We collected literature about the historical background and recent research on Hongcun Village in China as far as possible. We also clarified the historical background of the water system, such as ditches and ponds that form the skeleton of village space, based on both reference materials and interviews with residents and officials. In addition, we conducted fixed-point observation and listening investigation to residents to grasp the space configuration of water networks and water utilization works, the water utilization forms, corresponding habits of residents and the management mode. We also conducted photo research and field survey of all the paths of the waterway in the village. Besides, for those dwelling units which have yard fishpond, we had performed site inspections and photographic recordings wherever were allowed by their owners and we had also measured some sites as much as possible.
This paper studied on the Hongcun Village which is developed based on the Feng Shui philosophy, mainly from the aspects below:
(1) The historical process of forming the village space led by the Feng Shui;
(2) The roles of water and water space in the water system of Hongcun Village, which frames the village's space formation.
(3) The formation history and spatial structure of the waterway network, as well as the history of water utilization space and facilities, the formation of ponds and lakes within the village.
(4) The utilization and management of water and water space which support the villagers' daily life.
Our results showed that the village's spatial configuration well reflects the water system, meanwhile, the water system had been incorporated into the villagers' life. However, under the influence of internal and external factors such as the spread of waterworks and the increasing of tourists, the water system has been deviating from the original way though it had been rooted in the daily life of residents for long. Typically, the compliance with the convention of using waterway worsened, and some the waterway had been polluted.
