Hongcun Ancient Village

Introducing Hongcun Ancient Village
Hongcun Ancient Village is a picturesque village in southern Anhui. Hongcun Ancient Village lies 62 kilometers from Huangshan City. The village boasts over 140 remarkably preserved Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties residences, along with a unique water management system. 

This system is integral to the village’s most distinctive feature: its ingenious, ox-shaped layout, conceived during the Southern Song Dynasty’s Shaoxing period (1131-1162). The villagers, believing that oxen symbolized prosperity and water represented the blessings of future generations, designed their village with remarkable foresight. Leigang Hill forms the ox’s head, with two ancient trees at the village entrance serving as its horns. The crescent-shaped Moon Pond represents the ox’s mouth, while the expansive South Lake acts as its belly. A network of winding waterways, mimicking veins, runs throughout the village, connecting the residential buildings that comprise the ox’s body. Four ancient bridges gracefully span these waterways, symbolizing the ox’s legs. The resemblance is uncanny, creating a stunning visual representation of a peaceful water buffalo resting amidst the lush landscape. This inspired design has earned Hongcun the evocative title of “A Village in a Chinese Painting.”

In recognition of its exceptional beauty and cultural significance, Hongcun, along with the neighboring village of Xidi, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, under the collective listing of Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui.

Hongcun Ancient Village Fast Facts
• AKA: Hongcun Scenic Area
• Chinese Name: Hóng Cūn 宏村
• Best Time to Visit: March to April; October to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Culture and History
• Opening Hours: 6:00 – 23:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY104
• Address: Yi County, Huangshan, Anhui Province

What UNESCO Says of the Hongcun Ancient Village
Xidi and Hongcun are two outstanding traditional villages, located in Yi County, Huangshan City in south Anhui Province, with commercial activities as their primary source of income, family and clan-based social organization, and well known for their regional culture. The overall layout, landscape, architectural form, decoration, and construction techniques all retain the original features of Anhui villages between the 14th and 20th centuries.

Deeply influenced by the traditional culture of pre-modern Anhui Province, these two villages, Xidi and Hongcun, were built by successful officials or merchants returning home from official appointments and business, and gradually developed into models of conventional Chinese village construction. Xidi is surrounded by mountains and built along and between three streams running east-west, which converge at the Huiyuan Bridge to the south. Hongcun is located at the foot of a hill next to a stream which forms two pools, the Moon Pond in the centre of the village and the other to the south. Characterised by rhythmic space variation and tranquil alleyways; and with water originating from a picturesque garden, the whole reflects the pursuit of coexistence, unity and the harmony of man and nature. The unique and exquisite style of Anhui buildings is conveyed in plain and elegant colors, their gables decorated with delicate and elegant carvings, their interiors filled with tasteful furnishings. The rigid patriarchal system together with gentle and sincere folk customs reflects the cultural ideas of scholar-bureaucrats in feudal society who paid special respect to Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism. These surviving villages bear scientific, cultural and aesthetic values with their 600-plus-year history. They are rich sources for the study of regional histories and cultures.

What to Expect at the Hongcun Ancient Village
After exploring the majestic peaks of Mount Huangshan, descend into the tranquil beauty of Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through ancient alleyways, marvel at the intricate carvings and ingenious water systems that sustain these centuries-old houses. Experience the timeless charm of a village where traditions live on.

The Ancient Architecture Complex
The ancient architectural complex of Hongcun Village boasts a remarkably well-preserved collection of Ming and Qing Dynasty residential buildings, including academy buildings, ancestral halls, numerous residential houses, and private gardens. These structures serve as an outstanding representation of Huizhou (a historical prefecture comprising six counties in Anhui Province and centered around modern-day Huangshan City) architectural culture.

Among these, the Chengzhi Residence stands out as the most magnificent old house in the region, owing to its sheer scale and lavish detail. Built by the late Qing Dynasty salt merchant Wang Dinggui, this seven-story mansion covers an area of 3,000 square meters. Its construction is said to have consumed 100 taels (traditional Chinese unit of weight) of gold and 600,000 taels of silver, a fortune in its time. Ornately carved beams and painted rafters showcase the owner’s wealth and status. The residence boasts a comprehensive array of amenities, including courtyards, guest rooms, studies, kitchens, a fishpond, a well, a stable, a mahjong room, a smoking room, and even quarters for bodyguards and maidservants.

Beyond its impressive scale, the Chengzhi Residence is further distinguished by its exquisite wood carvings. Reportedly, 20 craftsmen labored for four years to complete the intricate carvings throughout the house. One particularly impressive piece is a long panel depicting the “Hundred Boys Celebrating Lantern Festival.” This carving vividly depicts the boys in a variety of lively poses, capturing the festive atmosphere of the Lantern Festival (a Chinese traditional festival) celebrations in ancient Huizhou.

The Intricate Water Channel
Winding through the village of Hongcun, a 1,200-meter (0.75 miles) water channel, known locally as “Ox Intestines” because of its meandering path, provides a constant source of fresh water to every home. Built during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424 AD), this ingenious system has served the village for nearly 600 years. The flowing water creates a refreshing atmosphere, its gentle sounds and movement adding a dynamic element to the otherwise tranquil mountain setting. In addition to its agricultural and daily life uses, the channel plays a vital role in fire prevention and the regulation of temperature and humidity, significantly enriching the village landscape.

Moon Pond
The Moon Pond, the “ox’s stomach” in the heart of Hongcun Village, is an artificially excavated pond fed by a nearby stream. Nicknamed for its unusual shape, it forms a vital part of Hongcun’s intricate water system, providing water for the villagers’ daily needs. The Moon Pond maintains a clear emerald hue year-round, its smooth surface reflecting the surrounding Hui-style architecture with its white walls and black tile roofs. This picturesque scene harmonizes beautifully with the blue sky and white clouds above.

The South Lake
South Lake, a bow-shaped body of water excavated in 1607, is renowned for its turquoise surface dotted with summer lotus blossoms, and fringed by graceful willows. The picturesque arched bridges, iconic landmarks of Hongcun, featured in the renowned movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” are particularly striking against the backdrop of black and white Hui-style architecture.

How to Get to Hongcun Ancient Village
• The Hongcun Ancient Village is located approx. 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) northwest of Huangshan.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Hongcun Ancient Village.

Additional Travel Advice on Hongcun Ancient Village
• Please take care while walking around water areas.
• Xidi Ancient Village is 20 km (12.4 miles) away from Hongcun. The two villages can be arranged to visit in one day.