Hongcun Village: A UNESCO Heritage Spotlight Driving Rural Revitalization and Cultural Preservation

Nestled in the rolling landscapes of eastern China’s Anhui Province, Hongcun Village continues to captivate locals and tourists alike with its harmonious blend of ancient heritage and rural vitality. As visitors stroll through cobbled pathways and gaze upon shimmering ponds—mirrored by symphonies of whitewashed walls and ebony rooftops—they are enveloped in a world where history, architecture, and natural beauty converge.

The village’s most celebrated feature is its ingenious urban planning, modeled after the shape of a reclining ox. Leigang Mountain serves as the symbolic “head,” while ancient pines sprawl like horns overhead. The tightly clustered, centuries-old residences form the “body,” and a network of artfully engineered waterways snakes through the settlement, representing the “intestines.” This design is a testament to the wisdom and creativity of the ancestors of Hongcun, earning it international recognition as a World Cultural Heritage site.

At the heart of Hongcun lies its renowned Hui-style architecture. These structures, with their pristine facades and intricate carvings of wood, stone, and brick, stand as living museums of traditional craftsmanship. Their timeless elegance is further accentuated by picturesque surroundings—tranquil lakes nestle beside lush mountains, offering a backdrop that has inspired generations and even served as a setting for acclaimed films.

In recent years, Hongcun has pioneered a dynamic fusion of heritage preservation and economic growth. Harnessing its world-famous charm, the village has introduced an “intangible cultural heritage-homestay” model. In 2024, this approach won national acclaim when two local homestays were recognized as “Most Stunning Public Cultural Spaces.” This recognition has helped drive tourism-related accommodation spending to an impressive 2.1 billion yuan (approx. $290 million), highlighting Hongcun’s emergence as a major destination in China’s cultural tourism sector.

Beyond architecture and scenery, visitors are drawn into the heartbeat of authentic Hui culture. Regular exhibitions showcase traditional crafts—such as woodcarving and paper-cutting—while folk performances invite guests to experience the region’s vibrant customs firsthand. These immersive activities not only elevate the tourist experience but also provide new opportunities for local artisans and residents, bolstering rural incomes and sustaining community identity.

Today, Hongcun Village stands as a beacon of rural revitalization and cultural preservation. Its successful integration of heritage protection, tourism innovation, and local empowerment offers a compelling blueprint for sustainable development—ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at this timeless treasure of eastern China.