Xidi Village (西递村), with a history dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty, boasts nearly a thousand years of rich cultural heritage. This well-preserved ancient settlement is renowned for its stunning Hui-style architecture, which is a hallmark of the region. Unlike the bustling and commercialized Hongcun (宏村), Xidi remains a peaceful, serene village that offers visitors a quieter, more authentic experience. It is said that the descendants of Emperor Li Shimin, the Tang dynasty’s famous ruler, reside in this village. The intricate wooden and stone carvings on the beams and buildings are exceptional, adding a touch of historical and artistic grandeur to the already picturesque surroundings. With fewer tourists and its tranquil atmosphere, Xidi offers a refreshing respite from the typical tourist crowds, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a quiet afternoon.
Ticket and Transportation Information
Xidi Admission: ¥104 per ticket. The ticket is valid for three days from the chosen date. A combined ticket for both Hongcun (宏村) and Xidi is also available for ¥208.
Public Transportation:
- From Huangshan North Station (黄山北站), a tourist bus to Xidi is available for ¥23, with a travel time of approximately 80 minutes.
- A tourist bus between Hongcun and Xidi costs ¥8 and takes around 25 minutes.
Self-driving: There is a parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area. The first hour costs ¥7, with an additional ¥3 per hour thereafter.
Suggested Itinerary (2-3 Hours)
Upon entering Xidi, you’ll find residential areas on the left and fields and hills on the right. Pass through the fields and ascend a few minutes on stone steps to reach a scenic pavilion (观景亭). From here, you can take in the entire village and its surrounding mountain views. The recommended route includes:
- Qizhe Shrine (七哲祠) – A historic site dedicated to Confucianism.
- Heading towards Mingjing Lake (明经湖), where you can enjoy scenic lakeside views.
- Hu Wen Guang Memorial Archway (胡文光牌坊), an iconic structure.
- Ruiyu Ting (瑞玉亭), an elegant traditional structure.
- Peach and Plum Garden (桃李园), a peaceful retreat.
- Xiyuan (西园) and Dongyuan (东园) Gardens, the classic Hui-style gardens.
- Dafu Di (大夫第), an ancient official’s residence.
- Jing Ai Tang (敬爱堂), the Hu Family ancestral hall (胡氏宗祠).
- Lifutang (履福堂), another well-preserved architectural treasure.
- Qingyun Xuan (青云轩), where a century-old peony tree blooms in the courtyard, and a traditional “water air conditioning” system (水空调) can be experienced.
- Zhui Mu Tang (追慕堂), the Hu family ancestral temple (胡氏家祠).
- Xidi Post Office (西递邮局), where you can get a special commemorative stamp.
- Finally, ascend to the Viewing Pavilion (观景亭), where you can enjoy panoramic views of the village and its surroundings.
What to See in Xidi Village
Xidi Village is primarily renowned for its architectural wonders, showcasing the beauty of Hui-style architecture and culture. Visitors are encouraged to hire a guide (about 90 RMB) to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the village’s buildings. It’s an enriching experience that brings the local history and culture to life.
For those with time, a visit to the Viewing Pavilion at the back of the village is highly recommended. It offers a magnificent view of the village and the surrounding mountains.
Another unmissable experience is the Fountain and Light Show held every evening at Hu Wen Guang Archway. The show starts at 6:30 PM, with lights illuminating the mountain at dusk, creating a magical scene worth witnessing.
Best Photography Spots:
- Hu Wen Guang Memorial Archway (胡文光牌坊): Built in the 6th year of the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli period (明万历六年), this archway is intricately carved with stone reliefs, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
- Viewing Pavilion (观景亭): A must-see location for photographers, it provides breathtaking views of Xidi (西递) and the surrounding mountains, particularly on misty mornings when the village is enveloped in a mystical cloud.
- Lingyun Pavilion (凌云阁): Built during the Qing Dynasty, this pavilion offers views of one of the “Eight Scenic Views of Xidi” (西递八景), particularly famous for the “Wu Bridge Night Moon” .
- Xiyuan (西园) and Dongyuan (东园) Gardens: Known as the three treasures of Xidi (wooden, stone, and brick carvings), these gardens are a fine example of the intricate layout and design of Hui-style courtyards, which are both independent yet interconnected in a harmonious flow.
- Jing Ai Tang (敬爱堂): A traditional ancestral hall, this 28th-year Ming Dynasty structure features flying eaves and elegant wooden columns, embodying the essence of Hui-style architecture.
- Ginkgo Trees near the Tourist Restroom: These ginkgo trees, especially during the autumn season, provide a picturesque scene perfect for photography.
Food Recommendations
Hui Niang Private Kitchen (徽娘私房菜): A local restaurant offering home-style dishes, a great place to sample Anhui cuisine (徽菜).
Fan Ji Shaobing (范记烧饼): A popular local snack, known for its crispy and savory pastries.
Wang Yi Tiao Wonton (汪一挑馄饨): Try the wontons, which are a favorite snack in Xidi (西递), prepared with a rich, flavorful broth and delicate filling.