UNESCO has described Hongcun as "a testament to ancient human civilization and an exemplary specimen of traditional architecture," and it has been inscribed on the World Heritage List. In October 2003, it was designated by the Ministry of Construction and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage as one of the first group of "Historic and Cultural Villages" in China. On May 5, 2011, the Hongcun scenic area was officially awarded the status of a "National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction" by the National Tourism Administration. On December 17, 2012, Hongcun was included in the first batch of "Traditional Chinese Villages" by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China.