Explore Ancient Villages

Villages such as Hongcun, Xidi, and Chengkan are outstanding representatives of Huizhou-style architecture. 

Famous for its"ox-shaped" layout, Hongcun Village has a reputation of "Village in Paintings". Combined with both human landscape and natural attractions, Hongcun Village is worth exploring. The water scenery brought by its ancient water system and the three carvings of Huizhou are easy to appreciate. 

Xidi Village boasts 124 well-preserved ancient residential buildings from the Ming to Qing dynasties(1368-1840 AD). The Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway is one of its iconic structures, reflecting the prosperity of Huizhou merchant culture. At that time, the wealthy Huizhou merchants, built their hometown to be comfortable and grand. The Ming and Qing architecture we see today still retains its former splendor.

Chengkan Village, on the other hand, is laid out according to the principles of Yin-Yang and the Eight Trigrams. Built against mountains and facing a river, it sits west and faces east, with Lingjin Mountain in front and Ge Mountain behind, offering scenery that is equally stunning.

All three ancient villages—Xidi, Hongcun, and Chengkan—are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Their unique village layouts, exquisite architectural craftsmanship, and profound cultural heritage collectively represent the essence of Huizhou culture. 

If you like, you can also wander into small shops along the alleys and purchase a wooden hairpin or a carved wooden keepsake as a memento of your visit.