If you're tired of the city's hustle and bustle, why not take a trip to Huizhou (徽州)? The tranquility of Hongcun (宏村) in Anhui is mirrored in the serene waters of South Lake, the misty mountain landscape at dawn, and the poetic, smoke-filled atmosphere of everyday life. This is the true Jiangnan in my heart!

🌟 Route Recommendation
Scenic Area Entrance (景区入口) → South Lake (南湖) → South Lake Academy (南湖书院) → Jingde Hall (敬德堂) → Moon Pond (月沼) → Lexu Hall (乐叙堂) → Jingxiu Hall (敬修堂) → Chengzhi Hall (承志堂) → Shuren Hall (树人堂) → Peach Garden Residence (桃园居) → Red and White Ancient Trees (红白古树)

🚗 How to Get to Hongcun
1️⃣ Self-drive from surrounding areas like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai for convenience.
2️⃣ Take a high-speed train to Yixian Station (黟县站), then take a taxi or bus to Hongcun.

🍃 Best Time to Visit Hongcun
🌸 Spring and Summer: Typical Jiangnan misty rain feel, and the rapeseed flowers bloom in March and April, adding a splash of color to the ancient town.
🍂 Autumn: Leaves turn yellow and fall, with fewer tourists.
❄️ Winter: Snow-covered Hongcun, shrouded in mist, offers a stark contrast to spring and summer.

🌈 Things to Do in Hongcun
✅ Visit South Lake Academy (南湖书院) to experience the elegance and wisdom of ancient Huizhou culture.
✅ Find a teahouse in the village to taste local Huangshan Maofeng tea.
✅ Explore Chengzhi Hall (承志堂), known as the "Folk Palace."
✅ Watch the famous local live stage play "Hongcun Akiko (宏村阿菊)".
✅ Sample various Huizhou delicacies in Hongcun.

📷 Best Photography Spots in Hongcun
‼️ The best photo spots are at South Lake (南湖) and Moon Pond (月沼).
▪️ South Lake (南湖): The classic panoramic view of Hongcun, especially atmospheric on foggy and rainy days, resembling a Jiangnan landscape painting.
▪️ The small bridge over South Lake (南湖) is a famous spot, featured in the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (卧虎藏龙)". It has since become a favorite for artists visiting Hongcun.
▪️ Moon Pond (月沼) is famous for its half-moon shape, often referred to as the "Sky Mirror" of ancient villages.

🍜 What to Eat in Hongcun
▪️ Stinky Mandarin Fish (臭鳜鱼): A must-try local specialty, pungent in smell but delicious in taste.
▪️ Mao Tofu (毛豆腐): A renowned local delicacy.
▪️ Huangshan Biscuits (黄山烧饼), Pickled Vegetable Pork Biscuits (梅干菜腊肉烧饼), and Osmanthus Rice Wine (桂花米酒) are also worth tasting.

🏨 Where to Stay in Hongcun
▪️ Outside the Scenic Area: Convenient and cheaper, close to the attractions.
▪️ Inside the Scenic Area: Free entrance to Hongcun, experience living in a century-old Huizhou building, and enjoy the ethereal morning mist.

⛰️ Nearby Attractions
Chengkan (呈坎), Bishan Bookstore (碧山书局), Tunxi Old Street (屯溪老街), Xidi (西递), and Tachuan (塔川) are all nearby and worth visiting.

Estimated Costs for the Trip:

• Accommodation: 1,000 CNY (approximately $140 USD) for 3 nights
• Food: 350 CNY (approximately $50 USD) for 3 days
• Transportation: 200 CNY (approximately $28 USD)
• Attraction Tickets: 280 CNY (approximately $40 USD)

Total Estimated Cost: 1,830 CNY (approximately $260 USD)
Note: Costs can vary based on meal and accommodation choices and travel timing.