Established in 1131 in the Ming and Song dynasties, the village is charming and well preserved. What makes Hongcun Village so unique is that the village was designed by a Feng Shui master to resemble a cow. The two old trees at the entrance to the village represent the horns, the four stone bridges the legs, the ponds the stomach, etc. This is the entrance we took to the village and the two trees are on each side of the photograph.
After checking into this cute hotel, I went off to find a place to run. I went along the river to head up out of the town. I passed through a couple of farming villages.
The countryside during the run was beautiful and uneventful except for a couple of dogs. The villagers admonished them when they wouldn’t leave me run through.
After the run I went out exploring with a few of the others on the tour. We found the two trees that made the horns of the cow (ox). One of the trees was used when there was a marriage. The bride is carried around the base of the tree.
The other tree, a very large gingko, is used similarly but when someone passes away.
While walking we noticed this post office sells drinks and cocktails. We went in for a look. They sold some unique stamps and novelties as well as drawings from the many students who come here to practice drawing the village and the mountains.
While we were there a couple chose a post card and sat down to compose it before mailing.
This is one of the bridges that is the legs of the cow and the lake that is central to the village.
Hongcun is unique among all Chinese villages for its very sophisticated water system. Its two large ponds are connected to a series of flowing streams which pass by every house, providing water for washing, cooking, and bathing.
Sights from around the village.
Hongcun at night was beautiful.
There was a charming old gentleman selling small goods. He was in any area not many people were at. I bought a bowl and cup made from bamboo.
I woke up early to get in another run and view more areas while there were less people.
Outside the village I ran in a different direction than the day before.
This village is isted as a World Heritage Site.
Additional images of food (snack) making.
I love all the pictures of so many places in China. It seems like you are always on the move! Are all these trips on weekends or have you had a LONG break?
We had spring break last week for the mountain tours but all the little trips around Guangzhou are just quick weekend trips just a couple hours away