Hongcun (宏村), meaning "Hong Village", is a picturesque village located in Hongcun Town, Yi County, Huangshan City, within the historical Huizhou region of southern Anhui Province, China. Nestled near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan, this ancient village became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 along with Xidi, celebrated for its exceptional preservation of feudal Chinese rural architecture and planning.
Hongcun's unique layout, designed to resemble an ox with Leigang Hill as the head and two trees on it as horns, adds to its mystique. Four bridges spanning the Jiyin stream represent the legs, while the houses form the body. Inside this "body", the Jiyin stream serves as the intestines, and various lakes such as Nanhu act as other internal organs. A 400-year-old waterway connects every household to the town's water sources, with streets paved with original Yi County granite.
Hongcun Village Scenic Area
Address: No. 003, Qianjie Street, Hongcun Scenic Area, Hongcun Town, Yi County, Huangshan City
Best Time to Visit: All year round
Recommended Visiting Time: 2~3 hours
Opening Hours: 24/7
Ticket: 104 RMB per person, valid for 3 days
History of Hongcun Village
Established in 1131 during the Southern Song dynasty by General Wang Wen, Hongcun's history is deeply intertwined with that of the Wang family, who grew prosperous as merchants over the centuries. The village flourished between the 15th and 20th centuries, leaving behind approximately 150 residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties renowned for their exquisite architecture and carvings. One notable residence open to visitors, Chenzhi Hall, also houses a small museum showcasing the village's rich past.
Ancestral Hall & Cenotaph
Central to the social structure of Hongcun is the ancestral hall, a place where clansmen would gather for ceremonies and rituals honoring their ancestors. The ancestral hall reflects the importance of filial piety and clan cohesion in traditional Chinese society. These halls are not only architectural treasures but also serve as a repository of cultural heritage, embodying the values and traditions passed down through generations.
Hongcun Local Delicacies
Hongcun's culinary scene is characterized by dishes that reflect its local agricultural bounty and the flavors of the Huizhou cuisine tradition. We can find typical local dishes in Hongcun Village like the Hairy Tofu (Mao Toufu). It is a traditional fermented food in the Huizhou region, known as the "first monster of Huizhou". This tofu naturally develops white fuzz during the production process, thanks to the growth of beneficial bacteria under specific temperature and humidity conditions. Maotofu has a unique taste. After frying, its surface is golden and crispy and its interior is fresh and tender. It has a taste similar to Western cheese and a flavour of fermented bean curd.
Seasonal Scenery of Hongcun Village
The beauty of Hongcun changes with the seasons, each bringing its own charm. In spring, the village comes alive with blossoming peach and plum trees, creating a canvas of pink and white blooms against the backdrop of ancient gray-brick houses. Summer sees lush greenery enveloping the area, while autumn paints the landscape in vibrant hues of red and gold as leaves change color. Winter transforms the village into a serene snow-covered wonderland, especially enchanting when viewed from the nearby Leigang Hill or beside the tranquil waters of South Lake (Nanhu).
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