Xidi Village

Located in Yixian County, Xidi and Hongcun Ancient Villages were listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2000. These two villages are the most representative local-style residences in southern Anhui Province.

Construction of Xidi Village began during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). So far, it has a history of over 900 years. The village is famed as being the Ming and Qing Dynasty Local Residence Museum. It has about 124 ancient residences and three ancestral halls, including an archway, Linyun Pavilion, Eastern and Western Gardens, Ruiyu Courtyard, Taoli Garden, Da Fu Grand House and Lvfu Hall. Da Fu is an official title reserved for high ranking government officials in ancient China.

Encircled by green hills, two streams flow through the village from north and east, converging at Huiyuan Bridge. The village has two main streets and about 99 lanes. All the streets and lanes are paved with cobbles or black stones. The residences, lanes and streets combine well with the hills and streams.

There are 800 smoke stoves, more than 90 wells, 3,000 males, with a population of nearly ten thousand. Here are Elite people and resourceful land, not only business tycoons, but also a large number of the intellects are nurtured on this wonderful land.
       
Views in the village:
Xidi village is full of primitive simplicity and elegance and it formed remarkable Hui Culture including three exquisite carvings architecture and cultural scenery. It is the treasure of Chinese stone architecture. Strolling in the village, you will find white walls, grey tiles and lanes which are paved by grey stones, paned windows and projecting horse-head walls etc. Everywhere in this village, civilian halls are also full of elegance and best design.

The ceilings are decorated by ornate colored drawing or patterns. There are elegant paintings and calligraphies in wingrooms. The main hall is hung by profound moral couplets from which people can gain live philosophy and aesthetics character. The courtyard also abounds of Hui-style architecture character, all of them lie about fish pond, paned windows, brick sculptures, flowers and miniascape. There are full of beautiful things in eyes.

Tips:
Transportation: Xidi village is 54 kilometers away from the city of Huangshan. From Huangshan to Xidi village, there have cars from 7:30 a.m. to 13:00 p.m.; it will take you one and a half hours to get there.