Driving for nine hours during the May Day holiday to Hongcun Village was indeed worthwhile. The air here is exceptionally fresh! Although the village isn’t overly vast, it can be fully explored in half a day. Here are some highlights of my visit:
- Entering from the south gate, one is greeted by the scenic South Lake, with its iconic painted bridge that features in the film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” The optimal photo spots are clearly marked for visitors.
- A must-visit within the village is Yuezhao Pond, which is truly picturesque and worthy of every photograph.
- The village offers a range of local snacks, including hairy tofu, Huangshan cakes, osmanthus cakes, and mung bean cakes, all with similar flavors. Additionally, there are trendy cafes and ice cream shops that are great for photo ops.
- Shops selling shawls are a great find for photo props, priced at 45 yuan each. There are also shops that rent Hanfu, a traditional Chinese garment, which I saw many ladies opting for.
Tickets: Available on Gaode Map for 92 yuan (other platforms charge 94 yuan). The ticket allows three days of entry and exit, and only requires your ID. Accommodation: I recommend Lake Encounter Guesthouse, which exudes a classic charm. The hosts are very welcoming and offer transportation services. However, the water heater in the room is somewhat outdated, and the water tends to cool down quickly, making it challenging for hair washing. The guesthouse also serves meals.
Dining: The Wanghu Local Cuisine Restaurant near the west gate offers delicious options, and there’s also a Gumei beverage shop nearby. While Hongcun Village has plenty of food options, the crowds can be overwhelming, so I suggest exploring the restaurants around the village. Our group of eight spent around 450-500 yuan per meal. Highly recommended dishes include stinky mandarin fish, tender bamboo shoots, and earthy chicken soup.
Tip: Photos taken in the early morning, around 6 am, offer a serene and authentic experience as the village is still waking up. Only local residents are seen doing their daily chores like washing clothes and dishes, providing a refreshing perspective. I highly recommend visiting early for this unique experience.
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