Longchuan Village
A 1,600-year-old pearl of Huizhou culture, nestled among mountains and water in Anhui, China.
A 1,600-year-old pearl of Huizhou culture, nestled among mountains and water in Anhui, China.
About
A historic Huizhou village shaped by mountains, water and centuries of clan culture.
Longchuan is a picturesque ancient village in southwestern Anhui Province. Nestled between Mount Feng and Mount Chao, the village has preserved a peaceful landscape of traditional Hui-style houses, narrow alleys and flowing water. Its name, meaning “Dragon Creek”, comes from the local creek that winds through the village and eventually joins the Xin'an River system.
For more than 1,600 years, Longchuan has been closely connected with Huizhou culture. Its boat-shaped village layout, ancestral traditions and well-preserved historic landmarks make it an important cultural destination in the Xin'an River Basin.
Discover
Walk through a 1,600-year-old settlement with traditional Hui-style houses, deep alleys and a peaceful creek-side landscape.
Explore the story of the Hu clan, whose lineage has continued for 48 generations and produced many distinguished historical figures.
Discover exquisite wood carving, stone carving, brick carving and glazed decoration in well-preserved historic architecture.
Located in Jixi County, Longchuan is accessible by expressway, railway, high-speed rail, bus and nearby airports.
Explore
The Hu Family Ancestral Hall is one of the most important cultural landmarks in Longchuan. Covering 1,564 square meters, it reflects classic Hui-style architectural craftsmanship and features more than 600 exquisite wood carvings. Known locally as the “Museum of Woodcarving Art”, it was listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit in 1988.
Erected in 1562, the Yishi Minister Memorial Arch is a masterpiece of Hui-style stone carving. It was built to honor two distinguished ministers of the Hu clan: Hu Fu, Minister of Revenue, and Hu Zongxian, Minister of War. Its delicate relief carvings and historic inscriptions make it one of the most representative monuments in Longchuan.
Along the winding Longchuan Creek, rows of traditional houses face the water with mountains standing behind them. This creek-side pathway forms the main pedestrian corridor of the village and is known as Water Street. It offers visitors a quiet way to experience the daily rhythm and spatial beauty of an ancient Hui-style village.
Hu Zongxian was a distinguished military and political leader of the Ming Dynasty. During the Jiajing reign, he led troops to defend China's eastern coast and later served as Minister of War and Governor of Zhejiang and Fujian Provinces. His former residence is an important site for understanding Longchuan's historical influence.
Heritage
Longchuan's history dates back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty, when a high-ranking official of the Hu clan led his family southward from Shandong and settled in this area. Over the centuries, the village developed into an important cradle of Huizhou culture.
The Hu clan placed great importance on harmony, education, family order and social responsibility. These values can still be seen in the ancestral hall, memorial arch, village layout and local customs. The carvings of lotus flowers, birds, insects, fish and crabs are not only decorative details, but also symbols of unity, prosperity and harmonious coexistence.
Longchuan's unique village plan resembles a boat floating on water, reflecting the Huizhou tradition of harmonious coexistence with nature.
The Hu clan has maintained continuous lineage records for 48 generations, producing scholars, ministers and military leaders throughout Chinese history.
Harmony between people, nature and architecture is the guiding philosophy of Longchuan, visible in every carving, building and pathway.
White walls, dark tiles, horse-head gables and exquisite carvings define the iconic Hui-style architectural tradition preserved in Longchuan.
Historical Figure
Hu Zongxian, born in 1512, was one of the most prominent descendants of the Hu clan. During the Ming Dynasty, he played a major role in defending China's eastern coast against Japanese pirates. He later served as Minister of War and Governor of Zhejiang and Fujian Provinces.
Longchuan preserves several landmarks connected with Hu Zongxian, including the Hu Family Ancestral Hall, the Yishi Minister Memorial Arch and his former residence. His legacy remains an important part of the village's historical identity.
1512
Born in Longchuan, Jixi County
1538
Passed the imperial examination and entered government service
1555
Appointed Governor of Zhejiang and Fujian, leading coastal defense
1557
Successfully suppressed pirate forces along the eastern coast
1562
Yishi Minister Memorial Arch erected in his honor
1565
Passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in Longchuan
Experience
Longchuan is not a destination for hurried sightseeing. It is best explored slowly. Visitors can walk along Water Street, admire the ancestral hall, study stone and wood carvings, take photographs of Hui-style architecture, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of an ancient village surrounded by mountains and water.
Stroll beside the gentle waters that give the village its name, reflecting white walls and dark roofs.
Marvel at the iconic horse-head walls, white facades and intricate lattice windows of traditional homes.
Study centuries-old wood, stone and brick carvings that tell stories of culture, nature and clan heritage.
Trace 48 generations of one of China's most distinguished clan lineages through preserved landmarks.
Practical
RMB 77
Per person. The ticket grants access to all scenic spots within Longchuan Scenic Area.
Spring & Summer
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Autumn & Winter
8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Suggested visiting time: At least 1 hour
Longchuan Scenic Area, Yingzhou Town, Jixi County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province, China
About 12 km from the Jixi exit of the Jixi–Huangshan Expressway.
Jixi Railway Station connects with major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Fuzhou, Kunming, Xiamen, Nanjing and Hefei.
Lines including Hefei–Fuzhou and Huangshan–Hangzhou stop at Jixi, making regional travel convenient.
Huangshan Tunxi International Airport is the nearest airport, about 30 minutes by car from Jixi.
Jixi Bus Station operates shuttle buses to Longchuan every 20 minutes. One-way fare: RMB 2. Service hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Explore More
Visit the former residence of Hu Shi, a leading scholar and pioneer of China's New Culture Movement.
Explore the story of Hu Xueyuan, a renowned entrepreneur of the Qing Dynasty.
Get in Touch
For ticket service, business cooperation or travel information, please contact Longchuan Scenic Area.
Ticket Service
0563-8315555
Business Service
0563-8315763
Recommended Travel Agency
Anhui Hangjia Longchuan Tourism Development Co., Ltd.