Hongcun Travel Guide

Explore the culturally important attractions, natural wonders, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, and logistics of Hongcun through this comprehensive guide.


Introduction to Hongcun

Nestled in the south-central Chinese province of Anhui, Hongcun is a picturesque village that embodies traditional Chinese architecture and culture. Its well-preserved buildings and surrounding landscaped gardens have earned it a place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hongcun is known for its extensive array of ancient waterways, indigenous food, and silk production. Its most notable feature is the Moon Pool in the center of the village, which is said to resemble the outline of a resting water buffalo. Hongcun has also gained international recognition for being the filming site of the Oscar-winning movie, ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’.

List of Places to Visit in Hongcun

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums, and Historical Places

  • Moon Pond - One of the defining features of Hongcun, the Moon Pond is shaped like a buffalo and is a popular tourist attraction.

  • Liyu Pond - A serene lake surrounded by ancient buildings.

  • Hongcun Ancient Village - Explore the architecture, waterways, and history of the village.

  • Chengzhi Hall - The ancestral hall of the Cheng family in Hongcun, known for its unique architecture.

  • South Lake - A tranquil area with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and waterways.

  • Leigang Hill - A hill known for its beautiful scenery and the best spot to get a panoramic view of the entire village.

  • Nanhu Academy - A famous academy that was used as a means of higher education during ancient times and one of the best preserved in China.

Natural Attractions of Hongcun: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Huangshan - A stunning mountain range with several hiking trails, especially famous for its sunrise and magnificent sea of clouds.

  • Yixian County - A neighboring county with several historic attractions and outdoor activities.

  • Xidi Village - A neighboring village that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning examples of ancient Chinese architecture and gardens.

  • Jasmine Garden - A charming park with beautiful jasmine flowers in bloom in the springtime.

  • Longchong Scenic Area - A beautiful natural area with waterfalls and hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hongcun

Hongcun offers several beautiful hiking and biking routes for adventurous visitors to explore. Some of the top options include:

  • The Ancient Path to Xidi - A peaceful hike through beautiful scenic countryside, starting at Xidi Village and ending in Hongcun.

  • Tangmo Ancient Town and Hongcun Village - A route that includes two ancient towns known for their unique architecture and cool natural surroundings.

  • Mount Huangshan Circuit - A challenging route that involves a multiple-day hike through Huangshan National Park and Mount Huangshan, offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Best Things to Do in Hongcun: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do in Hongcun, such as:

  • Chinese Medicine Massage - A popular relaxing activity that is offered in several spas and hotels in Hongcun.

  • Silk Tourism - A local specialty is producing and processing high-end silk products. Visitor can join tours to experience the whole process.

  • Cycling Tours - A great way to explore the surrounding areas of Hongcun is by bike. Several cycling tours are available to offer visitors the chance to explore deeper and in a unique way.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hongcun

Day 1: Arrival and tour around Hongcun Village. Day 2: Visit Mount Huangshan for a full-day hiking experience. Day 3: Explore Chengkan Old Town and Tangmo Ancient Village. Day 4: Take in the sunrise at the peak of Mount Huangshan and spend the day hiking. Day 5: Try traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting courses. Day 6: Visit the neighbouring Yixian County to explore and take part in water-related activities. Day 7: Departure.

Food and Drink Scene in Hongcun

Must-Try Dishes

  • Boshan Dog Meat - A local specialty that is slightly sweet and similar to beef. It is prepared with soy sauce and ginger.

  • Stir-Fried Kidney Beans - A popular vegetarian dish made with home-grown green beans, garlic sauce, and bamboo shoots.

  • Sweet Osmanthus Flower Cake - A traditional dessert made with glutinous rice and infused with fragrant Osmanthus flowers.

Local Beverages

  • Green Tea - A popular type of tea produced locally in the nearby Huangshan Mountains.

  • Huangjiu - A yellow rice wine that has been produced in the nearby region for thousands of years.

  • Ginger Soup - A traditional Chinese health drink made with fresh local ginger.

Where to Stay in Hongcun: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There is a range of accommodation in Hongcun, from quaint guesthouses to high-end hotels.

  • Hongcun Nichang Hostel - A clean and well-maintained hostel in the center of the village.

  • Hongcun Xinyi Inn - A traditional guesthouse with unique architecture and nearby attractions.

  • Xiangxigu Resort Hotel - A luxury resort with high-quality facilities and excellent views of the surrounding countryside.

What to Buy in Hongcun: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hongcun is known for its unique handicrafts, such as silk, woodwork, and rice paper. Visitors can also purchase local specialty snacks, such as Huangshan Maofeng Tea, Tonifying Soup, and local honey.

Local Culture and Customs of Hongcun

Hongcun has a rich cultural heritage that visitors can learn more about, particularly when it comes to traditional Chinese architecture and traditional Chinese living. Visitors are expected to respect the customs and traditions of Hongcun, such as removing shoes when entering homes, and respecting the ancient ways of living, particularly in the older parts of the village.

Best Time to Visit Hongcun

The best time to visit Hongcun is from March to November, particularly in the spring when the flowers are in bloom, and the air is crisp and fresh. In the fall, the mountainous regions see a spectacular foliage display, with leaves turning shades of orange, red, and gold.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hongcun

Do:

  • Respect the cultural heritage sites and traditions of Hongcun.

  • Try local delicacies and souvenirs.

  • Take precautions against sunburn and ticks when hiking or cycling.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the village or surrounding natural areas.

  • Touch or damage the ancient buildings or artifacts.

  • Disturb the animals or natural surroundings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hongcun

Hongcun is a relatively safe place to visit, but visitors should take precautions against theft and crime. Visitors should also take precautions while hiking or exploring the natural areas of Hongcun, such as bringing appropriate clothing, footwear, and hydration.

Health in Hongcun

The local tap water in Hongcun is not safe for drinking, so visitors should only consume bottled water. Visitors should also bring adequate medication and sunscreen.

Getting to Hongcun: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hongcun

The nearest airport is Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, which is approximately a 90-minute drive from Hongcun.

Bus Stations Near Hongcun

The nearest bus stations are those in Tunxi and Huangshan City, which provide buses to Hongcun.

Other Options

Private shuttle services and taxi rentals are other available options for visitors to get to Hongcun.

How to Get Around in Hongcun

The traditional way to get around in Hongcun is to walk or cycle. The village is small and can be easily navigated on foot or by bicycle. Private taxis and shuttles are available for individuals traveling farther than the village.

Where to Go Next from Hongcun: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Xidi Village - A neighbouring village that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and within reasonable distance.

  • Tunxi - A historical city with many ancient-age buildings and an exciting nightlife.

  • Yellow Mountain - Spectacular scenery is available at the top of this mountain, with hiking trails that will take anywhere from a few hours to a whole day. It is located around 2 hours away.

Conclusion

Hongcun is a unique and charming Chinese village that is worth visiting, particularly for those interested in traditional Chinese architecture and culture. Visitors can enjoy the range of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and local cuisine. For an authentic and engaging Chinese travel experience, Hongcun has it all.

Main entrance to the ancient village of Hongcun Main entrance to the ancient village of Hongcun Typical Anhui style houses reflected in the pond. Typical Anhui style houses reflected in the pond.