Live Your Best Lives
Xiaogang Village, located in Xiaoxihe Town, Fengyang County, Anhui Province, is 25 kilometers east of Fengyang County and 15 kilometers from the Fengyang exit of the Ningluo Expressway (G36). It is the birthplace of China's rural reform, one of China's ten famous villages, a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, and the birthplace of the Shen Hao spirit.
In 1978, eighteen farmers took great risks, signed a life-and-death agreement, and pressed their red fingerprints on the land contract responsibility letter, creating the "Xiaogang Spirit" and opening the prelude to China's reform and opening up.
As of 2018, Xiaogang Village governed 23 villager groups, 940 households, and 4,173 people. The village area covered 15 square kilometers, including 14,500 mu of arable land. In 2014, the total industrial and agricultural output value of Xiaogang Village reached 738 million yuan. In 2017, the per capita disposable income of Xiaogang Village reached 18,106 yuan.
Xiaogang Village has been recognized as China's Happy Village, a Chinese Village with Red Heritage, a National Red Tourism Classic Scenic Spot, a National Famous Tourism Village, a National Cadre Education and Training Base, a National Demonstration Base for Study and Research Tourism, a Beautiful and Leisure Village in China, a Nationally Renowned Characteristic Town, a National Base for University Students' Holiday Social Practice Education, and one of the 300 Most Influential Villages in 2017. In November 2018, the leaders of Xiaogang Village's "contract responsibility system" were selected as one of the 100 individuals with outstanding contributions to reform and opening up.
Subtropical monsoon climate; Xiaogang Village is a national AAAA-level scenic spot. The tourism projects that have been developed include: the Household Responsibility System Memorial Hall, the Exhibition Hall of Comrade Shen Hao's Advanced Deeds, the Xiaogang Village Archives, etc. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
The Household Responsibility System Memorial Hall, the Exhibition Hall of Comrade Shen Hao's Advanced Deeds, the Xiaogang Village Archives, and Shen Hao's Former Residence;
Recommended one-day tour
20 yuan/person
8:00-17:00
Xiaogang Village is historically significant for its role in the early years of China’s reform and opening up. In 1978, the village made a historic decision to implement household responsibility systems, which greatly influenced China's economic reforms. The village is considered a symbol of grassroots reform.
Xiaogang Village is located in Chuzhou, Anhui. It can be accessed by taxi from Chuzhou's main train station or bus station. Public transportation options are available, but taxis or private vehicles are recommended for convenience.
The village is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring or autumn when the weather is mild and pleasant for walking around the village.
The entrance fee is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and there may be options for booking in advance online during peak seasons.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but during busy seasons, it's recommended to purchase tickets a few days in advance to avoid long queues.
To fully explore Xiaogang Village and its historical sites, about 2 to 3 hours are recommended. This will allow time for a leisurely walk and visits to key sites.
The must-see highlights include the Revolutionary Memorial Hall, which commemorates the village’s role in China's reform, and the preserved traditional village homes that offer insight into rural life in the 1970s.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. For non-Chinese speakers, it’s advisable to bring a local guide who can provide translation or use a mobile translation app.
Photographers will enjoy capturing the traditional architecture of the village and the surrounding rural landscape. The best viewpoints are from the hills surrounding the village, offering panoramic views of the area.
A recommended route includes starting at the Revolutionary Memorial Hall, then walking through the village to explore the traditional homes and end with a stroll in the scenic countryside around the village.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows. The village is best visited during daylight hours.
The village can get crowded during national holidays and weekends. Weekdays, especially in the morning, are the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available. There are no major food shops within the village, but small local vendors may offer snacks. It’s recommended to bring water with you.
The village is largely accessible, but some areas with traditional homes may have uneven surfaces. It’s recommended to check with the local staff regarding the accessibility of specific areas for elderly or disabled visitors.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash as smaller vendors may not accept cards.
There are no major restaurants inside the village, but local eateries in Chuzhou offer a range of Anhui cuisine. Popular dishes include stinky tofu and Anhui-style dumplings.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants. Halal food options may be limited in Chuzhou, but it's best to inquire locally for any available choices.
There are a few budget hotels and mid-range accommodations in Chuzhou, including the Chuzhou International Hotel, which is a 30-minute drive from the village.
There are no souvenir shops directly in the village. However, you can find Anhui-themed souvenirs such as local handicrafts and teas in Chuzhou.
After visiting Xiaogang Village, taxis or private vehicles are the best options to continue your trip. Chuzhou’s public transport system also offers connections to other parts of the city.
