Hongcun Village宏村

Overview

Hongcun in Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui, was founded in 1131 during the Southern Song Dynasty — nearly 900 years of history. It's famous for its unique ox-shaped village layout: mountain as head, trees as horns, houses as body, bridges as legs, Moon Pond as stomach, and canals as intestines. The ingenious water system provides both practical use and stunning beauty. White-walled, grey-tiled Hui-style buildings reflect in Moon Pond like an ink-wash painting. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage in 2000 with Xidi. Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon filmed here, bringing global fame.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Moon Pond

Heart of Hongcun's water system, a crescent pond. Hui-style buildings reflect perfectly in the water, art students gather here. Hongcun's most iconic scene.

South Lake

Large lake at village entrance with the iconic Painting Bridge. This is where Li Mu Bai walks his horse in Crouching Tiger. Summer lotus blooms create a picturesque scene.

Chengzhi Hall

Hongcun's finest ancient residence, called 'Folk Forbidden City'. 2,100 sqm with 60 rooms. Exquisite wood carvings testify to Hui merchants' wealth.

Water Canals

Canal system running through the entire village, clear water flows past every doorstep. Villagers still use it for washing — the soul of Hongcun's water system.

Food & Snacks

Stinky Mandarin Fish

Signature Hui dish. Mandarin fish fermented for a unique aroma — 'smells stinky, tastes amazing'. Fish meat separates into garlic-clove-like pieces, incredibly flavorful.

Hairy Tofu

Unique Huizhou delicacy. Fermented tofu grows white mold, pan-fried until golden — crispy outside, creamy inside. Dip in chili sauce.

Huizhou Meatballs

Glutinous rice wrapped around pork filling and steamed, crystal clear. Traditional banquet dish with soft, sticky, savory flavor.

Huangshan Baked Cake

Multi-layered thin crispy cake, crispy outside and soft inside. With preserved vegetable pork filling or sweet versions. Famous Huizhou pastry.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui - Xidi and Hongcun (2000) — Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage in 2000. Hongcun's unique ox-shaped water system and well-preserved Hui architecture showcase rural settlement in southern Anhui from 14th-20th centuries.
• Hui-style Architecture Craftsmanship (2008) — Hui architecture features wooden frames, horse-head walls, white walls and grey tiles, with masterful brick, wood, and stone carvings. Hongcun is an outstanding example.
• Huizhou Three Carvings (2006) — Brick, stone, and wood carvings form the soul of Hui architecture. Chengzhi Hall's wood carvings represent the pinnacle of Huizhou wood carving art.

Practical Tips