One of the Best World Heritage Sites in China listed by UNESCO in 2000 ( Thanks to Shu for this pic)
It is said that Hongchu village, located in the Southwestern foot of Huangshan, constructed by ancient Chinese is an architectural miracle. The village is arranged in such a way that water from a stream flows through each and every household, 158 of them of the Ming and Qing era.
In their ancestral halls one can spot the exquisite carvings of birds, flowers and figures on doors,walls, columns and beams. As we walked through this exceptionally well preserved houses, we were welcomed by one picturesque scene after another. It can make one feel as though you are back in time to the days of the Chinese emperors. Perhaps if I understood Mandarin, I could have imagined alot more, unfortunately that was not the case. So i was more than happy trailing behind and snapping away. Please enjoy the photos taken and a short clip of the Artists’ heaven in Hongchu at the end.
In the meantime, please find more readings about the history of these 2 traditional villages, Hongcun and Xidi here http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1002 and here http://www.cits.net/china-guide/destinations/world-heritage/xidi-hongcun-ancient-villages.html
igomanamana 
Dear Kim,
Your write-up & comments brings back wonderful memories. Must say you got very nice pictures, capturing the key & everyday scenes. Only wish to add this Hongcun is still a living village, occupied by about 1500 residents. Very kind of some of the families to open to their homes to visitors/tourists. The current mayor is the 5th generation from his family, still living in the same house!
Thanks Shu for the added info.While my walks through the homes were just filled with gasps of wonder and fascination, yours had more than just wonder. Yours came with a story that was told. Thanks for sharing.