Hongcun Village

More than 800 years old, Hongcun Village was first constructed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The village now boasts 158 residential buildings that date back to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. It is also known as the "cow-shaped village" because the whole village was originally laid out in the shape of an ox.

An attraction of the village lies in its water supply system, which had been used for hundreds of years. Small and crisscrossing waterways link various households. Streams originating to the northwest of the village flow across the area through waterways. Local people describe the 1,000-metre long waterways as "the ox intestines." The Moon Pond and the Nanhu Lake were formed by the streams and took the shape

of the ox stomach. Villagers built four bridges over the streams, which are said to look like ox hoofs. The effective water supply system has survived two fires and was completed by generations of villagers. The waterways were like the reins of the village, deciding the pulse of its daily life. Villagers grow flowers in the courtyards and various kinds of fish teem in the pond.

Everyday hundreds of visitors are attracted to the village by its beautiful views and the well-preserved ancient houses, several magnificent clan halls and the celebrities' former residences are most attracting. Inside these ancient houses you can appreciate the splendid wood carvings on the beams and columns. After your visit, you will conclude that Hong Cun's major difference from other villages is that the well-preserved ancient houses get along harmoniously well with her beautiful surroundings. 

It was inscribed into the list of the World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.

Xidi Village
Judging from the general layout of the villages, Xidi is meant to resemble a sailing boat. It is located in the southeastern part of YiXian County and has over 300 simple, yet graceful, Ming and Qing dynasty residences, of which 124 are well preserved. The topography of Xidi Village is well planned. It is 700 meters from east to west and 300 meters from north to south, occupies an area of 12.96.

Inside the village you will find that all the houses were built with one common feature: the wood-bricked structures with two storeys, elaborately carved beams, and colorfully painted pillars. The designs of the wood carvings are all originated from Chinese legendary stories and ancient routine practice. The ornaments with superb workmanship can be seen everywhere in the houses, which really reflect the prosperous period of the former dwellers whose business covered salt trade, pawnshop, etc. The representatives of such houses are several ancient clan halls and merchants' residences, the Hall of Kindness, the Hall of Auspices, etc. to name a few. Just as Hongcun Village, it was also accepted by UNESCO as the World Cultural Heritage Site in 2000.



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