㎡ pond ("ox stomach") from 1403, surrounded by bluestone paths and dwellings. Mirror-like surface perfectly reflects horse-head gables at dawn/dusk, creating magical light plays.
Chengzhi Hall
Salt merchant Wang Dinggui's 1855 mansion (2,100㎡) called "Folk Forbidden City". Main hall boasts 7-layer bracket "Fortune" caisson ceiling, while rear chamber's glass floor reveals koi pond. "100 Children Celebrating Lantern Festival" woodcarving represents Huizhou carving zenith.
South Lake Academy
Hexagonal-gate school (1796) symbolizing "universal harmony". With triple-courtyard layout educating Wang clansmen (several became imperial scholars), now exhibits Huizhou culture artifacts.
Cuisine
Hairy Tofu
Fermented tofu with edible white mycelium, pan-fried to golden crispness. Served with chili sauce, "Wang Yitiao" brand maintains precise traditional fermentation techniques.
Crab-shell Pancakes
Sesame-coated pastries stuffed with preserved vegetables and pork, baked until flaky. Ming-Qing merchants' travel food, now breakfast staple with "Hongcun Pancake King" being most famous.
Stone Ear Chicken Soup
Premium wild mushrooms from 1,000m+ altitudes stewed 3 hours with free-range chicken. Clear broth with gelatinous fungi, valued for nourishing properties and rarity.
Tickets
Year-round ¥104 (valid 3 days). Seniors(60-65)/students half-price, free over 65. Night tour ¥60 (19:00-21:30) includes light show. Combo ticket (Hongcun+Xidi) ¥180. Guided tour included.
Suggested Routes
Half-day: South Lake→Painted Bridge→Academy→Jingde Hall→Moon Pond→Chengzhi Hall→Shuren Hall. Full-day adds ink-making workshops and Leigang Hill sunset views. Ideal 2-day trip combined with Tachuan/Lu villages.
Transportation
- Air: Huangshan Tunxi Airport→shuttle (1.5hrs)
- HSR: Huangshan North Station→Yi County Bus Center→Hongcun (50min)
- Highway: Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway→Yi County exit→11km on S218
- Shuttle: ¥10 electric cart (parking lot-village)
Must-See Spots
- South Lake: Iconic ink-wash painting vista
- Moon Pond: Mirror-like reflections
- Chengzhi Hall: Merchant mansion masterpiece
- Leigang Hill: Panoramic village viewpoint
Travel Tips
- Arrive pre-6am for misty lake shots
- Clear umbrellas enhance rainy day photos
- Hanfu costumes amplify Moon Pond images
- Oct-Nov harvest season most colorful
- Night tours offer unique atmosphere
Precautions
- Mind slippery waterways
- No flash photography indoors
- Sketch only in designated areas
- Drone permits required
- Purchase souvenirs at licensed shops