Hongcun Village in Huangshan

Hongcun Village Travel Guide

Hongcun, a nearly 900-year-old village in southern Anhui, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a “living painting” of Huizhou culture. Designed like a resting ox with flowing water channels, white-walled houses, and black-tiled roofs, the village combines ingenious water systems, historic architecture, and poetic scenery, offering an unforgettable cultural and visual experience.

Hongcun Scenic Area – Visitor Information

Address: Hongcun Town, Yi County, Huangshan, Anhui. For navigation, search for “Hongcun Scenic Area Parking Lot.” (中文地址：安徽省黄山市黟县宏村镇)

Tickets: Standard adult: 104 RMB per person; Ticket valid for 3 days from purchase, allowing multiple entries during this period

Opening Hours: Village open 24 hours; Key attractions (e.g., Chengzhi Hall, South Lake Academy) usually open 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Ticket offices and entry gates staffed at night for normal entry

Core Attractions & Must-Do Experiences

Hongcun's charm lies in the perfect blend of water and architecture, all within easy walking distance.

Water Landscapes

South Lake & Painting Bridge: Iconic mirrored lake with reflections of white walls and mountains; perfect for photography, especially in morning mist.

Moon Pond: Semi-circular pond at the village center, surrounded by Huizhou houses; magical reflections by day and lantern glow by night.

Architectural Gems

Chengzhi Hall: Late Qing mansion of a wealthy salt merchant, featuring exquisite wood, brick, and stone carvings.

 South Lake Academy: Historic village school by the lake, showcasing Hongcun’s scholarly heritage.

Wang Clan Ancestral Hall: Core site for understanding local clan culture, hosting rituals and ceremonies.

Cultural Experiences

Stroll the Waterways: Follow the flowing canals through village streets, experiencing daily life in Hongcun.

 Panoramic Views: Hike to Leigang Mountain for a full view of the village's "cow-shaped" layout.

Taste Local Hui Cuisine: Try specialties like stinky mandarin fish, Mao tofu, and braised bamboo shoots with pork.

Evening Activities: Enjoy performances like Hongcun: A Ju or festival lantern walks.

Suggested Routes & Duration

Half-Day / One-Day (3–4 hrs): South Lake → Painting Bridge → South Lake Academy → Moon Pond → Chengzhi Hall → optional Wang Clan Hall → Leigang Mountain viewpoint. Ideal for a quick cultural and scenic overview.

Two-Day Leisure (overnight): Day 1: Arrive, check in, sunset photos at Moon Pond, dinner, evening stroll/performance. Day 2: Early morning mist at South Lake, explore halls/courtyards, cultural activities.

Nearby Excursions

Taichuan Village: Famous for autumn colors, 2 km away.

Lucun Village: Known for traditional wooden architecture.

Huangshan Scenic Area: About 1 hour by car; great for hiking.

Best Time & Photography

Seasons: Spring (rapeseed blooms), Autumn (cool & colorful), Winter (quiet & snowy).

Photography tips: Sunrise, sunset, and early morning mist at South Lake and Moon Pond offer the best “ink painting” shots. Evening lanterns enhance night photography.

Luxury & Cultural Stays in and around Hongcun

1. Huizizai · Shanshui Cultural Inn (Hongcun)

Situated: Inside Hongcun, steps from South Lake

Features: Design-focused cultural inn blending Huizhou style with modern touches; elegant common areas, free afternoon tea, Hanfu experiences

Best For: Travelers seeking immersive village life, thoughtful service, and unique design

2. Hongcun Qingmei Society · Shili Spa Hotel

Situated: Just outside Hongcun, 5–10 min walk

Features: Huizhou-style garden resort with private hot springs, heated pool, and full-service facilities

Best For: Guests who value resort amenities and quiet, spacious surroundings

3. Banyan Tree Huangshan

Situated: Lucun, ~10 min drive from Hongcun

Features: International luxury resort in a scenic valley; villas & suites with panoramic village/mountain views; top-tier SPA & dining

Best For: Travelers seeking ultimate luxury, privacy, and world-class service

4. Huangshan Old Street Moye · Huangshan Jishe

Situated: Bishan Village, ~15 min drive from Hongcun

Features: Cultural design inn in a century-old Huizhou house; large common areas; craft & ink-making experiences

Best For: Young travelers & families interested in arts, culture, and immersive stays

How to Choose & Book

For immersive village life & design: Stay at Huizizai inside Hongcun to enjoy peaceful mornings and evenings.

For resort facilities & comfort: Choose Shili Spa Hotel or Banyan Tree Huangshan for pools, hot springs, and SPA experiences not available in village inns.

For combining Hongcun & nearby exploration: Banyan Tree or Moye Jishe serve as convenient bases for trips to Hongcun, Bishan, Xidi, and other attractions.

Plan a Tour to Hongcun

A Half-day tour of Hongcun Village is a must-visit for anyone visiting Huangshan, which is usually arranged before or after the visit to Yellow Mountain. An overnight stay in Hongcun provides a unique opportunity to experience the ancient architecture and quaint atmosphere of this charming village.

Another way to make the most out of your trip, consider combining your visit to Hongcun Village with a trip to Xidi Village. Xidi Village is another UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved ancient architecture and cultural heritage. A hiking or biking trip would also allow you to explore the stunning natural scenery surrounding the two villages, providing an unforgettable experience.

Classic Huangshan Tour – Culture and Landscape

4 Days Huangshan Tour to Experience Huizhou Culture 

Huangshan Cultural Tour

Huangshan Day Trip of Hongcun and Xidi Village