Hongcun

For many who hope to experience peaceful rural China after seeing so many big cities, Hongcun, a picturesque village located in Yixian County near the mountain area, is the best choice.

Hongcun Village, listed as World Cultural Heritage Site, has a long history of over 900 years and was built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD). The village is full of primitive simplicity and elegance. It formed the remarkable Hui Culture character with exquisite three carvings architecture and cultural scenery.

Within the village, lots of locals offer accommodations. It is quite an experience to stay in a traditional home ?wood paneled rooms and four-post beds beside a half-moon pool.

We suggest you stay if you can, because from 7 am to 6 pm, the place is jam packed with tourists and art students. However, walking around Hongcun in early morning or late evening is something else. You can catch a glimpse of how life was during years past.

Cost: 80 yuan. A pass, available at the entrance, is valid for one week and is good for multiple entries.

Accommodation

There are several areas on and around Huangshan in which to spend the night. The Behai Hotel is one of several hotels on the mountains, good for a hot meal and a warm bed after a day of hiking. Aside from the expensive hotel in the mountains, the more comfortable are in Tangkou, a town that serves as the departure spot for most tours.

The Tangkou hotels cost about 400 yuan per night.