Hongcun Ancient Village

Hongcun is a beautifully preserved 900-year-old village in the shadow of Yellow Mountain, laid out in the shape of an ox according to feng shui, with a system of canals that still runs water past every doorstep. Its whitewashed walls, dark-tiled roofs and reflecting pond are among the most photographed scenes in China.

The village is a masterpiece of Hui-style architecture — carved wooden houses, tranquil courtyards and the famous Moon Pond and South Lake, which mirror the buildings in still water. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, often visited together with the neighbouring village of Xidi and as a base for Yellow Mountain.

Hongcun is small and walkable, best enjoyed by staying overnight to see it before and after the day-trippers arrive.

From Huangshan city or the high-speed rail station, take a bus to Yi County or a direct shuttle to Hongcun. The village is a short walk from the parking area. It is often combined with Yellow Mountain, with buses and taxis connecting the two.

Enter through the South Lake, photograph the reflected houses, then wander the canals to the Moon Pond and the old clan halls. In the afternoon, visit the neighbouring village of Xidi, then return to Hongcun for the evening, when the day-trippers leave and the lanterns come on.

Stay inside the village in a converted courtyard guesthouse for the full experience — waking to the empty lanes and the morning light over the ponds is the highlight. Guesthouses are affordable and atmospheric. Staying outside the village gates is cheaper but less magical.

• Stay overnight to see the village before and after the crowds.
• Morning is the best time to photograph the ponds.
• Pair Hongcun with the neighbouring village of Xidi.
• Bring your ticket — it may be checked when re-entering.
• The canals and paths are uneven; wear comfortable shoes.