Hongcun Ancient Village: A UNESCO Heritage Site

Hongcun is a village located in Hongcun Town, Yixian County, Huangshan City, southern Anhui Province, near the southwestern slope of Huangshan Mountain. Founded during the Southern Song Dynasty, it boasts a history of over 900 years and is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as well as a national 5A-level tourist attraction. If you are passionate about ancient architecture, traditional Chinese water town scenery, or leisurely rural life, Hongcun Ancient Village is undoubtedly your top choice. Nestled at the foot of Huangshan Mountain in Anhui Province, Hongcun Ancient Village is renowned worldwide as a Huizhou ancient village, famous for its elegant white-walled and black-roofed houses. This comprehensive guide is your professional travel companion for Hongcun Ancient Village in 2026, specially tailored for your journey to Hongcun Ancient Village.

As a core scenic subsidiary of Huangshan tourist resort, Hongcun perfectly complements the grand mountain scenery of Huangshan. While Huangshan is celebrated for its magnificent granite peaks, strange pines, and sea of clouds, Hongcun presents a delicate and graceful humanistic landscape, forming a perfect combination of famous mountain and ancient village. Countless travelers who visit Huangshan will make a special trip to Hongcun to experience the distinctive charm of Huizhou water towns after exploring the grandeur of Huangshan Mountain.

History of Hongcun

The history of the ancient village of Hongcun dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty, with a history of over 900 years. Hongcun was founded in 1131 by Wang Wen, a general of the Southern Song Dynasty. Like the Hu family of Xidi, a neighboring village, the Wang family also developed into wealthy merchants, and the scale of Hongcun expanded rapidly between the 1400s and 1900s. Many buildings from this period are still preserved in the village today, such as Nanhu Academy, Leshu Hall, Chengzhi Hall, Sili Hall, and Shuren Hall.

What can be done in Hongcun Ancient Village

As one of the most representative ancient villages of Huizhou culture in China, Hongcun is not only suitable for sightseeing but more importantly for slowing down to experience the local humanities and lifestyle.

Taste the special dishes of Huizhou

When visiting Hongcun, you must not miss the local specialty dishes. Stinky Mandarin fish, hairy tofu, Huangshan crumpet, stone ear stewed chicken, and bamboo shoot braised pork are all representatives of Huizhou cuisine. Enjoying Huizhou cuisine while appreciating Huizhou-style architecture in the ancient village courtyard is also a rather unique travel experience.

Capture the Classic Reflection of Hongcun at Moon Pond

Located in the central area of Hongcun, the Moon Pond, known locally by this name, is the most beautiful and representative attraction of Hongcun. Just a glance reveals the charm of Hongcun. The calm water mirrors the white walls, black-tiled roofs, and ancient buildings, resembling an ink-wash painting. Countless photography enthusiasts and painters come here by reputation to sketch, take photos, and create, leaving behind breathtaking works of art for the world to appreciate.

Experience the night scenery of Hongcun

By day, Hongcun is bustling with tourists, but at night it adds a touch of tranquility. There's a small night market on the street, which mainly sells small handicrafts and snacks due to many students coming here for sketching. It has a unique charm and is worth a visit.

Hongcun Ancient Village Top 2026 Must-Visit Attraction

South Lake

South Lake is located to the south of Hongcun Ancient Village and is one of the first scenic spots to catch the eye upon entering the ancient village. In summer, lotus flowers bloom, creating a picturesque scene of lake and mountain views. In spring and autumn, the white-walled, black-roofed houses are reflected in the calm lake surface, forming beautiful, painting-like landscapes. It is highly recommended for both photography and leisurely strolling, and you can also take a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the scenery from the water. It is suggested to spend about 40 minutes here for a pleasant walk.

Yue Lake (Moonlit Pool)

Located at the center of Hongcun, Yue Lake is shaped like a cow's stomach and resembles a crescent moon. It was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). In the early morning, light mist shrouds the ancient houses, softening their outlines and creating an ethereal atmosphere. Local villagers still live around the lake, allowing visitors to experience authentic rural life here. It is also an ideal spot for taking classic postcard photos of Hongcun.

Chengzhi Hall

Chengzhi Hall is known as the 'People's Forbidden City' and is one of the most intact and largest Huizhou-style ancient mansions preserved in Hongcun. The entire building is wooden, with exquisite carvings on the wooden beams and wall panels. The themes of these carvings include natural landscapes, Chinese mythological stories, and scenes of daily life during the Qing Dynasty, many of which are gilded. Every beam, every window, and every courtyard embodies profound Huizhou culture and family traditions. Please keep quiet when visiting and do not touch the ancient decorations.

Cultural Experience

Traditional Craft Experience: Hui Prefecture boasts a long-standing culture of traditional craftsmanship. In Hongcun and its surrounding areas, tourists have the opportunity to experience traditional skills such as Hui woodcarving, bamboo weaving, making Hui ink, and hand-painting folding fans. Under the guidance of local artisans, visitors can personally complete their own handicrafts. This not only allows them to feel the intricacy and dedication of traditional craftsmanship but also helps them gain a deeper understanding of the historical inheritance of Hui culture, creating unique memories for their journey.

Enjoy Folk Performances: If you wish to gain a deeper understanding of Huizhou culture, consider watching traditional folk performances or the large-scale immersive show “Hongcun Ajú”held locally. With stunning visual effects combined with music and performances rich in local characteristics, these offerings present tourists with a cultural feast brimming with regional charm, allowing them to more profoundly experience the humanistic allure of Huizhou.

Sketching and Photography Creation: Hongcun, hailed as 'the Chinese Village in a Painting,' attracts a large number of photographers and art enthusiasts every year to create their works. Tourists can slowly stroll through the ancient village, using their lenses to capture the changing light and shadows, or sit by the lake to sketch and paint, capturing the most authentic and natural beauty of Hongcun in a peaceful environment, and enjoy the unique experience of combining art with travel.

Tickets and Opening Hours

· Regular ticket: 104 yuan per person                               · Student ticket: 52 yuan per person (with student ID)

· Senior ticket: 52 yuan per person; free for those aged 65 and above      · Children under 1.2 meters tall: free entry

Opening Hours

· The general daily opening hours are from 07:30 to 17:30, and it is open all year round.

· This village is open to tourists 24 hours a day, allowing night visits and early morning tours.

· It is suitable for arranging half-day to full-day visits, with all main attractions accessible on foot.

our Route / How to Visit

Visiting the ancient village of Hongcun takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Tourists can refer to our suggested route: Scenic Area Entrance → South Lake → South Lake Academy → Moon Pond → Chengzhi Hall → Ancient Stone Alley → Shuren Hall → Scenic Area Exit

After entering through the scenic area entrance, first stroll along South Lake to enjoy the lake views, mountain scenery, and reflections of Huizhou-style architecture. Then visit the South Lake Academy to learn about traditional Huizhou educational culture. Continue to the iconic Yuezao Moon Pond, a landmark of Hongcun, to capture the most representative reflections of the ancient village. Next, enter Chengzhi Hall to appreciate exquisite Huizhou-style wooden carvings. Finally, wander through the ancient stone lanes to experience the peaceful living atmosphere of the ancient village, concluding a relaxing half-day tour.You can also join our travel group, and we will arrange everything for you.

Our E-mail:Email: [email protected]   WhatsApp:+86 15347723823 ,  ++86 15347723823

You can refer to one of our recommended tour itineraries.

4 Days Huangshan Highlight with Tunxi & Hongcun Tour

Local Expert Travel Guide

· Etiquette: Many old houses are still inhabited by local residents. Do not enter private courtyards without permission and please keep quiet.

· Walking is the main way to sightsee in the village, so please wear comfortable shoes.

· During the peak tourist season, homestays and hotels around Hongcun are very popular. It is recommended to book accommodation and tickets in advance to avoid affecting your itinerary due to large crowds.

· Toilets can be easily found near the village entrance and major attractions.

· The morning and evening are the best times to enjoy Hongcun's scenery, with soft lighting making the reflections in Yuezha Pond and Nan Lake clearer. These are also the ideal times for photography and experiencing the ancient village atmosphere.

In conclusion

whether strolling through the ancient cobblestone alleys, admiring the moonlight reflections in the pond, savoring Huizhou cuisine, or embracing a slow-paced lifestyle, Hongcun always offers a rare sense of tranquility and beauty. If you have the chance to visit Huangshan, consider spending a day there—slow down and truly appreciate the unique charm of this ancient village that has endured for centuries.With proper planning, Huangshan will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for China's natural and cultural heritage,Welcome to join our tour group and enjoy a unique travel experience.

Our E-mail:Email: [email protected]   WhatsApp:+86 15347723823 ,  ++86 15347723823

FAQ

Why is Hongcun Ancient Village so famous?

Hongcun Ancient Village is famous for its exceptionally preserved Huizhou architecture, centuries-old water system, and picturesque scenery that resembles a traditional Chinese ink painting. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and is also known as a filming location for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

How much time do you need to visit Hongcun Ancient Village?

Most visitors spend 2–4 hours exploring Hongcun Ancient Village. If you enjoy photography, traditional culture, or quiet village life, staying overnight allows you to experience the peaceful atmosphere before the daytime crowds arrive

What are the must-see attractions inside Hongcun Ancient Village?

The highlights include Moon Pond, South Lake, Chengzhi Hall, South Lake Academy, and the narrow stone alleys lined with traditional Hui-style residences. Walking through the ancient waterways and historic courtyards is one of the best ways to experience the village.

What is the best time to visit Hongcun Ancient Village?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Early morning is especially recommended for photographers, as the mist and reflections on Moon Pond create stunning views before tour groups arrive.

How can I get to Hongcun Ancient Village from Huangshan?

The easiest way is to take a bus or taxi from Huangshan North Railway Station or Tangkou Town. Direct tourist buses operate daily, making Hongcun a popular day trip destination from Mount Huangshan.

Is Hongcun Ancient Village worth visiting?

Yes. Hongcun is considered one of China's most beautiful ancient villages, combining rich history, traditional Huizhou culture, and breathtaking landscapes. It is an excellent destination for history lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience in Anhui Province.