Hongcun village sits in Yixian county, Huangshan city, Anhui province. Founded during the Shaoxing Period of the Southern Song Dynasty, it is celebrated as "a village seemingly lifted from a traditional Chinese painting." In 2000, Hongcun was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.

Autumn scenery of Hongcun

The village's overall layout resembles an ox: Leigang Hill forms the head; two ancient trees at the entrance serve as the horns; Moon Pond is the ox's stomach; South Lake is the ox's belly; winding water channels are the intestines; the residential buildings form the body; and four ancient bridges act as the legs. Locals vividly describe the scene as "the hill as the head, trees as horns, bridges as four hooves, houses as the body."

Hongcun Photo by Cheng Daliang

The village offers picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, well‑preserved ancient charm, and simple folk customs. More than 140 residential buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties remain intact. The architecture features Hui‑style white walls and black tiles with upturned eaves. Notably, Chengzhi Hall is famed for its exquisite "three carvings" (wood, stone, and brick) and magnificent decoration, earning it the nickname "the Folk Forbidden City."

South Lake of Hongcun

Notable attractions in Hongcun include Morning at South Lake; Reading at the Academy; Lotus Breeze at Moon Pond; Winding Water Channels; Twin Streams Reflecting Green; Ancient Trees in Front of the Pavilion; and Sunset at Leigang Hill. South Lake, Hongcun's iconic landmark, is shaped like a large bow and features a two-tiered causeway with a painted bridge at its center—famously seen in the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Moon Pond is a crescent-shaped pool framed by Hui-style buildings; at dusk, when lights come on, it resembles an ink-wash painting. South Lake Academy is a traditional Huizhou school where visitors can experience the atmosphere of scholars' studies. A stroll along the winding water channels offers a glimpse of daily village life—washing clothes, brewing tea, and other simple rhythms.

South Lake