Hong Cun Village of Yixian County, evolved in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, is located in a beautiful surrounding, with green hills around and clear streams winding through. The village, covering the territory of 30 hectares, has a great fame for her water-supplying system. The bird view of village's shape is like a resting water-buffalo. The running water flows in the winding ditches to every household, and is finally gathered in a little lake at the entrance of the village. The peaceful environment and beautiful surroundings present outsiders a piece of pleasing and tranquil picture of a typical country life in South China.
Everyday hundreds of visitors are attracted to the village by its beautiful views and more than 140 well-preserved ancient houses, among which several magnificent clan halls and the celebrities' former residences are most attracting. Inside these ancient houses you can appreciate the splendid wood carvings on the beams and columns. After your visit, you will conclude that Hong Cun's major difference from other villages is that the well-preserved ancient houses get along harmoniously well with her beautiful surroundings. It was inscribed into the list of the World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. (See: http://whc.unesco.org/archive/repcom00.htm#1002 for details)
Hongcun is also the location for the famous Chinese film "Wo Hu Cang Long (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon)", 2000, directed by Lee Ang and starring Chow Yun Fat. In the 73rd Academy Awards, the film has won Best Foreign Film, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, and Best Art/Set Direction.
