How to Get to Hongcun Ancient Village: Skip the Busy Routes & Save Time

My first trip to Hongcun almost ended in disaster. I got dropped off at the wrong village gate and wasted an hour hiking in the wrong direction. Don't let that be you.

After guiding dozens of groups through Anhui's ancient villages, I can tell you one thing clearly: getting to Hongcun Ancient Village isn't complicated—but outdated blog posts and confusing maps make it look harder than it is. I'm here to break it all down, from bus schedules to hidden shortcuts that only locals know.

Here's the bottom line: the most reliable way is taking the direct bus from Huangshan North Station. But depending on where you start, your best option changes. Let me walk you through each route, with real times and costs.

From Huangshan North Station

This is the main high-speed rail station for the area. Most travelers arrive here from Shanghai (2.5h), Hangzhou (1.5h), or Beijing (4h). Once you step out, you have three choices:

• Direct tourism bus – runs from 8:20am to 5:30pm, roughly every 30 minutes. Ticket costs ¥30 (about $4). The ride takes about 70 minutes and drops you at the Hongcun parking lot. Pro tip: don't buy tickets from touts inside the station; go to the official booth right outside the exit.
• Private taxi – around ¥150–200. If you have luggage or are in a hurry, this saves you the bus wait. But negotiate the price before you get in.
• Didi (Chinese Uber) – about ¥120–160. Works well if you have the app set up. Here's a catch: many drivers won't accept international credit cards. Have cash or WeChat Pay ready.

From Tunxi Old Street

Many travelers stay in Tunxi (the historic old town) before heading to Hongcun. The distance is about 50km.

• Bus from Tunxi Bus Station – one direct bus at 8:30am, then a few more in the afternoon. Ticket ¥25. The station is a 10-minute walk from the old street. Warning: schedules change seasonally; always check at the station the day before.
• Shared minibus – you'll see drivers near the old street entrance. They charge about ¥40–50 per person. They wait until they have 6–7 passengers. This can be slow.
• Private transfer – hotel can arrange one for ¥180–250. More expensive but door-to-door.

One weird thing: the official bus sometimes skips the stop if no one is waiting. I once stood at the stop for 40 minutes because the driver didn't see me behind a pillar. Wave clearly and step forward when the bus approaches.

From Tangkou (Huangshan Scenic Area)

If you're coming down from climbing Huangshan, Tangkou is the gateway town. Hongcun is about 40km southwest.

• Bus – only one direct bus per day, usually around 1:30pm. Ticket ¥20. Otherwise, you'll need to go via Huangshan North Station or Tunxi.
• Minibus/pool taxi – common near the Tangkou bus center. Expect ¥60–80 per person for the 1-hour ride.

I always warn hikers: if you miss that 1:30pm bus, you're stuck taking a taxi for ¥150+. So plan your descent accordingly.

From Huangshan Airport

The airport is small and about 5km from Tunxi. No direct bus to Hongcun exists. You'll need to first get to Tunxi Bus Station or Huangshan North Station.

• Taxi to Tunxi – ¥30–40 for the 10‑minute ride.
• Then take bus from Tunxi (see above) or go to Huangshan North Station (taxi ¥50).

If you're arriving late, stay one night in Tunxi. The museums and food scene are worth it anyway.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Getting off at the wrong exit. Hongcun has a north gate and a south gate. The bus stops at the south gate main parking lot. If your Didi driver takes you to the north gate (often quieter but less convenient), you'll walk 15 minutes through a residential area. Confirm: “请停在南门停车场” (please stop at the south gate parking lot).

2. Not having WeChat Pay for bus tickets. The bus ticket office at Huangshan North Station now prefers digital payment. Cash is accepted but they may not have change. I always tell my guests: “ask your hotel to pre‑charge your WeChat Wallet.”

3. Relying on Google Maps. Google Maps is notoriously bad in rural China. Use Amap or Baidu Maps. They show real‑time bus positions.

4. Underestimating the afternoon rush. Buses heading back from Hongcun to Huangshan North Station stop at 5:30pm. If you linger too long at the village, you'll be bargaining with desperate taxi drivers charging ¥250.

One last insider tip: if you're planning to visit both Xidi and Hongcun in one day (common), take the bus to Xidi first (about 20 minutes from Hongcun), then taxi to Hongcun. The taxi between the two villages is about ¥40.

FAQ – How to Get to Hongcun Ancient Village