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2026.11.11 17:37 GMT+8

Hongcun: A village designed around water

Updated 2026.11.11 17:37 GMT+8
CGTN

Hongcun village, Huangshan, Anhui Province, China./CGTN

Hongcun village, Huangshan, Anhui Province, China./CGTN

Hongcun village, Huangshan, Anhui Province, China./CGTN

Hongcun village, Huangshan, Anhui Province, China./CGTN

Hongcun village, Huangshan, Anhui Province, China./CGTN

Hongcun village, Huangshan, Anhui Province, China./CGTN

In Hongcun village, Huangshan, Anhui Province, water is more than just part of the scenery. A network of narrow waterways winds through the village, passing traditional homes and flowing alongside ancient lanes. Developed centuries ago, this carefully planned water system channels stream water through the village, connecting ponds and smaller waterways while bringing water close to residents' doorsteps. In the past, villagers could use this water for everyday tasks such as washing vegetables and doing laundry. The waterways were carefully integrated into the village’s layout and designed to make daily life more convenient. Even today, these ancient channels remain an essential part of Hongcun's landscape, offering a glimpse into how traditional Chinese communities combined practical engineering with everyday life.

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