Living in Hongcun: A Journey into an Ink Painting

Hongcun is a quintessential example of Hui-style architecture and the southern Jiangnan water town in Anhui Province. Although transportation to the village isn't very convenient, I overcame the challenges and stayed right inside Hongcun. While the entrance ticket to the scenic area is quite expensive (and you need to pay for the ticket separately even if you're staying there), showing a Taiwan Compatriot Permit allows you to purchase tickets at half price!

Hongcun is always bustling with tourists, both day and night. If you want to capture photos without people, you'll need to wake up very early at dawn. Personally, I don't aim for empty scenic shots, so I sleep in and wake up naturally! Haha 😂

Hongcun isn't very large, but it has many narrow alleys where it's easy to get lost. Thankfully, the Moon Pond serves as a central landmark for easy navigation.

The beauty of Hongcun not only attracts tourists but also draws art enthusiasts. On the morning of my second day, the banks of South Lake were already crowded with young painters 👩🎨.

Although the village is quite commercialized, with relatively high costs for food and accommodation, I still believe it's worth visiting.

Post by Chengchichi | Sep 5, 2025