Hongcun Village

The natural beauty that encompasses Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, defined by granite peaks and dense forests, is regarded as one of China’s most popular scenic destinations. 

Resting at the southwestern foot of Huangshan is the largely preserved Hongcun Village. Established during the Southern Song Dynasty, the village has endured more than 900 years of history. The village functioned during ancient times as the only connection to Beijing in Yixian County, the province in which it is located.  

From a planning perspective, the town takes on the visual resemblance of a cow. Leigang Mountain represents the head, while thick green foliage spread atop the mountain represents a horn, jagged rows of buildings form the beasts body, a sparkling lake depicts a stomach, winding canals represent twisted intestines and four wooden bridges on the outskirts of the village resemble four legs.  The picturesque backdrop of tree-lined mountains and rice fields sprawling in the distance create the image of a sleeping cow off in the fields. 

The attractions within Hongcun Village are scattered throughout winding system of narrow streets and alleyways blanketed in granite paving stones. The village is centered around the Moon Pond, a crescent-shaped reflective pond representative of the cow’s heart. Intact within the village are 158 domestic residences, all built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The residences built during the Qing Dynasty are of particular significance because of their functional design and artistic craftsmanship. 

Unique to Hongcun Village is an integrated system of internal waterways that divert flowing water to each private residence. Such historically innovative irrigation and architectural techniques led to the selection of Hongcun Village as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  

While exploring Hongcun Village Chengzhi Hall, also known as the Folk Summer Palace, Dongzian Hall, Moon Pond and the Southern Lake are all worth a visit.