Hongcun

An artificial lake built during the Ming Dynasty wraps itself around the front of the village in the shape of an archers bow. A long stone bridge crossing the lake provides and elegant entry to the village and is a great spot to take in the beautiful view of the village and hills reflected in the water. The South Lake College is located on the lake edge next to the bridge.

Built during the late Qing Dynasty this hall belonged to a rich salt merchant. The entire hall has nine open roofed yards with more than 60 rooms. Not all rooms are open but there is plenty to see as you may still walk freely around the main areas. The supporting beams of one room are constructed in the shape of the Chinese character for ‘Luck’ (福; Fú). Almost all wooden beams and wall panels are decorated with carvings of nature, Chinese mythology or scenes from Qing dynasty life. The open roofed yards let the light in and gaps in and the stone floors let the rain out. Keep an eye out for fading yellow Mao heads painted in the walls left by the Red Army when they stayed here during the long march.