Step into the 'Village in Chinese Paintings': A Complete Travel Guide to Hongcun, Anhui
If there’s a place where time seems to stand still, offering modern people a brief escape from the hustle and bustle, it must be Hongcun, known as the 'Village in Chinese Paintings.' Located in Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, this thousand-year-old village is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a shining gem of Huizhou culture. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a place to relax your mind, Hongcun’s unique ink-wash charm will fulfill all your imaginations of ancient Huizhou.
Why Visit Hongcun?
Hongcun was established during the Shaoxing era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1131 AD) and boasts nearly 900 years of history. Its most distinctive feature is the ingeniously designed 'ox-shaped village' water system: water is drawn from the west of the village, flows through the 'ox intestines' canals to every household, and finally gathers at the 'ox stomach' Moon Pond and 'ox belly' South Lake. This is not only a model of ancient Chinese hydraulic engineering but also creates a poetic lifestyle where 'every household has clear springs at their doorstep.'
Adding to its charm, the Oscar-winning film 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' was filmed here, with the iconic scene of Li Mubai leading his horse across the Painted Bridge forever etched in the minds of global audiences.
Must-Visit Highlights in Hongcun
Entering Hongcun feels like stepping into a flowing landscape painting. Don’t miss these key spots:
South Lake
Located at the village entrance, built during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era. The most iconic feature here is the Painted Bridge, also a classic filming location for 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' In the early morning, the lake is often shrouded in mist, with reflections of distant mountains and ancient buildings creating a poetic atmosphere. It’s the best time to capture 'ink-wash Hongcun.' Art students from across the country often gather here to sketch, becoming part of the scenery themselves.
Moon Pond
Shaped like a half-moon, it lies at the village center and is the soul of Hongcun. Locals believe that 'flowers bloom and fall, the moon waxes and wanes,' so they deliberately dug it into a crescent shape, symbolizing the pursuit of completeness without complacency. The surrounding white walls and black tiles reflect on the mirror-like water surface, creating a mesmerizing view both during the day and at dusk when red lanterns light up.
Chengzhi Hall
Dubbed the 'Folk Forbidden City,' this was the residence of late Qing Dynasty salt merchant Wang Dinggui. The most astonishing feature is the intricate wood carvings throughout the house. It’s said that the gold plating on the carvings alone used 100 taels of gold, and 20 craftsmen spent four years completing the work. Every beam, window lattice, and carved figure or animal is meticulously detailed, showcasing the pinnacle of Huizhou’s 'Three Carvings' (wood, brick, and stone).
South Lake Academy
Located on the north shore of South Lake, it’s an excellent place to learn about the Huizhou merchants’ culture of 'trading while valuing education.' After the prosperity of Huizhou merchants during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, they placed great emphasis on education, and this academy stands as a historical testament. Sitting in the academy’s Wanghu Pavilion, you can almost hear the echoes of students’ recitations from centuries ago.
Seasonal Highlights: When to Visit?
Hongcun is beautiful year-round, with each season offering unique charm:
· Spring (March-April): Fields of blooming rapeseed flowers contrast sharply with the black-and-white architecture. Nearby villages like Lucun and Xieli are photography paradises with golden flower seas and ancient villages.
· Summer (June-August): Lotus flowers bloom in South Lake, creating a vibrant scene.
· Autumn (October-November): The autumn scenery of Tachuan is hailed as one of China’s top three autumn landscapes, with red leaves of Chinese tallow trees, misty mornings, and rising smoke creating a fairyland-like atmosphere.
· Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists visit, and if you’re lucky to encounter snow, the black-and-white world of Hongcun becomes even more serene and distant.
Transportation: How to Get There?
Though located in mountainous terrain, Hongcun is easily accessible:
· High-speed rail: The most recommended way is to take the Beijing-Fuzhou high-speed rail to 'Yixian East Station,' then transfer to a bus (e.g., Route 10) or a direct scenic shuttle, taking about 30-40 minutes to reach Hongcun.
· Airplane: Fly to 'Huangshan Tunxi International Airport,' then take a taxi or airport bus to Huangshan Bus Terminal, and transfer to buses heading to Yi County or Hongcun.
· Self-driving: Highways from Hefei, Shanghai, and Hangzhou lead directly to Hongcun (set navigation to 'Hongcun Parking Lot').
· Internal transportation: The village is pedestrian-only, with narrow alleys. Comfortable shoes are recommended. To explore nearby areas (e.g., Lucun, Tachuan, Mukeng Bamboo Forest), you can rent bicycles (about 10-15 yuan/half day) or take local tricycles.
Ticket and Accommodation Information
· Ticket Price: Full ticket costs about 104 yuan/person, with online platforms (e.g., Trip.com, Ctrip) offering discounted prices around 94 yuan. Tickets are real-name registered, valid for three days, and allow multiple entries. Remember to carry your ID for verification.
· Accommodation Recommendations:
· Stay inside the village: Highly recommended! Early mornings and evenings are the most enchanting times in Hongcun. When daytime tour groups leave, the evening Moon Pond and deserted alleys in the morning are the true highlights. Many guesthouses converted from ancient residences are available, such as 'Deyue Pavilion' (windows overlooking Moon Pond) and 'Jushan Hall' (exquisite courtyard).
· Stay outside the village: Budget-conscious or self-driving visitors can opt for resorts around Qishu Lake, offering tranquil surroundings.
Unmissable Huizhou Cuisine
A visit to Hongcun is also a feast for your taste buds:
· Stinky Mandarin Fish: The signature dish of Huizhou cuisine, it smells pungent but tastes delicious, with tender meat resembling garlic cloves.
· Fermented Tofu: Artificially fermented tofu grows white fuzz, and when pan-fried, it’s crispy outside and tender inside, best enjoyed with spicy sauce.
· Free-range Chicken Soup: Locally raised chickens are used to make soup, incredibly fresh and flavorful. Most guesthouses offer it, with half a chicken costing around 50 yuan.
· Bamboo Shoots Braised Pork: Yi County is rich in bamboo shoots, which are thick and tender, paired with local pork for a perfect dish.
· Snack Recommendations: 'Crab Shell Yellow' pastries, Laba Tofu, and Osmanthus Rice Wine Dumplings.
Recommended Two-Day Itinerary (Leisurely Version)
Day 1: Discovering the Painted Village
· Afternoon: Arrive in Hongcun and check into a guesthouse. Start your exploration at South Lake, strolling across the Painted Bridge to South Lake Academy.
· Evening: Head to Moon Pond to admire the golden reflections at sunset and the moment the lanterns light up. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near Moon Pond.
· Night Tour: Wander along the canals, where lantern reflections create a unique charm. On weekends, you might encounter folk activities like fish lantern parades (especially rich during the Spring Festival).
Day 2: Morning Serenity and Nearby Exploration
· Early Morning (must wake up early): Before the crowds arrive, revisit Moon Pond and South Lake to capture the morning mist and reflections—this will be the highlight of your trip.
· Morning: Visit 'Folk Forbidden City' Chengzhi Hall, Wang Clan Ancestral Hall, and other interior attractions to admire Huizhou’s three carvings.
· Noon: Have lunch at the village entrance’s commercial street or popular restaurants like 'Qianli Yuan.'
· Afternoon (if time permits): Rent a bike to explore nearby Lucun (for wood-carved buildings and pastoral scenery) or Mukeng Bamboo Forest (the bamboo forest fight scene from 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'), about 20-30 minutes away.
Tips for Travelers
1. Cash: Some old shops or stalls in the village may only accept cash, so bring a small amount.
2. Luggage: If staying inside the village, dragging luggage on cobblestone roads can be challenging. Contact your guesthouse in advance to see if assistance is available.
3. Clothing: Mountain areas have significant temperature differences between day and night. Bring a light jacket or warm clothing regardless of the season.
4. Etiquette: When visiting ancient residences, avoid touching carvings. Some interiors may still be inhabited, so walk quietly.
The beauty of Hongcun lies not in hurried sightseeing but in taking the time to immerse yourself. Find a moment to plan a trip to ink-wash Huizhou, and you’ll discover that the poetic charm of ancient times is closer than you think.