Hongcun Village: Best Time to Visit & Top Highlights
Situated at the foot of Huangshan, Hongcun Village is celebrated as the "Venice of the East" for its harmonious layout of waterways and village streets. The old houses are built along the banks, and the reflection of the white walls and black tiles creates a beautiful, special scene. It's a place where you can genuinely connect with the village's traditional and simple lifestyle. Keep reading to discover the various seasonal beauties of Hongcun Village and its unmissable highlights.
Hongcun's Old Buildings Reflect in the Lake
Basic Information of Hongcun Village
Hongcun Village's Entrance
Hongcun Village is an ancient village in Huangshan, Anhui Province, with a history spanning several centuries. It's renowned for its well-preserved Hui-style architecture and unique water system layout. The entire village is cleverly structured to look like an ox, where the surrounding mountain is the head, the trees are the horns, the bridges represent the hooves, and the houses are its body.
It's also a famous filming location for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which has made it an even more popular place to visit today.
Opening Time: All Day
Recommended Duration: Half a day
Entrance Fee: 104 RMB (15 USD). The ticket is valid for 3 days and allows multiple entries.
Best Time to Visit Hongcun Village
The best times to visit Hongcun Village are from late March to early April and from October to November. These seasons have pleasant weather and picturesque views, which are excellent for hiking, enjoying flowers, and photography. To ensure you choose the best time for your trip, we have prepared a summary of Hongcun Village's seasonal highlights.
September to November: Best Time to Visit
Hongcun Village in Autumn
Autumn is the most beautiful season in Hongcun Village. The air feels cool and fresh, and the golden light makes everything shine, perfect for photos. During this time, villagers follow an old tradition called “sun-drying.” They spread pumpkins, red chili peppers, and corn outside their white-walled homes. The bright colors bring the village to life and make it look like a picture. Early mornings are especially lovely when soft mist and sunlight fill the streets and create a calm, dreamlike scene.
March to May: Rape Flowers Bloom
Hongcun Village in Spring
During this period, Hongcun Village is full of vitality. From early March to late April, the rape flowers are in full bloom, painting the village and fields a bright yellow. As the breeze passes, the waves of flowers gently sway, bees buzz around, and birdsong fills the air. The weather is comfortable, making it an ideal time to experience spring rural life.
June to August: Lotus Season in Full Bloom
Hongcun Village in Summer
In summer, daytime temperatures in Hongcun Village can reach around 30℃. The noon hours can be very hot, but the mornings and evenings offer a pleasant coolness, ideal for walking along the water. July and August are the summer holidays, so the village can be crowded. But don't worry, you can still see beautiful scenery here. This is the time when the ponds are full of lotus leaves, and you will see rows of art students drawing by the lake. If you're traveling with kids, you can join them in playing in the small stream to cool off and observe the little fish and shrimp. We advise you to pack sun protection and plan your activities to avoid the hottest part of the day (noon). This will make your visit more enjoyable.
December to February: Winter Snow Scenery
With fewer visitors, Hongcun Village is exceptionally calm and peaceful in the winter. Especially after a snowfall, when a thin blanket of snow covers the rooftops and paths. Although it can be cold, this is a great time to avoid the crowds and better appreciate the village, which looks like a classical ink wash painting.
Highlights of Hongcun Village
Nanhu Lake (South Lake)
Nanhu Lake of Hongcun in Winter
Entering from the South Gate, the first sights that greet you are Nanhu Lake (South Lake) and Hua Bridge. A must-do experience is to see the morning mist over the lake. We recommend staying overnight in the village to fully enjoy its peaceful charm. During the day, you might spot art students sketching by the lake, adding a lively touch to the ancient streets.
You can also catch the Fish Lantern Parade at around 6:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays (except rainy days). This lively event breaks the village’s usual quiet and reveals a completely different, vibrant side of Hongcun.
Nanhu Academy
Education Hall of Nanhu Academy, Hongcun
Located on the north bank of Nanhu Lake, Nanhu Academy once served as a traditional educational center. The entire academy is divided into six sections, including the lecture hall, reading areas, and rest areas. Inside the courtyard, you will see beautifully preserved wood carvings and painted decorations, which often depict numerous patterns symbolizing good fortune. It's recommended that you take your time exploring to fully appreciate the academic atmosphere where ancient scholars dedicated themselves to knowledge.
Moon Pond
Moon Pond in Hongcun Village
Moon Pond is located at the center of Hongcun Village, representing the "ox stomach" in the village's ox-shaped layout, and is shaped like a crescent moon. The view changes beautifully throughout the day. In the early morning, the water is as still as glass, with the slightest ripples disturbing the surface. At noon, the sunlight makes the reflection of the white walls and black tiles incredibly sharp. In the evening, the sunset illuminates the entire water surface with a soft, golden light. As you walk along the bank, observing the shifts in light and reflection, you will realize that Hongcun's beauty extends far beyond its traditional buildings.
Chengzhi Hall
Chengzhi Hall is the largest architectural complex in Hongcun Village, earning it the nickname "The Forbidden City of the Common People." It was once the residence of the wealthiest man in Anhui at the time. The mansion consists of 28 meticulously arranged rooms, including skywells, a fish pond, and a game room. The wood carvings in the halls are truly magnificent, featuring detailed figures with lifelike expressions. It is said that the now-faded gold foil decorations within the building required about 5 kilograms of gold and took over four years to complete. When visiting, be sure to look up at the intricate carving details on the roof beams and doors, where you can discover many lively scenes.
How to Get to Hongcun Village
Hongcun Village Parking Lot
Hongcun is very close to Huangshan, only about a 40-minute drive. We recommend visiting Hongcun after exploring Huangshan. If you prefer to go directly, you can take a high-speed train to Yixian East Station, then a 40-minute bus ride to the village.
For a smoother and more comfortable experience, we can arrange a personalized tour for you, complete with a private car and a local guide, so you can travel without worrying about transportation or language barriers.
Nearby Attractions
Mystical Huangshan Cloud Seas
- Mukeng Bamboo Forest: Just a 15-minute drive from Hongcun Village. It has a dense bamboo forest with walking trails. The temperature is relatively cool, especially in summer, making it ideal for escaping the heat. Rest stops and viewing platforms are placed along the route for you to enjoy the scenery.
- Xidi Ancient Village: Located about 10 km northwest of Hongcun Village, approximately a 20-minute drive. It is renowned for its well-preserved cluster of Hui-style buildings and is celebrated as a miniature of traditional Chinese culture. Like Hongcun, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): About a 40-minute drive from Hongcun Village. This is one of Anhui's most famous natural attractions, known for its unique pine trees, strangely shaped rocks, mystical cloud seas, and hot springs. You have the option to ride a cable car or hike to explore its wonders.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Have a Great Time at Hongcun Village
Explore the most beautiful scenery of Hongcun Village with China Odyssey Tours. We can customize a private itinerary for you, providing both a private car and an English guide. Please contact us or email us at trip@odynovotours.com if you'd like to book or learn more.
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