[Hongcun & Xidi | The Ink-Wash Beauty of Huizhou, Twin Gems Shining]
Hongcun Village: A Timeless Haven in Chinese Paintings
"Green mountains and clear waters inspire poetry, while ink-black tiles and white walls evoke the soul of painting"—Hongcun Village, renowned for its unique ox-shaped water system layout, is praised by UNESCO experts as "an ancient village where science and poetry perfectly converge." South Lake mirrors the white walls, black tiles, and distant mountains like a polished mirror, while Moon Pond resembles an inkstone, capturing both the stars above and the earthly life below. In spring, seas of rapeseed flowers intertwine with cobblestone alleys, composing a poetic scene. Summer brings lotus fragrance around the bridges and raindrops tapping on horse-head walls, painting an ink-wash scroll. Autumn deepens with bamboo drying trays adorning white walls and red persimmons hanging from eaves, as if stepping into a painting. Winter arrives with light snow dusting the tiles and chimney smoke curling upward, freezing time in tranquility. Stroll through Chengzhi Hall to admire the exquisite "three carvings" craftsmanship of Huizhou merchants on beams and lintels. Stay overnight in a heritage inn, listening to the rain by the water, and dream of ancient Huizhou from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Xidi: An Artistic Epic of Ming and Qing Architecture
"Home in the Peach Blossom Land, Crown of Huizhou Architecture" - Xidi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is hailed as the "Museum of Chinese Ming and Qing Residential Architecture." Its 99 winding alleys conceal 224 ancient dwellings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with the towering Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway standing proudly. The carved beams and painted rafters of Zhuimu Hall narrate the glory of the Hu family. In spring, rapeseed flower seas embrace the ancient village as horse-head walls compete in beauty with blooming peach and plum trees. Summer nights see fish lanterns meandering through streets during the millennium-old intangible cultural heritage "Xi Yu Deng" festival, where fireworks dance with history. Autumn sunlight filters through ancestral hall courtyards, casting mottled shadows of time on wooden lattice windows. Winter snow crowns the gate tower of "Daifu Mansion," its upturned eaves resembling jade-carved branches. Remarkably, Xidi reinvests 20% of admission ticket revenue into heritage conservation, ensuring every bluestone remains imbued with cultural warmth.










