Hongcun Village and Xidi Village
Situated in Yixian County of Anhui Province, Hongcun Village and Xidi Village have become hot tourist attractions in China for the well-preserved architecture of the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty after the Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed here. Constructed by prosperous Huizhou merchants and scholars, the villages preserve distinctive cultural relics through their well-planned streets, traditional houses, ornate decorations, and advanced water networks. UNESCO recognized Xidi and Hongcun as World Heritage in 2000.
Hongcun Village - The Ancient Water Village of Anhui
Hongcun Village Facts
Hongcun Ancient Village History
The history of Anhui Hongcun Ancient Village dates back 900 years. In the Southern Song's Shaoxing period, the Wangs sought refuge from warfare at Leigang Mountain's base, where they labored to build their settlement initially called "Expansive Village". During Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing period, the village adopted its current name "Hongcun", which has endured for centuries up to the present day.Hongcun Village Architecture
When traveling to Huangshan’s Hongcun Village, you’ll be astonished not only by its scenery but also by its architecture. The woodcarvings on the crossbeams of fore halls, arches, brackets, and floral doors and window sashes were elaborately crafted. Each figure shows a unique expression and spirit, reflecting the superb artistry of the Huizhou style since the Song Dynasty.Must-Visit Spots in Hongcun Village
Moon Pond
Located at the heart of Hongcun Village, Moon Pond presents a semicircular shape and functions as the "stomach" in the settlement's ingeniously designed ox-shaped hydrological network. With this water system, channels run past every house into the crescent-shaped Moon Pond, with four bridges representing the buffalo's legs, giving Hongcun its nickname, the “Buffalo Village.” The surrounding Hui-style buildings are well-proportioned and harmonize with their reflections in the water, creating breathtaking views.South Lake
It is an important part of Hongcun Village’s ox-shaped water system. This expansive lake, crystal-clear like a mirror, reflects the white-walled houses with black tiles and towering ancient trees along its shore, resembling a natural ink painting. The Hua Bridge on the lake was a filming location for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Standing on it feels like stepping into a martial arts world. It is also one of the popular destinations in China for photographers.
>> Recommended 5-day Huangshan photography tour with Hongcun and XidiNanhu Academy
Built in 1814 during the Jiajing era of the Qing Dynasty, this 6,660-square-meter complex of Anhui’s Hongcun Village represents classic Huizhou academy architecture and stands as one of the region's oldest educational institutions. It is formed by merging six private schools, including Zhidao Hall and Wenchang Pavilion. The exquisite wood carvings on doors and windows depict diverse life scenes - each demanding an upward gaze for full appreciation.
Chengzhi Hall
Covering 2,100 square meters, this merchant's mansion in Hongcun Village is acclaimed as the "Folk Forbidden City". Its extraordinarily ornate decorations include exquisite wood, stone, and brick carvings. In particular, the national treasure wood carvings "Hundred Children at Lantern Festival" and "Emperor Suzong's Official Banquet" vividly show the luxurious life and superb craftsmanship of Huizhou merchants at their peak.
The Wang Clan Ancestral Hall
This is also a must-visit site during your Hongcun Village tour. As Hongcun's sole surviving Ming Dynasty architecture, this ancestral hall impresses with its dignified minimalist style and imposing high walls, standing as the most magnificent courtyard in the village. The gatehouse bears the imperial inscription "En Rong" (Grace and Honor), allowing visitors to sense a tangible connection to 16th-century craftsmanship.
>> Recommended 3-day Huangshan highlights tour with Hongcun Village
Xidi Village - A Hidden Gem of Southern Anhui
Xidi Village Facts
Xidi Village History
Similar to Hongcun Village, the 1000-year-old Xidi Village still keeps the ancient buildings of what they used to be hundreds of years ago. This village is 700 meters long and 300 meters wide, and has been home to the Hu Family since the Northern Song Dynasty. Legend tells that the ancestor of the village was the famous Emperor Tai Zong of the Tang Dynasty. The son of the last emperor in the Tang Dynasty changed his family name and hid here in order to escape the killing of the throne usurper.Xidi Village Architecture
Xidi Village still has more than 300 ancient residential houses by now, and among them, 124 are very well-preserved. With the elegant layout, beautiful decoration, and deep cultural content, the ancient buildings of Xidi fully demonstrate their rarity in ancient Chinese architecture and are regarded as an example of Chinese traditional dwellings. When you walk into any of these houses, you can find elegant courtyards and gardens, stone carvings of flowers and birds, brick carvings of pavilions and human figures, as well as woodcarvings.
Top Attractions to See in Xidi Village
The Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway
Dominating Xidi Village's gateway, this 16th-century stone arch - the only Ming Dynasty honorific gateway remaining - rises with six pillars upholding five ornate tiers. Dual inscriptions commemorate Hu Wenguang's dual governorships, while its unique "upside-down lion" base represents enduring bureaucracy. Climb the adjacent tower for breathtaking vistas of classic Huizhou rooftops.Mingjing Lake
Located at the entrance of Xidi Ancient Village, this lake is a must-visit site. By day, it reflects Xidi's stone archway and white-walled homes in its glassy surface. By night, it becomes a liquid canvas where laser-projected ancestors seem to walk across fountain jets, turning history lessons into a magical nighttime experience.Jing'ai Hall
This Ming-Qing era ancestral hall, once called the Hall of Benevolence, stands as Xidi’s spiritual core. Beyond honoring ancestors, it served as the meeting hall of Hu’s clan among the Xidi Village people. The massive 2.5m "Filial Piety" wood carving warns against disobedience (monkey-faced if viewed sideways).East and West Gardens
These twin gardens in Xidi Village of Huangshan show Huizhou carving arts at their finest. West Garden dazzles with its delicate "Pine-Rock-Bamboo" perforated wall (a stone-carving marvel) and houses Xidi's oldest village stele. East Garden intrigues with profound symbolism - its overhead fan window urging visitors to "look up to virtue," paired with lower book carvings representing the Confucian ideal of cultivated character.Yingfu Hall
Built during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1662-1722), this east-facing residence in Xidi Village belonged to a second-rank Qing official. The architecture features upturned flying eaves, square pillars, crescent-shaped beams, and exquisite brick carvings. Its characteristic splayed "Eight Character" gate tower displays intricate carvings and an exceptionally high threshold, demonstrating official prestige.
>> Recommended 4-day Huangshan discovery tour with Xidi
Best Time to Visit Hongcun and Xidi
Both Hongcun and Xidi ancient villages are located in Yi County, and the best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). In spring, seas of golden rapeseed flowers frame ancient architecture, while autumn blends sun-drying harvest tradition with crimson foliage. Visit there in the morning, and you'll capture mist-shrouded fairyland views.
>> See more about Huangshan’s weather and climate
Hongcun and Xidi Food
Don't hesitate to try the local tasty food when traveling in Hongcun Village and Xidi Village during your Huangshan tours. These two neighboring villages share the same culinary specialties. The Huangshan sesame cake is a must-try, which is crispy outside, fluffy inside, with preserved vegetable filling. Fermented hairy tofu has a unique texture enhanced by spicy sauce. Dao Ban Xiang, a Hui-style cured pork belly with aromatic fat, is also not to be missed.Xidi and Hongcun Accommodation
When visiting Xidi and Hongcun Village in China’s Anhui, you'll find abundant lodging choices, from cozy homestays to luxury hotels and budget hostels. Staying within the ancient villages grants you the charm of their serene ambiance and easy access to attractions, while staying outside is more budget-friendly.
In Xidi Village of Anhui, China, Shanrenju Homestay and Guxiang Inn are great options for enjoying the night light show. For accommodation in Hongcun Village, you can stay at Yunting Zizai Designer Homestay or Banshan Banshui Homestay, where you can admire the scenery in a setting that blends traditional Huizhou architecture with modern comforts.
>> Recommended 5-day amazing Huangshan culture tour with Hongcun and XidiHow to Get to Hongcun and Xidi
By Air
Hongcun and Xidi do not have their own airports. You can fly into Huangshan Tunxi Airport instead. Upon arrival, take bus 219 to Huangshan General Bus Station, then transfer to a tourist bus to Hongcun Village (30 yuan, 1.5 hours) or Xidi Village (19 yuan, 40 minutes).By Train
Take a high-speed train to Yi County East Railway Station, and walk to the Bus Station nearby. From there, you can take a direct bus to Hongcun (8 yuan, 40 minutes) and Xidi (2 yuan, 10 minutes).From Yellow Mountain to Hongcun/Xidi
If you want to visit Hongcun and Xidi after your tour of Yellow Mountain, one of the most famous mountains in China, you can travel to the villages by bus. The Hongcun-bound bus departs from the South Gate Transfer Center, with a fare of 25 yuan. For Xidi, take the bus in the direction of Yi County, which passes by Xidi on the way.
Transportation between Hongcun and Xidi
Hongcun Village and Xidi Village are only about 20 kilometers apart, and you can take a bus to shuttle between the two, with a journey of about 30 minutes and a cost of 8 yuan. Buses run from 7:55 AM to 6:50 PM (Hongcun to Xidi) and 9:40 AM to 8:30 PM (Xidi to Hongcun).Tour Hongcun and Xidi with Easy Tour China
As the most representative ancient villages in southern Anhui, Xidi and Hongcun are must-see stops during your Huangshan Mountain tours in China. Travel with Easy Tour China—a specialist in China travel—you won’t need to worry about logistics. We handle your hotels, meals, and itinerary, so you can simply immerse yourself in Huizhou architecture, merchant traditions, and the stories hidden in these ancient lanes. Here are some of our top-rated China tours with Huangshan.More Attractions in Huangshan
