## Hongcun: A Time Labyrinth in an Ink Painting

As the first ray of morning light crosses Mount Leigang and shines on the Painting Bridge of Nanhu Lake, Hongcun awakens from its ink-wash painting. This ancient Huizhou village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, weaves an eternal dream of water, architecture, and humanity with its 800 years of history. **I. Pre-trip Information** Best time to visit: March–April, when the canola flower sea complements the white walls and black tiles; November, when autumn colors dye the horse-head walls. Recommended duration: 1–2 days for an in-depth tour Transportation guide: - Take the high-speed train to Huangshan North Station, then transfer to the tourist bus (approx. 1.5 hours). - There are direct buses from Huangshan Scenic Area (approx. 50 minutes). **II. Top 5 Must-Experience Activities** 1. **Nanhu Morning Mist**: Capture the stunning moment when the mirror-like lake reflects the Huizhou-style architecture between 6–7 am. Art students from the academy often create here in the sketching corridor. 2. **Moon Pond Night Talks**: Listen to local elders tell the wisdom of the "ox-shaped village" water system by the crescent-shaped pond at dusk. 3. **Chengzhi Hall Exploration**: The former residence of Huizhou merchant Wang Dinggui. Pay attention to the vivid details of the "Emperor Suzong's Banquet" brick carvings on the door cover. 4. **Leigang Sunset**: Ascend to overlook the entire village's ox-shaped layout. It is recommended to bring a telephoto lens to capture the twilight with curling smoke. 5. **Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts**: Experience Huizhou ink painting with gold tracing at Ju Shan Tang, or learn to make Huangshan sesame cakes. **III. Recommended Private Tour Route** 07:00 Photograph the Painting Bridge of Nanhu Lake in the morning → 08:30 Have Mao Tofu for breakfast at Shuren Hall → 10:00 Listen to family stories at Wang's Ancestral Hall → 12:00 Taste Chou Gui Yu at Tiandeng Restaurant → 14:00 Stroll along the canals to find the "ox intestine" water system → 16:00 See the layout of the Qing Dynasty boudoir at Jingxiu Hall → 18:30 Stay overnight at Qinghe Yue Inn to experience stargazing in the courtyard **IV. Huizhou Flavors on the Tip of Your Tongue** - Must-try: Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoots (recommended at Ju Shan Tang Private Kitchen), Crab Shell Sesame Cake (freshly baked at the old workshop at the entrance of the village) - Dark cuisine challenge: Huizhou Stinky Mandarin Fish (authentic if fermented for more than three days), Mao Tofu (more delicious with mold) - Tea: Have a cup of Huangshan Mao Feng at Deyitang Stone Archway, and listen to the rain hitting the courtyard with Huimo Su. **V. Accommodation Guide** - Luxurious Choice: Poetry & Lily Qingmei Academy (hot spring homestay, converted from an ancient academy) - Top Choice for Art Lovers: Old Street Moye (philately theme, Huimo production display at night) - Cost-Effective: Qinghe Yue International Youth Hostel (century-old house, bed includes breakfast for CNY 120) **VI. Photography Tips** 1. Best spot for Nanhu Lake: Next to the third willow tree on the southeast side of the Painting Bridge 2. Key to capturing reflections in Moon Pond: Use a CPL polarizing filter on a windless, sunny day 3. Humanistic themes: Photograph the interaction between the wood-carrying elderly and the slab road at the Sunday morning market (7–9 am) **VII. Surrounding Attractions** - Tachuan Autumn Colors (4 km away, red leaf index peaks in November) - Mukeng Bamboo Forest (filming location of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", recommended to go in the early morning) - Lucun Wood Carving Building (3 km away, the pinnacle of Huizhou wood carving art) When night falls on Moon Pond and the red lanterns light up one after another, Hongcun becomes a scene from a Fei Mu movie. Time here seems to be extraordinarily slow, entwined by the water system. At every turn, you may encounter an art student sketching or a local resident guarding an old house and telling stories of the past. Remember, the real Hongcun is not in the tour guide's loudspeaker, but in the surprise brought by the red carp that suddenly leaps out of the water when you sit quietly in the waterside pavilion.