Hong Village

Hongcun Village in Huangshan City is a century old village whose carvings and architecture date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Because it was well preserved through the years, the village became one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 2000. The village was featured on the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Visiting the village will take you back to ancient China. The streets in the village are narrow and are made from cobblestone. The century-old buildings have pointed black tiled roofs and are well preserved. Many buildings are considered as the best examples of typical Anhui-style architecture.

The village lay out resembles the shape of an Ox. The Leigang Hill looks like the head while the two trees that stand on it are considered the horns. The four bridges across the Jiyin stream represent the legs. The South Lake and the Jiyin streams serve as the intestines and internal organ of the ox.

The village was first established during the Song Dynasty. It flourished and became a center for trading during the Qing and Ming Dynasties. Most of the buildings that were built that time still exist today.

Several important buildings in the village are open to the public. One of the must-see is the grandest Chengzhi Hall, which was built by a salt merchant for his two wives back in the days.

Getting around

Hongcun village is very small and easy to navigate even for first-timers. There, travelers will find several narrow lanes that will take them to the main road. Getting lost is really not a concern here even if travelers do not have a guide.

Travelers usually start exploring the village by walking randomly on mazes. This is both fun and fascinating, as it will make you forget that it’s actually 21 century. Locals there have shunned modern technology all together and live the same way their ancestors did centuries ago.

Other interesting sights that you shouldn’t miss are the South Lake and Chengzhi Hall. The lake is artificial and was built during the Ming Dynasty. A great place for picture taking is the long stone bridge that provides elegant entrance to the village. This offers unspoiled view of the hills and village that are both reflected in the water.

What to do

Aside from sightseeing and picture taking, the other thing that tourist can do is to walk among the bamboos and trees at the hillside found at the back of the village.

Dining

Most restaurants found inside the village usually offer preserved vegetables. However, meat and vegetable dishes that come with rice can be pretty expensive. Most cost ¥15-¥20. However, restaurant owners are known for persuading customers to try local dishes that can cost as much as ¥100/plate.

Useful Information

Address: Northwest Corner, Yi County
Phone number: 0559-5553333
Entrance fee: CNY104/person
Hours: Anytime
How to get there: From Qiyun Dadao, take a bus to Yixian at Tunxi New Bus Station. Get off at Yixian and catch a mini bus to Hongcun Village.