Forget Wuyuan! Hongcun is the ultimate ancient Jiangnan village, with hidden gems included.

Ink-wash Hongcun, a poetic dwelling in thousand-year-old Huizhou | Immersive in-depth travel guide Stepping into Hongcun is like falling into a flowing ink painting. White walls and black tiles are reflected in the crescent-shaped Moon Pond, bluestone paths wind towards ancient houses with curling smoke, and awning boats on South Lake ripple the shimmering water... This thousand-year-old village hidden in the mountains of southern Anhui, with its unique Hui-style architectural aesthetics, profound cultural heritage, and picturesque idyllic scenery, has become the "white moonlight" in the hearts of countless travelers. This super-detailed guide will unlock every stunning aspect of Hongcun for you! I. Pre-trip Preparations: A Must-See for Detail-Oriented Travelers! 1. Documents: ID card (required), student ID/senior citizen card/teacher card, etc. (for ticket discounts), photography association credentials (can apply for shooting permits at some attractions). 2. Clothing: - Spring/Autumn: Light jacket + long-sleeved shirt, paired with Hanfu for perfect photo opportunities; - Summer: Breathable sun-protective clothing + mosquito repellent, temperatures are lower in the early morning and evening, so bring a light blanket; - Winter: Down jacket + scarf and gloves, the snow scenery is stunning but the roads can be icy, so non-slip shoes are recommended. 3. Equipment: - Camera/phone (wide-angle lens is better for capturing ancient architecture), tripod (essential for night photography); - Portable rain gear (Southern Anhui is rainy, a transparent umbrella is better for photos); - Power bank, portable speaker (listening to ancient-style music while strolling through the village is a great experience). 4. Other: Download offline maps in advance (weak signal in the village), exchange a small amount of cash (some small shops don't accept mobile payments). II. Transportation Guide: Easy Arrival, No Getting Lost 1. High-speed Rail + Shuttle Bus: - First arrive at Huangshan North Railway Station, then take the scenic spot direct bus (30 yuan/person, 1.5 hours direct to Hongcun); - Or take a taxi or carpool (about 200 yuan/car, can seat 4 people, suitable for group travel). 2. Airport Transfer: - Land at Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, take a taxi to Huangshan Bus Station and transfer to a bus (about 2 hours). 3. Self-driving: Navigate to "Hongcun Scenic Area Parking Lot," about 4-5 hours from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, parking fee 10-20 yuan/day. Tip: For self-driving, it is recommended to park at the South Gate parking lot, which is closer to the core attractions! III. Tickets and Opening Hours: Off-peak Travel for a Hassle-free Experience - Ticket price: 104 yuan/person (book online in advance to save 10 yuan), multiple entries within 3 days with ID card + facial recognition; Free admission: Students taking the high school and college entrance exams in 2025 (with admission ticket), seniors over 65, children under 1.2 meters tall; Half-price discount: Students, teenagers under 18, and overseas tourists. - Opening hours: Open 24 hours a year, but the best shooting times are 6-8 am (fewer tourists, beautiful light and shadow) and 5-7 pm (sunset paints the lake red). IV. Accommodation Recommendations: Stay in a Hui-style Ancient House, Sleep by the Water 1. High-end Private Enjoyment (800-1500 yuan): - Shude Hall: A century-old house transformed into a lake-view villa, with an infinity pool reflecting the Moon Pond, suitable for couples. - Jushan Hall: An ancient building from the Qianlong period, with carved beds + afternoon tea in the courtyard, experience the life of a "wealthy family." 2. Cost-effective Options (300-600 yuan): - Songjian Hall: Close to the water channel, with free Hanfu rental, the popular carved bed room is only 420 yuan; - Nayinian Inn: Family rooms with balconies and pick-up/drop-off service, suitable for families with children. 3. Special Experiences: - Stargazing Camping (Back Mountain Observation Deck, 200 yuan/person): Sleep under the stars and wake up to the sea of clouds; - Overnight Stay in an Old House (Renovated Wang Family Residence, 380 yuan/night): Experience the tranquility of the Ming and Qing dynasties. V. Must-See Attractions: Unlock Movie-like Locations 1. South Lake: The "face" of Hongcun, a 400-year-old artificial lake reflecting the ancient trees and bridges, the filming location of Li Mubai leading his horse in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." - Activities: Rent an awning boat (60 yuan/person, 15-minute lake tour), wear Hanfu and take reflection photos on the Picture Bridge; it looks like an ink painting in the morning mist. 2. Moon Pond: The "heart" of Hongcun, a crescent-shaped pond surrounded by ancient buildings, a photographer's paradise. - Must-do: Take photos of the reflection without people at 6 am on the steps of Wang Family Ancestral Hall; wait for the golden moment when the sunset sprinkles on the water in the evening. 3. Chengzhi Hall: The residence of a late Qing Dynasty salt merchant, it took 14 years to build and is known as the "Folk Forbidden City." - Highlights: 24K gold foil wood carvings of "Fishing, Woodcutting, Farming, and Reading," hidden treasury compartments, daily Hui-style wedding performances at 10:00 am/2:00 pm (20 yuan/person). 4. Wang Family Ancestral Hall: The "First Ancestral Hall of Yixian County," it houses the rare Hu Chong Memorial Hall, dedicated to a female designer. - Experience: Family tree search (50 yuan/time), trace the Wang family lineage; participate in Hui Opera mask painting (80 yuan/person). 5. Wenchang Pavilion: A seven-story hexagonal ancient building, a symbol of Huizhou's imperial examination culture. - Activity: Hand-copy "Zhu Zi's Family Instructions" (30 yuan/person, including paper, ink, and brush, can be stamped). 6. Hui-style Three Carvings Art Museum: Free admission to see over 1,000 pieces of Ming and Qing Dynasty carving masterpieces, including the Guinness World Record brick carving "Hundred Children." - Experience: DIY wood carving keychain (120 yuan/person, 2-hour production). 7. Hongcun Story Museum: Immersive light and shadow exhibition, AR interaction restores the 600-year history of the village. - Best time: 7:00 pm session, the light and shadow effects are most stunning (tickets 30 yuan/person). VI. Food Map: Huizhou on the Tip of Your Tongue 1. Must-try Huizhou Cuisine: - Stinky Mandarin Fish: Deyuelou Restaurant (by South Lake), traditionally marinated, the fish meat is garlic-shaped, smells stinky but tastes delicious (88-128 yuan); - Hairy Tofu: Laocunzhang Restaurant, freshly fried with spicy sauce, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside (28 yuan); - Crab Shell Yellow Sesame Cake: Aju Sesame Cake Shop, preserved vegetable and meat filling, 5 yuan/piece, crispy and crumbly. 2. Special Snacks: - Hongcun Rice Dumplings: South Gate Morning Market (7:00-9:00 am), 15 yuan/steamer, soft, glutinous, salty, and fragrant; - Five-leaf Aralia Omelette: Wanghuju Restaurant, local mountain delicacy, 38 yuan, nutritious. 3. Popular Check-in Spots: - Bandu Youlian (South Lake Branch): Coffee with Hui-style architecture, average 45 yuan per person; - Old Time Bookstore: Osmanthus rice wine latte 35 yuan, comes with a hand-drawn map of Hongcun. VII. In-depth Experiences: Discover a Different Hongcun 1. Morning Mist Photography: Wait at South Lake at 5:30 am, enter as soon as the scenic area opens, and enjoy the exclusive ink painting scene without people; 2. Village Night Talks: Some guesthouses hold "Hongcun Story Time," where you can listen to the owners of old houses tell stories of the past century; 3. Farming Experience: Spring tea picking (50 yuan/person), autumn sweet potato digging (30 yuan/person), experience the joy of rural life; 4. Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts: Learn to make Huimo ink (150 yuan/person), oil-paper umbrella painting (120 yuan/person), and take away cultural memories. VIII. Pitfalls to Avoid and Practical Tips 1. Consumption Pitfalls: - Refuse "wild tour guides," official tour guides are 100 yuan/5 people and provide more professional explanations; - Compare prices before buying local products, supermarkets are 30% cheaper than inside the scenic area; - Beware of "free photo" traps, there may be charges for retrieving photos later. 2. Safety Reminders: - There are no railings around the water, so keep an eye on children at all times; - The roads are slippery on rainy days, wear non-slip shoes; the winter snow scenery is beautiful, but some roads are icy, so be careful when hiking. 3. Seasonal Recommendations: - Spring: Rape flowers bloom in March-April, creating a picturesque scene with the white walls and black tiles; - Summer: Free admission for night tours (after 7:00 pm), but there are many mosquitoes, so bring mosquito repellent; - Autumn: Crisp air in September-November, red leaves and horse head walls complement each other; - Winter: Stunning snow scenery, book accommodation in advance, and pay attention to keeping warm. The beauty of Hongcun lies in the mottled horse head walls, the murmuring water channels, and every moment of slowing down and experiencing it with your heart. Take this guide and embark on a romantic date with this thousand-year-old village!