Charming Anhui

Hongcun Village

Updated: 2010-06-04 10:53

Moon Pond

Hongcun Village lies in Yixian county, set against the extending part of Huangshan Mountain.

Admission ticket price:   80 yuan at peak season (Mar 1--Nov 30)   65 yuan at off-peak season (Dec 1--Feb 28)  Tel:    86-559-5556-666; 86-559-5553-333

This village is a key historical monument under state protection, a historic and cultural village of China, and one of China's top 10 most beautiful villages. In 2000 it, together with Xidi Village, was included in the World Heritage List by the UNESCO. It is also the location for the famous prize film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

The construction of Xidi Village began in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Now the village contains 140 ancient buildings of the 14th to 19th century. Its water-supply system is quite unique, environmentally-friendly and surprisingly well-preserved.

The construction was designed in similarity to a baffalo's body structure: Nanhu Lake is shaped like the baffalo's belly; Moon Pond looks like it's stomach; the channel its intestine. This vivid layout of buffalo is one outstanding feature of the village. It is indubitably a wonder among World Cultural Heritage sites.

Due to such a scientific design, the local villagers are able to enjoy many conveniences in their daily lives. More importantly, a hardly-won harmony between man and nature has been realized here, and as a result the whole community seems to be brimming with life. This is why Hongcun is much more popular than its counterparts.

More photos of Hongcun Village:

Nanhu Lake outside Hongcun Village

Moon Pond in Hongcun Village

Source: Anhui Tour Guide