Huangshan：Ancient Huizhou Villages Xidi and Hongcun Day Trip

The Huangshan: Ancient Huizhou Villages Xidi and Hongcun Day Trip offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in China’s rich cultural heritage. Traversing the UNESCO-listed gems of Xidi and Hongcun, travelers are transported back in time, marveling at the architectural wonders of the Ming and Qing dynasties while indulging in the serene natural landscapes. With an expert guide by their side, guests embark on a captivating journey, uncovering the unique stories that have shaped these ancient villages. What secrets lie within the winding alleyways and tranquil waterways? The only way to find out is to experience this remarkable day trip for oneself.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO-listed villages of Xidi and Hongcun, known for their well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture on a full-day guided tour from Huangshan.
• Tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, and an English-speaking guide, with time allocated for exploring the historical sites.
• Suitable for most travelers, with restrictions for children under 2, pregnant women, and seniors over 70 due to the uneven terrain.
• Enjoy a personalized experience in a small group setting, with recommendations for comfortable shoes and a camera.
• Meals and gratuities are not included, but the guide can assist with lunch arrangements.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

What does this day trip to Xidi and Hongcun villages entail?

The tour features a full-day excursion from Huangshan City to explore two well-preserved ancient villages – Xidi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Hongcun, known as the "Village in a Chinese painting".

Priced from €173.25 per person, the 9-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, and an English-speaking guide.

Guests will have ample time to discover the historical sites and architecture of these charming villages, such as the South Lake, South Lake Academy, and Moon Pond.

This small group tour is suitable for most travelers, with the exception of children under 2, pregnant women, and seniors over 70.

Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended.

Itinerary Details

The day trip begins with a 08:30 AM pickup from hotels in Huangshan City’s Tunxi District, followed by a 1-hour car transfer to Yixian County.

Once there, visitors will explore Xidi Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 100 houses from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Next, they’ll visit Hongcun Village, known as the "Village in a Chinese painting" due to its Song Dynasty origins and over 900-year history. Key sites include the South Lake, South Lake Academy, Moon Pond, and Chengzhi Hall.

The tour wraps up with a return to Huangshan City around 5:00 PM.

Tour Features

This tour is a small group experience, led by an English-speaking guide who ensures an effortless journey.

With a focus on avoiding tourist traps, the tour provides ample time for sightseeing at the UNESCO-listed Xidi Village and the picturesque Hongcun Village.

The small group size allows for a personalized experience, as the guide shares insights and helps navigate the historic sites.

Participants are recommended to bring comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the stunning architecture and natural scenery.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or those over 70 years of age.

Pets, alcohol, and drugs are also prohibited during the tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes round-trip transportation, entrance tickets to the villages, and a professional guide who assists with lunch arrangements. While meals are not provided, the guide can help participants order local cuisine. Plus, gratuities for the guide and driver are not included in the tour price. To summarize the inclusions and exclusions:

Included	Excluded
Round-trip transfers	Food/Meals
Entrance tickets	Hotel accommodations
Professional English-speaking guide	Gratuities
Lunch assistance	–

Participants are responsible for their own meals, lodging, and tips for the guide and driver.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Participant Restrictions and Recommendations

Typically, this tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 years of age, pregnant women, or individuals over 70 years old. The ancient villages of Xidi and Hongcun feature uneven terrain and cobblestone paths, which may pose challenges for these groups.

However, the tour is an excellent option for most travelers. To make the most of the experience, the operator recommends wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a camera to capture the picturesque scenes.

Pets, alcohol, and drugs aren’t permitted on the tour. Following these guidelines ensures a smooth and enjoyable day exploring these UNESCO-recognized cultural gems.

Exploring Xidi Village

One of the first stops on the day trip is the captivating Xidi Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts over 100 well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty houses.

Visitors can wander through the quaint, cobblestone streets and admire the intricate architecture of these ancient dwellings. The village’s historic significance is palpable, as it offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Huizhou region.

The guided tour ensures travelers don’t miss the key landmarks, like the South Lake and the Chengzhi Hall, while allowing ample time for exploration and photography.

With its picturesque setting and well-preserved structures, Xidi Village provides a unique and immersive experience for those seeking to understand China’s past.

Discovering Hongcun Village

From Xidi Village, the tour continues onward to the equally captivating Hongcun Village, another architectural gem nestled in the Huizhou region. Established in the Song Dynasty over 900 years ago, Hongcun is renowned for its well-preserved traditional architecture and natural landscape. Visitors can explore the village’s intricate water system, including the iconic Moon Pond, and admire the exquisite Chengzhi Hall, a prime example of Huizhou-style architecture. The village’s scenic beauty has even earned it the nickname "Village in a Chinese painting."

Historical Significance	Architectural Highlights	Natural Attractions	Village Layout
Founded in the Song Dynasty, over 900 years old	Chengzhi Hall, a masterpiece of Huizhou-style architecture	Moon Pond, a serene and picturesque body of water	Interconnected alleyways, bridges, and canals create a harmonious flow
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved traditional structures	Elegant residences and ancestral halls reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage	Lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere that inspired the "Village in a Chinese painting" moniker	Compact, pedestrian-friendly design that facilitates exploration on foot
Represents the architectural and cultural traditions of the Huizhou region	Intricate water system that flows through the village, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal	Picturesque natural landscape that seamlessly blends with the built environment	Organized around a central axis, with various points of interest radiating outward
Showcases the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Huizhou people	Harmonious integration of human-made structures and the surrounding environment	Serene atmosphere that allows visitors to enjoy the village’s timeless charm	Compact, yet well-planned layout that maximizes the use of space

Preparing for the Tour

Preparing for the tour requires a few key considerations.

First, the tour isn’t suitable for certain participants, including children under 2, pregnant women, and those over 70. Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended essentials. Pets, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited.

The tour includes round-trip transfers, entrance tickets, and a professional English-speaking guide, but excludes meals, though the guide can assist with ordering lunch.

With a small group size, the experience promises an easy and ample sightseeing time, free from tourist traps.

Lastly, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

It’s possible to modify the itinerary to visit additional sites, but this would require prior coordination with the tour provider. Additional sites and adjustments may incur extra costs or changes to the tour duration.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

There is no formal dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests should dress in layers and avoid wearing overly formal attire, as the tour involves outdoor exploration of the ancient villages.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for students and seniors. Students can receive a 10% discount, while seniors aged 65 and above can get a 15% discount off the regular tour price.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks on the Tour?

Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch or snacks on the tour. However, the tour guide will provide assistance in ordering lunch at a local restaurant, which is included in the tour price.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour offers a fixed 9-hour duration, but travelers can’t extend it. However, they’re free to explore the villages at their own pace within the scheduled time. Bringing one’s own lunch or snacks is not permitted.

The Sum Up

The Huangshan: Ancient Huizhou Villages Xidi and Hongcun Day Trip offers a remarkable opportunity to take in China’s cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed villages, marvel at their exquisite Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, and gain insights into the unique histories of these picturesque settlements. With round-trip transportation and knowledgeable guides, this day trip provides a seamless and enriching experience for those seeking to discover the essence of ancient Huizhou.

You can check if your dates are available here: