Beautiful Hongcun Scenic Area

A Three-Day Roaming Journal in Hongcun: Unlocking the Beauty of an Ancient Village in Southern Anhui Hongcun, a village in southern Anhui gently treated by time, attracts countless tourists with its unique Hui-style architecture and poetic water town scenery. This three-day tour itinerary will immerse you in the charm of Hongcun. Day 1: First Encounter with Hongcun, Meeting South Lake Morning: Upon arrival in Hongcun, first embrace South Lake. South Lake in March is a watercolor painting carefully crafted by spring. The weeping willows on the lakeshore sprout tender green buds, and their slender branches dance gently in the wind, softly touching the lake's surface. The lake water is crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and the pink walls and black tiles of the houses on the shore. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dreamlike beauty. Strolling along the lake, you can see early-rising ducks frolicking in the water, occasionally creating ripples that add a touch of liveliness to the tranquil lake. Find a corner to sit down, quietly admire the beautiful scenery, feel the breeze on your face, and enjoy this pleasant time. Noon: After a tiring stroll, savor Hongcun cuisine at a restaurant near South Lake. Highly recommended are the "Three Treasures of Hongcun": scrambled eggs with five-leaf akebia, stinky mandarin fish, and braised pork with dried bamboo shoots. The scrambled eggs with five-leaf akebia have a unique fragrance and a golden, tender texture. The stinky mandarin fish smells stinky but tastes delicious, with tender and savory fish. The braised pork with dried bamboo shoots is a perfect combination of streaky pork and tender bamboo shoots, fatty but not greasy, and every bite is satisfying. Paired with local rice wine, the slightly tipsy feeling is intoxicating. Afternoon: Enter the village from the bridge on South Lake and walk along the bluestone path to Moon Pond. The crescent-shaped Moon Pond is like a mirror embedded in the heart of the ancient village. The surrounding houses are scattered in an orderly manner, with horse-head walls standing tall, and the pink walls and black tiles reflected in the water, swaying gently with the breeze. Find a teahouse, order a cup of fragrant tea, watch the scenery, listen to the teahouse owner tell stories of Hongcun, and experience the leisure and tranquility of the ancient village. Afterward, visit Chengzhi Hall, known as the "Forbidden City of the People." The wood, stone, and brick carvings in this mansion are exquisite, and each carving contains rich meanings, making one marvel at the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. In Chengzhi Hall, you can almost see the prosperity and bustle of the past. Evening: Ascend to Hongcun's viewing platform and overlook the entire village. The afterglow of the setting sun casts a golden light on the roof tiles, and the distant mountains are shrouded in a light mist, creating a dreamlike scene. At this time, Hongcun is like a beautiful oil painting, intoxicating. As the sky darkens, the lights of the ancient village gradually light up, presenting another unique view. Return to the village and stroll through the alleys, feeling the tranquility and mystery of Hongcun at night. Day 2: Exploring the Surroundings, Embracing Nature Morning: After breakfast, head to Qishu Lake near Hongcun. The water of Qishu Lake is as green as emerald, and the grass on the lakeshore is particularly verdant in spring, with wildflowers blooming here and there. Stroll along the lake, breathe in the fresh air, admire the beautiful scenery, and feel the beauty of nature. If the weather is good, you can also rent a boat and enjoy a leisurely time on the lake. There are also some small villages around Qishu Lake that retain their original rustic charm. You can walk into the villages, chat with the local villagers, and learn about their lives. Noon: Enjoy farmhouse dishes at a farmhouse restaurant near Qishu Lake. The ingredients here are mostly grown or raised by local villagers, fresh and healthy. Try the free-range chicken soup, with its rich and delicious broth and tender chicken. There are also farmhouse stir-fries made with fresh vegetables, retaining their original flavors and whetting your appetite. Afternoon: Visit Tachuan near Hongcun. Although Tachuan in March does not have the red leaves of autumn, it is full of greenery and vitality. The golden rapeseed flowers in the village's fields, set against the distant green mountains and the white walls and black tiles of the houses, form a beautiful idyllic landscape. Stroll along the mountain paths, admire the scenery along the way, and feel the tranquility and harmony of nature. In Tachuan, you can also visit some ancient houses and learn about the local history and culture. Evening: Return to Hongcun and relax at a bar in the village. Order a drink, listen to soothing music, and exchange travel stories with tourists from all over the world. The relaxed and pleasant atmosphere in the bar will help you unwind from the fatigue of your journey. Or take a walk in the village and see Hongcun at night, as the ancient village under the lights has a unique charm. Day 3: In-depth Experience, Folk Customs Morning: Wake up early and experience the tranquility of Hongcun in the morning. At this time, the village has not yet fully awakened, and the air is filled with a fresh scent. Walk along the river, admire the morning scenery of the ancient village, and occasionally see villagers washing clothes and vegetables by the river, experiencing the strong atmosphere of daily life. Afterward, visit Hongcun's traditional handicraft workshops and experience the process of making Huizhou ink and Xuan paper. Under the guidance of a master, make a piece of Huizhou ink yourself and feel the charm of traditional craftsmanship. Huizhou ink emits a faint scent of ink, and every step of the production process requires patience and care. After completion, you can also engrave your name on the ink as a unique souvenir. Then, try making Xuan paper, learn about the Xuan paper making process, and watch a thin sheet of Xuan paper come to life in your hands, giving you a sense of accomplishment. Noon: Taste various snacks at Hongcun's snack street. Huangshan sesame seed cakes are a must-try, with a crispy crust and savory filling. One bite will leave you wanting more. There are also Hongcun shortcakes, crispy and sweet but not greasy. Pair them with a bowl of steaming hot wontons, delicious and unforgettable. Afternoon: Participate in Hongcun's folk activities, such as dragon and lion dances and Huangmei Opera performances. Amidst the lively sounds of gongs and drums, enjoy the wonderful dragon and lion dance performances and experience the vitality of traditional culture. The performers' captivating performances will immerse you and allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Hongcun's folk culture. With the end of the third day's itinerary, the Hongcun journey is coming to a close. During these three days, you not only appreciated the natural scenery and cultural landscape of Hongcun but also experienced the local traditional culture and folk activities. Hongcun is like a gentle dream, making people reluctant to leave. I hope this itinerary can help you embark on an unforgettable journey to Hongcun and create beautiful memories.