Xidi Village
Xidi Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the heart of Anhui Province, China, is a timeless masterpiece of Hui-style architecture and traditional rural life. Established during the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and flourishing in the Ming and Qing periods, the village is renowned for its cobblestone lanes, carved wooden beams, and ancestral halls that whisper tales of ancient merchant families. Spanning 11 hectares, Xidi’s labyrinthine layout and 124 well-preserved residences offer a glimpse into China’s feudal past, earning it the nickname "A Living Museum of Ancient Hui Architecture.
HistoricalOverview
SongDynastyOrigins: Founded in 1047 AD, Xidi began as a settlement for the Hu family, whose descendants later became wealthy merchants.
Ming-QingGoldenAge: The village reached its zenith between the 14th and 19th centuries, with prosperous traders constructing opulent residences and public buildings.
20th-CenturyPreservation: Despite political upheavals, Xidi avoided large-scale demolition, thanks to its remote location and local efforts to safeguard heritage.
UNESCOInscription: Recognized in 2000 alongside neighboring Hongcun Village for its architectural and cultural significance.
ModernRevival: Post-2010, Xidi embraced sustainable tourism, balancing preservation with economic growth through cultural workshops and homestays.
StructuralLayout
Xidi’s architecture embodies feng shui principles, with watercourses, stone bridges, and gated alleys forming an intricate web.
AncientResidences: Over 120 Ming-Qing homes feature "horse-head" gables, wooden latticework, and courtyards centered on ancestral shrines.
AncestralHalls: The Wengong Hall and Jingyi Hall showcase exquisite wood carvings and stone tablets honoring clans’ lineages.
Archways: Seven stone archways, including the "Li Jie" (Upright Morality) Archway, commemorate virtuous scholars and officials.
WaterSystems: A network of canals and ponds, like the Moon Pond, reflects the village’s harmony with nature.
PublicSpaces: The Qingyun Pavilion and the former post office highlight Xidi’s role as a cultural and commercial hub.
MajorAttractions
DiligentStudyHall: A 17th-century academy with inkstones, calligraphy, and scholarly artifacts.
EastGarden: A private Ming Dynasty garden with rockeries, pavilions, and bonsai trees.
WoodCarvingMuseum: Displays intricate panels depicting myths, history, and daily life, crafted by local artisans.
Stone-CarvedArtGallery: Features the "Nine Dragons Screen" and other Qing Dynasty masterpieces.
FolkCustomsExhibitionHall: Showcases traditional clothing, festivals, and agricultural tools.
CulturalExperiences
Hui-styleCuisine: Taste "stinky mandarin fish" and "sesame cakes" at local teahouses.
WoodcarvingWorkshops: Learn to carve lotus flowers or mythical beasts under master artisans’ guidance.
AncestralRituals: Witness ceremonies at the Hu Family Temple during Qingming Festival.
TheaterPerformances: Enjoy Huangmei Opera or acrobatic shows at the village square.
AgriculturalLife: Join tea-picking or bamboo-weaving activities in surrounding fields.
SuggestedItineraries
ClassicRoute(2–3Hours)
Morning: Wander the main alley, visit the East Garden, and admire the stone archways.
Afternoon: Explore the Diligent Study Hall and Wood Carving Museum.
Evening: Dine at a local homestay and stroll under lantern-lit streets.
CulturalDepthRoute(4–5Hours)
Morning: Attend a woodcarving workshop, then tour ancestral halls and the Folk Customs Hall.
Afternoon: Hike to nearby observation decks for panoramic village views, followed by tea at the Qingyun Pavilion.
Evening: Experience a Huangmei Opera performance.
All-DayExploration(FullDay)
Morning: Join a guided tour of historic homes, then visit the Stone-Carved Art Gallery.
Afternoon: Participate in ancestral rituals, hike to rural villages, and savor a farm-to-table lunch.
Evening: Attend a lecture on Hui architecture or stargaze from the Moon Pond.
TicketPurchase
Online: Book via Ctrip or Mafengwo (¥94/adult; discounts for students/seniors).
On-Site: Purchase at the village entrance (cash/mobile payment accepted).
GuidedTours: ¥150–300 for English-speaking guides (2-hour tours).
FreeEntry: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and seniors over 70.
Transportation
ByBus: From Huangshan Tunxi Bus Station, take a 1.5-hour ride to Xidi (¥13/person).
ByTaxi: Direct hire from Huangshan City (~¥150 one-way).
ByPrivateCar: Hire a driver for flexibility (¥300–500/day).
NearestAirport: Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (1-hour drive).
BestTime&Tips
AvoidCrowds: Visit weekdays (April–May or September–October for mild weather).
Weather: Spring and autumn are ideal; summer can be humid, winter chilly.
Essentials: Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones are uneven); carry cash for small vendors.
Photography: Best in early morning or late afternoon for soft light.
ProhibitedItems: Drones and large luggage (lockers available at entrance).
FAQ
What is the iconic landmark of Xidi Village?
The Archway of Hu Wenguang is the most iconic landmark. Built in 1578, it honors Hu Wenguang, a local official of the Ming Dynasty, with delicate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and floral patterns. It stands at the village entrance, symbolizing Xidi’s historical prosperity and clan prestige.
How to plan a route to experience Huizhou-style architecture in Xidi?
Focus on architectural details: Study the horse-head gables and white-black color scheme of residential exteriors → observe the carved wooden windows and doorframes in Ruiyu Hall → examine the stone inscriptions and courtyard layouts of ancestral halls → compare differences between common houses and noble mansions.
What traditional crafts can visitors experience in Xidi?
Hui-style wood carving: Try simple carving techniques under local artisans’ guidance, creating small decorative items. Inkstone making: Learn to polish and engrave inkstones, a traditional Huizhou craft used for calligraphy. Tea processing: Participate in drying and roasting Huangshan Maofeng tea, a local specialty.
What is the most convenient way from Hongcun to Xidi Village?
Take a shuttle bus between Hongcun and Xidi, which runs 4-5 times daily (9:00-16:00) and takes about 40 minutes, with a fare of CNY 20. Alternatively, hire a taxi for around CNY 80-100.
What are the must-try local foods in Xidi Village?
Stinky mandarin fish: A classic Huizhou dish, fermented fish with a unique aroma and tender flesh. Steamed taro with preserved pork: Soft taro combined with salty preserved meat, a traditional rural delicacy. Hui-style pastries: Sweet snacks like sesame cakes and osmanthus cakes, often served with local tea.
