Hongcun (Chinese: 宏村) is a village in southern Anhui (安徽), China. The village was built in 1131 (Song Dynasty), the architecture and carvings dating back to the Ming (明, 1368-1644) and Qing (清, 1644-1911) Dynasties are said to be among the best of their kind in China.
Hongcun had long been the habitat of Wang (汪) families, Lexu Hall (樂敘堂) was the ancestral hall of Wang families, which is the only building left from Ming Dynasty.
The wooden carvings of Lexu Hall are exquisite, and they are all genuine antiques, unlike the furniture.
The biggest residence in Hongcun open to visitors is Chenzhi Hall (承志堂), it was built in 1855.
The wooden carvings in Chenzhi Hall are more beautiful than those in Lexu Hall, which recap the famous scenes from Chinese opera or legends.
Nanhu Academy (南湖書院) is situated at the waterside of Nanhu, it was rebuilt and renovated from 6 small academies in 1814.
Nanhu Academy was a school for the children of Hongcun, but now it becomes a museum.
Besides these big complexes, Hongcun also has many old buildings which are worth seeing. However, some of the old buildings are still residences, taking photos indoors is strictly prohibited.
