Xidi Ancient Village Scenic Area is located in Xidi Town, Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, with a village area of 10.7 square kilometers. It is a Chinese traditional village, a Chinese historical and cultural village, and a national key cultural relics protection unit. On December 2, 2000, the ancient villages in southern Anhui represented by Xidi Village were inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO; on May 5, 2011, Xidi Village Scenic Area was officially awarded the title of "National 5A-level Tourist Attraction" by the National Tourism Administration; in December 2021, it was selected into the first batch of United Nations "Best Tourism Villages" list. Xidi Village currently has 3 well-preserved ancestral halls, 1 memorial archway, and 155 ancient dwellings, known as the "Museum of Ming and Qing Dwellings" and the "Home in Peach Blossom Land".
History and Culture
Xidi Village was first built during the Huangyou period of the Northern Song Dynasty, developed in the middle of the Jingtai period of the Ming Dynasty, and reached its peak in the early Qing Dynasty. During the Huangyou period of the Northern Song Dynasty, Hu Shiliang, the fifth-generation grandson of Hu Changyi, went to Jinling on official business and passed through Xidi Pu. Seeing the place surrounded by mountains, beautiful scenery, and fertile soil, he moved his family from Kaoshui in Wuyuan to Xidi. Since then, the family has combined farming and studying in Xidi, multiplying and thriving.
Xidi Village has a profound cultural heritage, with two national intangible cultural heritages: Huizhou three carvings and Huizhou traditional residential construction techniques. The village takes a longitudinal street and two creek-side roads as the main framework, forming a village street system extending mainly eastward and extending to the north and south. All streets are paved with Yixian bluestones. The ancient buildings are mostly wooden structures with brick walls, and the wood carvings, stone carvings, and brick carvings are rich and colorful. The design and layout of the alleys and buildings are coordinated. The village space changes flexibly, and the architectural tones are simple and elegant, making it a typical representative of Chinese Huizhou architectural art.
Main Attractions
Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway
Built in the sixth year of the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1578), commonly known as the "Xidi Archway", it is located at the entrance of Xidi Village, Xidi Town. The building covers a length of 15.75 meters, a width of 8.1 meters, and an area of 127.6 square meters, with a three-room, four-column, five-story architectural format. It was bestowed by the imperial court to commend Hu Wenguang for his outstanding political achievements in his 32 years of official service, allowing him to erect it in his hometown. The archway is 12.3 meters high and 9.95 meters wide, built with Yixian bluestones. The main pillars are supported by rectangular stone piers, and the two end pillars are decorated with drum stones. The middle two pillars are carved with two pairs of inverted stone lions at the front and back as support feet for the architrave columns, with lifelike shapes. The archway is a hollow relief with exquisite craftsmanship and diverse expressions. The horizontal plaques on the east and west sides of the archway are respectively engraved with the eight characters "Prime Minister of Jingfan" and "Prefect of Jiaozhou".
Jing'ai Hall
Originally the residence of Hu Shiheng, the 14th ancestor of the Hu family in Xidi, it was first built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1563-1620) and later destroyed by fire. When it was rebuilt during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, due to the increasing prosperity of the Hu family descendants, it was expanded into a clan hall. It is a typical Huizhou-style brick-wood structure building with an area of 1,800 square meters, and also the largest existing ancestral hall in Xidi Village. This is a place for worshipping ancestors, educating descendants, uniting the clan, and holding various religious activities. A stream flows around the hall, which is now opened as the "Xidi Folk Custom Exhibition Hall".
Zouma Building
With a unique architectural style, exquisite interior decoration, and superb woodcarving craftsmanship, it demonstrates the superb architectural skills and artistic level of the time.
Kuanggu Zhai
Built in the first year of the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (1662), it covers an area of 130 square meters.
Ruiyu Courtyard
It houses the plaques of Xidi Ancient Village, and the famous Huizhou merchant couplet "Happiness always comes from hard work, and benefits often come from suffering losses" is engraved here.
Taoli Garden
Located in the middle of Henglu Street, built during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty (1831-1861), it consists of a main house and a courtyard. It was the former residence of Hu Yuanxi, a Huizhou merchant in Xidi, and is also the only building in Xidi that combines a residence and a library. On both sides of the back hall, there are 12 carved wooden panels inlaid with the full text of the calligraphy lacquer carving "The Record of the Drunkard's Pavilion" in sequence, written by Huang Yuanzhi, a calligrapher from ancient Yixian during the Kangxi period.
West Garden
It is a typical Huizhou-style garden building among Huizhou ancient dwellings, and its ingenious feature lies in the echo between the house and the courtyard, and the connection between the courtyard and nature. It is the former residence of Hu Wenzhao, the 25th ancestor of the Hu family in Xidi, built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty (1824 AD), with a history of more than 180 years.
East Garden
Opposite to the West Garden, it also has exquisite architecture and a unique layout, reflecting the characteristics of Huizhou architecture.
Dunren Hall
Located by the stream in front of the back alley of Dafu Di, built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (1662-1722), it was the late residence of Hu Guansan, a leading Huizhou merchant in the village and one of the "Six Wealthiest in Jiangnan". The house has a five-room, two-story structure, simple and elegant.
Lvfu Hall
It was the private residence of Hu Shangzeng, the highest-ranking official (second rank in the Qing Dynasty) in Xidi, built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (1662-1722). It is a three-room, three-story residential building with front and back halls, tall and spacious, elegant and simple. The front hall hangs a large "Pine and Crane" central scroll painting, and the "Lvfu Hall" plaque is hung above the central scroll, with strong and vigorous calligraphy.
Qingyun Xuan
Built in the ninth year of the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty (1870), covering an area of 136 square meters, it was the study of the host family.
Yingfu Hall
With a unique architectural style and decorative features, it demonstrates the charm of Huizhou architecture.
Yanggao Hall
It has unique features in architectural structure and cultural connotation, and is one of the important representatives of Xidi Ancient Village buildings.
Shangde Hall
It reflects the traditional culture and values of Xidi Village, with a simple architectural style and historical charm.
Dafu Di
The building is regular, showing the architectural regulations and style of the time.
Diji Hall
It has its own unique architectural characteristics and historical significance.
Zhuimu Hall
The roof has flying eaves and upturned corners, with an eight-character gatehouse. There is a wooden railing outside the Sanyuan Gate under the eaves. The eight-character wall is made of whole pieces of polished Yixian marble. Inside the hall, there are portraits of Li Shiming's meritorious officials and a statue of Li Shiming enshrined.
Duyi Courtyard
Also known as Zhenshi Xiaozhu, built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty (1821-1851), it was the former residence of Hu Yuanxi, the son of Hu Guansan, the third-rank Tongyi Doctor and one of the six richest men in Jiangnan, and the son-in-law of Cao Zhenyong, the prime minister of the three dynasties (Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Daoguang) in the Qing Dynasty. The courtyard gate is a brick-built eight-character gatehouse, inlaid with the brick carving horizontal scroll "Purple Qi from the East". The inner gate pavilion of the gate is inlaid with the scroll-shaped stone carving gate forehead "Zhenshi Xiaozhu". On both sides of the gate pavilion, there are vase-shaped and green leaf-shaped small door openings, inlaid with the brick carving gate foreheads "Yuhu" and "Yingchun" respectively, and a greenhouse for the owner to keep flowers over winter is set inside.
Ying Tianqi Art Gallery
The works of printmaker Ying Tianqi are inspired by Xidi, and special postcards can be purchased in the gallery.
Viewing Platform
Located on the hill behind the village, it is the best place to shoot the panoramic view of Xidi. When shrouded in morning mist or at sunset, the entire village is like a flowing ink wash painting.
Food
Yixian Labadoufu (Laba Tofu)
It is a special folk flavor product of Yixian County. On the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month before the Spring Festival, every household sun-dries tofu, and over time, it becomes "Laba Tofu". It has a yellow and jade-like appearance, soft texture, sweet and salty taste, and is fragrant and fresh. It can be eaten alone or fried and stewed with meat.
Huizhou Smelly Mandarin Fish
Mandarin fish pickled by a special process, which smells smelly but tastes fragrant, with fresh and tender meat and mellow taste, is one of the classic representatives of Huizhou cuisine.
Five-Peel Fried Eggs
It is fried with tender leaves of Acanthopanax and eggs. Acanthopanax has certain medicinal value, and this dish is fragrant and nutritious.
Yuting Cake
It is a traditional pastry with a soft and glutinous taste, sweet but not greasy, and a unique rice fragrance.
Huizhou Baolu Guo
Made from Baolu (corn) flour, it can be matched with various fillings, both salty and sweet, with a unique flavor.
Dried Bamboo Shoots Braised Pork
Dried bamboo shoots absorb the oil of the meat and become soft and fragrant, while the meat also has the fragrance of bamboo shoots. The two complement each other.
Preserved Bean Curd Explosive Meat
Pork is cooked with preserved bean curd, and the mellow taste of preserved bean curd is integrated into the meat, with a unique flavor.
Huizhou-style Steamed Pork with Rice Flour
Pork is wrapped in rice flour and steamed in a steamer. The rice flour absorbs the oil of the meat, making it soft and delicious, and the meat is also tender and juicy.
Ruyi Chicken
With a unique shape and tender chicken meat, it is cooked with a variety of seasonings, with a rich taste.
Longmen Honey Mandarin Fish
Mandarin fish is cooked with honey, with fresh and tender meat and the sweetness of honey, with a unique taste.
Tickets
The ticket price is 94 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "黟县徽黄旅游集团" in WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Regular opening hours are 7:30 - 17:30 (night tour light show until 20:00).
Tour Route
After entering the scenic area, visitors can start the tour from the Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway at the village entrance, then visit attractions such as Ying Tianqi Art Gallery, Kuanggu Zhai, Duyi Courtyard, Diji Hall, Shangde Hall, and East Garden. Walk along the ancient village streets to admire ancient dwellings, ancestral halls, and other buildings, and also go to West Garden, Taoli Garden, Jing'ai Hall, etc. Finally, climb to the viewing platform to overlook the panoramic view of Xidi Ancient Village. It is recommended to arrange 3-5 hours for the whole tour to fully experience the charm of the ancient village.
Transportation
- By Air: First arrive at Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, then take a bus from the airport to Yixian County, and then transfer to Xidi Ancient Village. Huangshan Tunxi International Airport is about 55 kilometers away from Yixian County, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- By Train: Take the train to Huangshan Station or Huangshan North Station. Huangshan Station is about 50 kilometers away from Yixian County, and you can transfer to a bus to Yixian County and then go to Xidi Ancient Village; Huangshan North Station is about 40 kilometers away from Yixian County, and you can also transfer to a bus to Yixian County to go to Xidi Ancient Village.
- By Car: Depart from Huangshan City, drive along G56 Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway to Yixian Exit, then follow the navigation to Xidi Ancient Village Scenic Area, with the whole journey about 50 kilometers and a driving time of about 1 hour. From other cities, you can first navigate to Yixian County and then go to Xidi Ancient Village.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway: Built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it is the landmark building of Xidi, symbolizing Hu Wenguang's political achievements. The exquisite Huizhou stone carving craftsmanship is amazing.
- Jing'ai Hall: The largest existing ancestral hall in Xidi Village, with an area of 1,800 square meters, is a typical Huizhou-style brick-wood structure building and a place for worshipping ancestors, educating descendants, uniting the clan, and holding various religious activities.
- West Garden: A typical Huizhou-style garden building, with the house echoing the courtyard and the courtyard connecting with nature, built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, with a history of more than 180 years.
- Viewing Platform: Located on the hill behind the village, it is an excellent place to shoot the panoramic view of Xidi. In the morning or evening, the scenery is like an ink wash painting.
Tour Tips
- Learn about Huizhou architecture and the historical and cultural background of Xidi Village in advance to better appreciate the architectural and cultural landscapes of the scenic area.
- Visit on weekdays or during the off-season to avoid tourist crowds, allowing for a more leisurely tour of the ancient village and a chance to experience its tranquil atmosphere.
- Consider hiring a local guide to gain in-depth insights into the stories and cultural connotations behind each attraction.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as touring the ancient village involves a lot of walking on bluestone-paved roads.
- Stay overnight in the ancient village to experience the unique atmosphere of its mornings and nights.
Notes
- Most ancient buildings in the scenic area have a long history. Please do not touch or climb them to avoid causing damage.
- Respect local customs and religious beliefs, and refrain from loud noise or inappropriate behavior in places like ancestral halls.
- When purchasing souvenirs, pay attention to quality and price to avoid unnecessary disputes.
- Protect the environment by not littering and keeping the ancient village clean.
- Obey the instructions of scenic area staff and follow the regulations during the tour.