China: Hongcun Ancient Village – Inside Halls & Mansions

Hongcun is globally famous for its mirror-like water reflections and white-washed ancient buildings, the real treasures lies behind its whitewashed walls. Built by wealthy merchant families of the Wang clan, the halls and mansions of the village showcase the peak of Huizhou three-carvings artistry – wood, stone, and brick. Chenzhi Hall is the undisputed masterpiece with over 60 rooms arranged around seven distinct courtyards with staggering multi-layered wood carvings on the beams and pillars. Another one is Lexi Hall which was the ancestral hall – it has an especially ornate stone front gate with traditional Huizhou brick-carved archway Anna lot of wood carvings inside. Other halls include Shuren Hall with an octagonal skylight, Samli Hall with elaborate geometric carvings, and Deyi Hall with indoor aqueducts, also full of carvings.