[Hongcun] A nostalgic World Heritage village in Anhui Province, China

Located at the foot of Mount Huangshan in southern Anhui Province, Hongcun is a beautiful old village that gives the impression of being lost in a landscape painting. Its unique scenery and historical value have earned it the nickname "China's Painting Village," and it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Here, the Huiping school architecture, which has a history of over 800 years, and the ingenious water system are a wonderful match, attracting visitors. The biggest feature of Hongcun is that the entire village is designed to resemble a cow. Leigang Mountain represents the cow's head, the ancient tree that worships the heavens represents the horns, the waterway that runs through the village represents the intestines, the Moon Lake in the center represents the stomach, and the South Lake represents the cow's belly. This layout is both scientific and artistic, designed to prevent fires and store water for daily use, and it reflects the feng shui that has been passed down since ancient China. When you walk through the village, the first thing you see are the Huiping school buildings with white walls and gray tiles. These buildings have been preserved since the Ming and Qing dynasties, and there are said to be as many as 137 of them. The highlight of the complex is the "Chengzhi Hall," which is so luxuriously decorated that it is called the "Private Palace." This building, with its beautifully detailed wood, stone, and brick carvings, is definitely worth a visit. In the center of Hongcun, there is a half-moon shaped pond called "Moon Pond," which is also a highlight of Hongcun sightseeing. This pond was built during the Yongle period of the Ming dynasty, and the old houses surrounding it and their reflections on the water create a fantastic landscape. It is especially beautiful during the hours when you can see the sunrise and sunset, and many painters and photographers gather here to capture the best scenery. On the other hand, at Nanhu Lake, willows sway in the wind and lotus flowers bloom on the water, making it an attractive place to spend some quiet time. There are also many cafes, so if you get tired of walking, why not have a relaxing coffee while looking at the cityscape? Also, don't miss the countless narrow alleys that stretch out in Hongcun. Cobblestone streets stretch out in every direction, and on both sides are shops selling local specialties such as tea, pottery, and snacks. You can also enjoy local flavors such as the famous Anhui dish "Mao Tofu" and Huangshan Maofeng tea. Mao Tofu has a crispy surface like fried tofu and a fluffy texture inside. At night, Hongcun transforms into another world. Lanterns are lit around Yue Pond and Nanhu Lake, and the scenery reflected on the water is even more fantastic. With the silence, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time to ancient China. It is also quite easy to access, and you can arrive by bus from Huangshan North Station of the high-speed rail in about an hour and a half. Many travelers combine this with a trip to Huangshan, known as the most sacred mountain in China, and its beauty will make it an unforgettable place once you visit. Hongcun is a place that can be called an utopia where nature and humans coexist. Its historical background, beautiful scenery, and warm people will give you a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of Chinese culture. Spending time in this special village will surely be a memorable trip. #AsiaTravelRecord #HongCun #Huangshan #ChinaTrip