Historically the most prominent residence in the village, Zhong Xian Di, built in the late 17th century as the home of an official, will be your home while in Huang Cun. The two-story timber frame house has 25 bedrooms arranged around three courtyards. Most rooms have been preserved in their original structure and refurnished with traditional beds and cabinets, helping create an authentic experience for our guests. While you are here, you will enjoy a variety of mostly vegetarian Huizhou cuisine, prepared in a traditional manner, with organic local produce, in Zhong Xian Di's traditional man-powered kitchen. All of our guests have given their 2 thumbs up for our cuisine.
The residence, however, is not by any means luxurious. Visitors should know that the rooms are generally small and the walls are thin. The shower stalls and toilettes are located separately outside the rooms in the courtyard within the residence. This is to ensure that we do not destroy the original setup of this 300-year-old residence and that our guests enjoy the unique experience of living in this special house. Right outside the doorstep of Zhong Xian Di you will discover the daily life of the village: rice paddies, vegetable fields, terraced tea bushes, water buffaloes and the vital streams that flow throughout. In the center of Huang Cun, steps from Zhong Xian Di, is Jin Shi Di, a grand, 1531 Ming dynasty shrine in honor of a high official who was born in this special village.
Village China welcomes and introduces the visitor to the village, the local residents and the life styles, activities and customs of Huang Cun. We will customize your stay in the village in accordance with your individual or group's desires and interests.
This two day, two night stay in Zhong Xian Di will offer the opportunity to be fully immersed vin the daily life and activities in Huang Cun. Guests will stay in a restored 250 year old, three courtyard residence originally built to house an official and his extended family.
The rooms are outfitted simply but in a very traditional, local village manner with antique Chinese canopy beds. Modern shared bathroom facilities are located with in the courtyards. Guests will enjoy the local cuisine and are encouraged to participate in meal preparation.
Our sample itinerary below is based on arrival into the Tunxi airport in the evening of day one and departure the evening of day three. However, we can easily accommodate other schedules and are happy to work with you for special arrangements. Please also note that depending on the season, the agricultural activities might be different. Please check with us before you make your schedule
Day One
Guests will arrive at Zhong Xian Di in the evening. Light snacks and a welcome tea will be served as guests settle into their rooms. There will be time to explore the house and relax before retiring.
Day Two
After a traditional Chinese breakfast, we will explore the village of Huang Cun. Strolling through the center of the village and then moving further out into the surrounding fields you will be exposed to all of the rich patterns of life in the village. Depending upon the time of your visit, you can participate in a variety of daily agricultural activities including tea picking, rice cultivation, and planting or harvest vegetables with a local family.
Hikes can be arranged into the surrounding fields, hills and nearby villages for those interested in exploring the countryside. The landscape offers unparalleled opportunities for photographers.
Lunch is served in Zhong Xian Di and will include local Huizhou dishes.
The afternoon offers the opportunity to learn about the rural Chinese education system. A visit to the primary school includes discussion with the teachers and instructing the students in an English class. Time is set aside to speak with the village chief about local governance.
The late afternoon allows time to relax or explore the village environs on your own.
Dinner is served in Zhong Xian Di.
The evening can include optional activities of a music performance or fire works display.
Day Three
The morning is spent learning about the traditional Huizhou cuisine and learning to make one or two regional specialties. This hands on session allows you to work side by side in the Zhong Xian Di kitchen.
Lunch at Zhong Xian Di features dishes prepared during the morning session.
The afternoon allows for an exploration of traditional regional craft. Watch as bamboo is transformed into baskets and sturdy furniture. Traditional wood carpentry and carving of the region will also be demonstrated. Guests are invited to participate in all of these programs.
After a final meal in Zhong Xian Di, guests will travel to the Tunxi airport for an evening flight.
Bamboo basket making
Furniture making
Cooking
Classroom teaching
Hiking
Mahjong
Tea picking
Rice cultivation
Architectural surveying
House building
Language classes
Trips to nearby village, temple or mountain sights
Roof tile making
Participation in Village China Project current service projects
Village China Experience is happy to work with your trip leaders to create a customized visit of one to thirty days. Costs will be calculated in accordance with the visitors' desired length of stay, number of participants and number of organized activities.
Zhong Xian Di Home | Travel Package | Activities | Customized Visits