Hongcun Village: a timeless heritage driving rural revitalization

Nestled in Anhui Province, Hongcun Village – a living testament to over 860 years of history – stands as a distinguished World Cultural Heritage site. Its most remarkable feature lies in the ingenious bovine-inspired urban planning. Leigang Mountain commands the role of the "ox head;" ancient trees stretch out like "ox horns;" the cluster of ancient architecture constitutes the "ox body;" and the network of water channels mimics the "ox intestines." This architectural marvel forms a lifelike portrayal of a colossal ox reclining amid picturesque landscapes, showcasing unparalleled creativity and design acumen.

The Hui-style architecture in Hongcun is a paragon of architectural elegance. The immaculate whitewashed facades and jet-black tiled roofs help create a harmonious symphony with idyllic lakes and verdant mountains. The intricate woodcarvings, elaborate stone carvings and meticulous brick carvings are masterpieces of craftsmanship, embodying the profound cultural heritage and distinctive allure of ancient Huizhou.

Capitalizing on its prestigious World Cultural Heritage status, Hongcun has innovatively integrated ancient dwellings with an "intangible cultural heritage-homestay" model. In 2024, two exceptional homestays in Yixian County, where Hongcun is situated, were honored as national "Most Stunning Public Cultural Spaces," propelling local tourism accommodation consumption to a staggering 2.1 billion yuan (about $290 million). Moreover, local authorities have orchestrated a rich tapestry of folk activities, including exhibitions of traditional handicraft production, offering tourists an immersive experience of Hui culture. This burgeoning cultural-tourism consumption powerhouse not only enriches the livelihoods of local residents but also catalyzes the synergistic development of rural revitalization and the cultural tourism economy.