Hongcun Ancient Village in Huangshan

Hongcun Ancient Village: An 800-Year-Old Water Village Designed Like a Cow

At the southern foot of Huangshan Mountain in Yi County, Anhui, lies an ancient village so picturesque that it has earned the nickname “the village in a Chinese painting.”

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hongcun is more than a collection of beautiful Huizhou houses. If Xidi is best known for its architectural details, ancestral halls and centuries-old family traditions, Hongcun is defined by something even more fundamental: water.

Designed in the shape of a resting ox, Hongcun is a living village whose waterways form its lifeblood. More than 800 years ago, its residents created an ingenious water system that still functions as an essential part of the village landscape today.

If you want to experience an ancient water village that seems to breathe with its surroundings, Hongcun is a place to slow down. Watch lanterns reflected in the crescent-shaped Moon Pond, wait for the morning mist above South Lake, and follow the sound of running water through the village to discover an extraordinary example of ancient Chinese water management.

An Ox-Shaped Village with an 800-Year-Old Water System

Hongcun was first established during the Southern Song Dynasty, more than 900 years ago. Today, approximately 137 Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings remain within the village.

What makes Hongcun particularly distinctive, however, is its ingenious ox-shaped water system.

Seen from above, the village resembles a green ox resting at the foot of the mountains:

• The surrounding mountain represents the ox's head
• Ancient trees at the entrance form its horns
• The traditional houses make up its body
• The crescent-shaped Moon Pond represents its stomach
• The network of waterways running through the village resembles its intestines
• South Lake forms the lower part of the body

The system was carefully designed around the natural topography.

Water enters from a dam northwest of the village and flows through a 1,268-meter-long water channel, passing through lanes and around houses.

The water was first used by villagers for daily needs, then flowed into Moon Pond, where it could settle before continuing toward South Lake.

Because Hongcun slopes naturally from north to south, the water system takes advantage of the elevation difference. The flowing water moves at a rate of approximately 21 meters per minute, keeping the channels constantly refreshed rather than stagnant.

The system served several practical purposes, including drinking water, drainage, irrigation and fire prevention, while also helping regulate the village's microclimate.

Architectural and water-management experts have described Hongcun as a living textbook for the study of ancient Chinese water engineering and an unusually well-planned traditional village.

More than eight centuries later, the system remains one of the most fascinating features of Hongcun.

Moon Pond and South Lake: Two Faces of Hongcun

Moon Pond: The Heart of the Village

Moon Pond (月沼) is the heart of Hongcun.

Located at the center of the village, the crescent-shaped pond is surrounded by traditional Huizhou houses. White walls and dark roofs are reflected on its calm surface, creating the appearance of an ancient bronze mirror polished by centuries of time.

During the day, Moon Pond feels like a traditional Chinese ink painting. The still water reflects the sky, clouds and distinctive horse-head walls of the surrounding houses.

After nightfall, the atmosphere changes completely.

Lanterns along the pond gradually light up, casting warm golden reflections across the water. The entire pond seems to become a floating town of lanterns.

For the best experience, stay overnight inside the village.

At around 6:30 AM, you may find yourself standing beside Moon Pond with almost no other visitors around. The still water, quiet lanes and early morning light reveal a completely different side of Hongcun.

South Lake: Hongcun's Classic View

If Moon Pond is the heart of Hongcun, South Lake (南湖) is its grand entrance and most recognizable landscape.

Located at the southern end of the village, the broad artificial lake opens up the landscape and creates a perfect foreground for the surrounding architecture.

A traditional Painting Bridge crosses the lake. It is also one of the filming locations associated with the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, where Li Mubai was filmed leading a horse across the bridge.

Early in the morning, when the mist has not yet disappeared, the surface of South Lake can become as smooth as silk. The bridge and surrounding buildings are reflected almost perfectly in the water.

As the sun rises and mountain breezes begin to move across the lake, the reflection gradually breaks apart, creating an entirely different play of light and shadow.

Chengzhi Hall: The “Folk Forbidden City” of Hongcun

Among Hongcun's historic residences, Chengzhi Hall (承志堂) is one of the most impressive.

Built during the late Qing Dynasty, the private residence is considered a masterpiece of Huizhou wood carving and is sometimes described by experts as a “Folk Forbidden City.”

The beams, doors, windows and railings are covered with extraordinarily detailed wooden carvings.

Figures, flowers, birds and scenes from traditional stories appear in layers throughout the building. Despite being more than a century old, much of the wood still retains a warm, polished appearance.

Walking through Chengzhi Hall is one of the best ways to understand why the Three Carvings of Huizhou — wood, brick and stone carving — are so highly regarded.

Hongcun's waterways may be what first captures your attention, but Chengzhi Hall demonstrates the extraordinary craftsmanship hidden inside its historic houses.

Hongcun Ancient Village Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

Hongcun can be visited year-round, but early morning and evening are particularly beautiful.

• March–April: Rapeseed flowers spread across the fields surrounding the village, creating the classic spring landscape of southern Anhui — golden fields against white walls and dark roofs.
• October–November: Autumn colors, clear skies and dry weather make this an excellent season for photography and walking.
• Rainy and misty days: Hongcun takes on a particularly poetic atmosphere. After rain, mist often hangs around the horse-head walls, while wet stone lanes reflect the surrounding architecture.
• July–August: Lotus flowers can be seen during summer, but the combination of heat and larger crowds can make the experience less comfortable.

Opening Hours

The ancient village itself is generally open 24 hours.

Indoor attractions such as Chengzhi Hall and South Lake Academy generally open from:

07:30–17:30

If you want to visit the main historic residences, it is best to enter before 17:00.

How Long to Stay

A 4–5 hour day trip is enough to cover the main highlights.

However, staying one night is strongly recommended.

Many organized tour groups leave around 3:00–4:00 PM. Once the daytime crowds disappear, Hongcun becomes much quieter, and its early mornings and evenings reveal a completely different atmosphere.

How to Get to Hongcun

By High-Speed Train

Take a high-speed train to Yixian East Railway Station.

From the station, take Bus No. 10 directly to the South Gate of Hongcun.

• Fare: approximately RMB 8
• Travel time: around 20 minutes
• Last bus: approximately 18:00

From Huangshan North Railway Station, tourist shuttle buses are also available.

• Travel time: approximately 1.5 hours
• Fare: around RMB 30

By Car

Navigate to the Hongcun Scenic Area Parking Lot.

Visitors can park at the South Gate parking area.

• Parking: approximately RMB 10 per day
• Private vehicles cannot enter the historic village itself.

Recommended Hongcun Walking Route

A convenient route through the village is:

South Gate → South Lake Painting Bridge → South Lake Academy → Water Channels → Moon Pond → Wang Family Ancestral Hall → Chengzhi Hall → Ancient Trees at the Village Entrance

The route is approximately 3 kilometers and forms a loop, so you do not need to retrace your steps.

A particularly enjoyable way to explore is to follow the water into the village and walk against its flow on the way out. This gives you a natural introduction to the ancient water system while allowing you to gradually discover the village's architecture.

Photography Tips

South Lake Painting Bridge is perhaps the most recognizable photographic viewpoint in Hongcun. Visit early in the morning when the water is still and the reflections are at their clearest.

At Moon Pond, try photographing during both daytime and nighttime.

During the day, the pond offers a classic ink-painting atmosphere. After dark, the illuminated lanterns create warm reflections across the water.

For a broader view of Hongcun's famous ox-shaped layout, climb to the Leigang Mountain Viewing Platform. The walk takes approximately 20 minutes, and from the top you can see the entire village spread out below.

Simple, light-colored linen or modern Chinese-style clothing works particularly well against Hongcun's monochrome architecture and water reflections.

Practical Tips for Visiting Hongcun

The stone lanes can become extremely slippery after rain.

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. High heels and wheeled suitcases are particularly inconvenient in the narrow lanes.

Many guesthouses inside Hongcun occupy converted historic residences. Rooms can be relatively small and sound insulation may not be ideal, but the experience of opening your window directly onto centuries-old architecture is difficult to replace.

If you stay inside the village, ask your guesthouse in advance whether the staff can collect your luggage with a small cart from the entrance.

Explore More Around Hongcun

Xidi Ancient Village

Xidi Ancient Village (西递) is approximately 20 minutes by car from Hongcun.

While Hongcun is famous for its water system and picturesque ponds, Xidi offers a stronger focus on architectural details, ancestral halls, family traditions and the intricate Three Carvings.

Visiting both villages provides an excellent comparison between two of southern Anhui's most important historic settlements.

Lucun Village

Lucun (卢村) is only about 2 kilometers from Hongcun, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.

The village is known for its surrounding terraced fields and the famous Wood Carving Tower, considered one of the outstanding examples of Huizhou wood carving.

During spring, the surrounding rapeseed fields add another layer of color to the landscape.

Bishan Village

For travelers looking for a quieter and more contemporary rural experience, Bishan Village (碧山村) is another good option.

Bishan Bookstore, created inside a century-old ancestral hall, combines traditional architecture with books, coffee and contemporary cultural activities.

Surrounded by open farmland and mountain scenery, the village offers a slower, more relaxed side of southern Anhui.

What to Eat in Hongcun

Food is another essential part of experiencing Hongcun.

Stinky Mandarin Fish (臭鳜鱼) is one of the signature dishes of Huizhou cuisine. Its fermented aroma can be surprisingly strong, but the fish has firm, tender meat and a rich savory flavor.

Fermented Tofu (毛豆腐) is another local specialty. The tofu develops a fermented outer layer before being fried until crisp, while the inside remains soft and tender. It is often served with chili sauce.

For traditional local dining, restaurants such as Tiandeng Canteen and Deyuelou near Moon Pond are known for classic Huizhou dishes including stinky mandarin fish and fermented tofu.

A meal typically costs around RMB 60–80 per person.

Restaurants in the residential area near the village entrance are often more affordable and home-style, with meals costing roughly RMB 50–70 per person.

Hongcun After Dark

After sunset, Moon Pond's lanterns and South Lake's nighttime scenery become some of the quietest and most atmospheric parts of Hongcun.

If you visit on a Saturday or during a traditional festival, you may also encounter local cultural activities such as fish-lantern processions.

Traditional lanterns moving through the narrow lanes create an atmosphere that is almost impossible to experience during the busy daytime hours.

Stay a Night and See the Real Hongcun

One of the least rewarding ways to experience Hongcun is to arrive in the middle of the afternoon, spend a few hours surrounded by tour groups, and leave before evening.

The character of this village is hidden in quieter moments.

It is there beside Moon Pond at 6:30 in the morning, when the water is still and the village is almost empty.

It is there in the warm glow of lanterns reflected on the pond after dark.

And it is there when you slowly follow the ancient water channel deeper into the village and suddenly hear the gentle sound of running water beside the old houses.

Hongcun is not simply a collection of beautiful buildings. It is a carefully designed village where water, architecture, landscape and daily life have been connected for more than eight centuries.

If you want to experience an ancient village in southern Anhui that is worth staying in rather than simply passing through, come to Hongcun.

Wait for the lanterns to light up beside Moon Pond, watch the morning mist lift from South Lake, and discover the ancient water system that has allowed this remarkable village to breathe for more than 800 years.