Two-Hour Direct Flight to Huangshan: Visit Michelle Yeoh's Rise at Hongcun and Other "Divine Villages"

However, Huangshan is home to more than just one "Divine Village." Wuyang Xiang, Yangcun Xiang, and Wangmantian Village are also worth noting in your travel diary for a trip to Huangshan. This time, let’s explore several old streets and ancient villages to experience the unique charm of Huangshan City!

The Ceiling of Ancient Villages: Hongcun

It is said that Hongcun was laid out in a "cow" shape, using mountains as the head, trees as the horns, bridges as the hooves, and houses as the body.(source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government )

First up is definitely Hongcun!

Located in the northeast of Yi County, Huangshan City, Hongcun boasts an 830-year history and has over 140 well-preserved residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its unique natural landscape makes it one of the first 12 historical and cultural villages in China and a national 5A scenic area. The ancient village is nestled by mountains and water, presenting a "cow" shaped layout with a complete artificial irrigation system. Thus, it, along with Xidi, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 24th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2000, marking the first time a Chinese ancient village was listed as a World Heritage Site.

The Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon , shot by Ang Lee, brought fame to Hongcun.(source: screenshot from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) The Moon Pond, also known as Yuetang, is a semicircular artificial pond located in the center of Hongcun, still attracting countless visitors today. (source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government ) Besides appreciating the "cow-shaped" irrigation system, Hongcun also preserves the three carvings of Huizhou architecture—brick carving, stone carving, and wood carving. (source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government ) The architecture in Hongcun emphasizes harmony between humanity and nature, with its pink walls and blue tiles arranged neatly and eaves that elegantly curve upwards . (source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government )

Hongcun is open all day, but tickets must be purchased for entry. The ticket is valid for three days, allowing unrestricted access to the ancient village within that time.

Hongcun Address: County Road 030, Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China Phone: +86 559 554 1158 Ticket Price: CN¥ 104/adult, CN¥ 52/for children aged 6-18, students, seniors aged 60-65, retired military personnel, active military personnel; free for children under aged 6 or 1.2 meters, seniors over 65 etc Note: Ticket prices are subject to the official announcements on the day.

Website: https://www.huangshan.gov.cn/site/tpl/4636?type=scenic&id=19779

Misty Divine Village: Wuyang Xiang

Wuyang Xiang, located in the southeast of She County, was part of Xiaonü Xiang from the Tang to Qing Dynasties. In 1941, it became part of the Beian District. In 1955, it merged with several other towns, including Zhengkou, Dachuan, Fangcun, and Zhoutouliang, to form Wuyang Xiang.

In addition to ancient trees, visitors can see winding mountain roads.(source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government ) Wuyang Xiang is a major production area for tea , known for high-quality teas such as Huangshan Maofeng and Qiantao Green Leaf .(source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government )

Due to its distance from urban areas, Wuyang Xiang has a population of around 10,000 and sees few tourists, allowing it to retain its original ancient town scenery. One notable village in Wuyang Xiang is Shangwu Village, located on a high mountain. Here, the ancient trees embrace the houses, creating a serene rural atmosphere that captivates visitors instantly!

Wuyang Xiang Address: She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China

If time permits, consider visiting Yangchan Tulou, about 11 kilometers away from Wuyang Xiang (only a 21-minute drive away). Yangchan Tulou is an ancient village in She County's Shendu Town, built against the backdrop of the southern Anhui mountains. "Yang" means facing the sun, while "chan" refers to steepness, indicating a sunny spot among the mountains.

Yangchan Tulou is built against the mountains with foundations made of blue stone.(source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government )

Due to its remote location and inconvenient transportation, villagers have sourced materials locally for centuries to build roads and houses, gradually forming unique earthen structures. Approximately 360 earthen buildings still exist, with the oldest being over 200 years old. Key attractions include Yangchan Primary School, the ancient well, Longwangjian, Yangchan Ancient Road, and the Zhengxiahe Cultural Corridor!

Yangchan Tulou Address: Yao Yuan Village, Shen Du Town, She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China Phone: +86 559 275 1208

The Most Beautiful Natural Chrysanthemum Fields: Wangmantian Village

If you love golden landscapes covered with flowers, you must visit Wangmantian Village in Xitou Town, She County!

Chrysanthemums are a crucial source of income for the villagers of Wangmantian, supporting several generations.(source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government ) The authorities have promoted chrysanthemum and tea products as pillar industries for Xitou Town.(source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government )

In Wangmantian Village, chrysanthemums are considered "flowers of wealth." In autumn, Huangshan Tribute Chrysanthemums, Huizhou Imperial Chrysanthemums, Golden Silk Imperial Chrysanthemums, and large yellow chrysanthemums compete in beauty, covering about 3.34 square kilometers of terraced fields.

Every autumn, Wangmantian Village turns into a golden wonderland, where smiling villagers can be seen harvesting chrysanthemums.(source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government )

Visiting during the chrysanthemum season rewards you with the unique fragrance of flowers, creating an immersive 4D experience that you must experience in person!

Additionally, Wangmantian Village hosts a historic Fish Lantern Festival, which has a history of over 600 years and is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in Xitou Town, She County, Huangshan City. Villagers carry giant fish-shaped lanterns and offerings, accompanied by colorful flags and firecrackers, to the Dragon King Temple or the Sea Goddess Temple, praying for a bountiful harvest and prosperity in the coming year!

During the New Year Fish Lantern Festival, travelers can witness the grand fish lantern parade conducted by the villagers.(source: screenshot from short film of Huangshan Tourism Office)

Wangmantian Village Address: Xitou Town, She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China

Dynamic Scenery: Yangcun Xiang

With its unique geographical advantage as "the southern entrance to Huangshan and the northern gate to Huizhou," Yangcun Xiang has recently adhered to an innovative, coordinated, green, open, and shared development philosophy. The Xiang actively promotes ecological tourism while producing well-reputed travel supplies such as hats, raincoats, trekking poles, and hiking shoes.

If you're familiar with Meichuan Village, consider taking a slight detour to see Yangcun Village, which is also part of Yangcun Xiang .(source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government ) Yangcun Village has a forest coverage rate of 94.6% and has received the provincial-level title of "Forest Village." .(source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government )

Yangcun Xiang is renowned for two titles: "Hometown of Anhui Fragrant Nuts" and "Hometown of Huangshan Maofeng." Fragrant nuts are a type of nut beloved by the great Song dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who wrote the classic poem “Fragrant Nuts” expressing his admiration.

Ancient-style buildings of Chinese architecture are nestled among the greenery, creating a peaceful and simple atmosphere.(source: Huangshan Municipal People's Government )

Yangcun Xiang's terrain is uniquely advantageous, with valleys and rivers intertwined, creating an excellent ecological environment. With a rich resource base and fertile soil, it supports diverse plant growth. The forest coverage rate reaches approximately 94.6%, with Yangcun Village and Huchuan Village both earning the provincial-level title of "Forest Village." The picturesque forest landscape changes with time and seasons, forming a continuously evolving scenic tableau throughout the year.

Yangcun Xiang Address: Yangcun Village, Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China

Suggested 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary for "Divine Villages" in Huangshan:

Day 1: Fly with Greater Bay Airlines to Huangshan Tunxi International Airport > Check into the hotel > Explore Tunxi Old Street, enjoy local cuisine, and admire the night view of Huangshan City. Day 2: Visit Qimen County’s Changjiang River Basin / Wushi Town’s Xiacun > In the afternoon, explore Hongcun, and it’s recommended to stay overnight to enjoy the tranquil night atmosphere. Day 3: Watch the sunrise at Hongcun > Yangcun Xiang > Wuyang Xiang, She County > Wangmantian Village in Xitou Town. Day 4: In the morning, visit Chengyang Village in the eastern part of Fuxi Xiang, conclude the trip > Fly back with Greater Bay Airlines.