Hongcun Village

Old Town · 安徽省 · 宏村

Hongcun Village

Huangshan

Hongcun Village · ChinaMazing

Discover

Core Sights

The essential sights — what they are, and when to go.

South Lake

Sight 1

South Lake

南湖

South Lake is located at the southern end of Hongcun, an artificial lake built during the Ming Dynasty and a vital part of the village's water system. Its crystal-clear waters mirror the Hui-style ancient buildings with white walls and dark tiles, creating a picturesque scene against the green mountains in the distance. Along the embankment, weeping willows sway gently, while a bridge shaped like a crescent moon connects the two shores, evoking the timeless charm of Hui architecture. The Nanhu Academy, built beside the lake, once served as a lecturing venue for local scholars and literati. With scenery that changes beautifully across the four seasons, this spot is particularly popular among photographers and sketch artists, making it an ideal place to experience the tranquil beauty of the Huizhou water towns.

Moon Pond

Sight 2

Moon Pond

月沼

Yuezhao (Moon Pond) lies at the heart of Hongcun and represents the essence of the village. This crescent-shaped pool, built in the Ming Dynasty, is surrounded by traditional Huizhou residences. The white walls and dark tiles reflect in the water, forming a classic ink-wash painting. As a key node in Hongcun's water system, Yuezhao serves to store water, prevent fires, and regulate the local climate, embodying the ancient wisdom of building in harmony with nature. At dawn, with a light mist, or at dusk, when lanterns begin to glow, the scenery is especially enchanting—making it an ideal spot for photography and for experiencing the tranquil charm of Huizhou.

Chengzhi Hall

Sight 3

Chengzhi Hall

承志堂

Chengzhi Hall. As the largest residential building from the Qing Dynasty in Hongcun, Chengzhi Hall is renowned as the "Folk Forbidden City." This lavish Huizhou merchant mansion is celebrated for its exquisite woodcarvings, with intricate depictions of figures, flowers, birds, and theatrical scenes adorning the halls, doors, windows, and beams. The craftsmanship is elaborate, showcasing the pinnacle of Huizhou architecture and carving artistry. Its layout is well-planned and airy, serving both residential and exhibition purposes. Strolling through the hall, visitors can sense the wealth and refined tastes of Huizhou merchants during their heyday, making it an essential stop for understanding Huizhou culture.

South Lake Academy

Sight 4

South Lake Academy

南湖书院

South Lake Academy. Located on the shores of South Lake in Hongcun, the South Lake Academy was first built during the Ming Dynasty and served as a place where the children of ancient Hongcun studied ritual and learning. The academy complex includes the Hall of Aspiration and the Wenchang Pavilion, featuring white walls, dark tiled roofs, and upturned eaves, with exquisite wood and stone carvings that make it a quintessential example of Huizhou architecture. Passing through the academy, one can gaze upon the clear waters of South Lake and the distant mountain reflections, immersing oneself in the tranquility and scholarly charm of this ancient Jiangnan village. It stands not only as a testament to traditional Chinese education but also as an important window into Huizhou culture.

Jingxiu Hall

Sight 5

Jingxiu Hall

敬修堂

Jingxiu Hall. Jingxiu Hall is a typical Huizhou-style residential building in Hongcun, built during the Qing Dynasty, and is renowned for its exquisite wood, brick, and stone carvings. The hall features a well-organized layout, while its skylight cleverly channels natural light, reflecting the elegance and practicality of Huizhou merchant residences. Visitors can soak in the everyday atmosphere of a traditional Huizhou household, admire the delicate carvings on doors, windows, beams, and pillars, and gain insight into the superb craftsmanship of ancient artisans. As a vital component of Hongcun's ancient architectural complex, Jingxiu Hall embodies the distinctive charm of Huizhou architecture—"white walls, black tiles, and horse-head walls"—making it an ideal gateway to exploring Huizhou culture.

Red and White Ancient Trees

Sight 6

Red and White Ancient Trees

红白古树

The Red-White Ancient Trees. By the ancient water system of Hongcun, two centuries-old trees stand facing each other—one red, one white. The red one blazes like fire, the white one gleams like snow. They serve as the village's feng shui trees and a communal space for residents. Beneath them, sketchers and villagers at rest often gather, making this an excellent spot to experience the everyday life of Hongcun and the ecology of a Huizhou village. The striking contrast of the red and white trees shifts with the seasons, with spring's new leaves and autumn's crimson foliage each adding their own charm—well worth a stroll around the village to fully appreciate.