Xidi Village (西递村), located in Anhui province, dates back to the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song Dynasty (circa 1049). It flourished during the Ming Dynasty and reached its peak in the early Qing Dynasty, making it nearly a thousand years old. Nestled between the green hills and clear waters, with Mount Huangshan to the north and Mount Baiyue to the south, Xidi is a beautiful ancient village of Hui-style architecture. Often referred to as a “paradise on earth” and “the most beautiful village in the world,” it is also known as the “treasure house of ancient architecture” and a “museum of Ming and Qing residences.”
Xidi preserves hundreds of ancient houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The village is intricately designed like a boat, with stone-paved roads and marble structures. Two crystal-clear streams flow through the village, and its 99 deep alleys and high walls create a labyrinth for visitors to explore. Each home is a masterpiece, with luxurious courtyards, finely crafted gardens, black marble door frames, lattice windows, and intricate carvings. The stunning stone carvings of flowers, birds, animals, and the brick carvings of pavilions and characters, along with exquisite wooden carvings and vibrant murals, showcase the brilliance of ancient Chinese art.
Xidi’s architectural highlights include its memorial arches, ancestral halls, and residential houses. Notable landmarks are the Dafu Di, Hu Wenguang Archway, Lingyun Pavilion, and Ruiyu Hall.
Travel Information about Xidi Village
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: ¥104 (valid for three days, including a tour guide)
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
Xidi Village experiences long winters and summers with shorter spring and autumn seasons. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. It’s advisable to avoid the “plum rain” period from mid-June to mid-July. A high slope at the village entrance, developed by locals, offers a stunning view in spring, with peach blossoms and rapeseed flowers covering the hills in vibrant red and yellow, creating a picturesque rural landscape.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Xidi Village, Xidi Town, Yixian County, Huangshan City
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.
Scenic Rating
- Cultural: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Thrill: ★
Origin of the Name
Xidi Village was originally established during the reign of Emperor Zhezong of the Northern Song Dynasty. Due to a river flowing westward through the area, the village was initially called “Xichuan.” Later, it was renamed “Xidi.” There are two theories about the origin of the name “Xidi.”
The first theory suggests that in ancient times, Xidi was a vital transportation hub, and the government set up a station here to facilitate the delivery of official documents and provide rest for traveling officials. Such stations were known as “post stations” or “Dipu,” which is why “Xichuan” became known as “Xidi Pu,” eventually shortened to “Xidi.”
The second theory relates to the unique geography. While most rivers in China flow from west to east due to the country’s terrain, the rivers around Xidi flow in the opposite direction – westward. This unusual phenomenon is referred to as “Dong Shui Xi Di,” meaning “Eastern waters flowing west.” As a result, “Xichuan” was renamed “Xidi” to reflect this characteristic.
Highlights of Xidi Village
Hu Wenguang Archway
The Hu Wenguang Archway, located near Moon Lake at the entrance of Xidi Village, is commonly known as the “Xidi Archway.” Built in 1578 during the sixth year of the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli reign, this structure has stood for over 400 years. The archway is 12 meters high and nearly 10 meters wide, featuring a wooden-style design with three bays, four pillars, and five tiers. Inscribed on the east and west sides of the archway are the characters “Prime Minister of Jingfan” and “Governor of Jiaozhou.”
Historically, Xidi had thirteen memorial archways, most of which honored filial piety, brotherhood, and chastity. However, this particular archway is unique as it was personally commissioned by the emperor. The entire structure is adorned with intricate carvings using Hui-style techniques such as relief, openwork, and round carving. Each carved image carries profound symbolic meaning. The dignified and elegant design, along with its exceptional stone craftsmanship, makes the Hu Wenguang Archway a quintessential example of Ming Dynasty Hui-style stone archways.
Zoumalou (Running Horse Tower)
Zoumalou, also known as Lingyun Pavilion, is situated to the west of the Hu Wenguang Archway. It was originally built during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty. According to legend, it was constructed by the wealthy Hu Guansan family of Xidi to welcome their relatives from Shexian, including Cao Zhenyong, the then prime minister.
The current Zoumalou has been restored based on its original layout and is now part of a scenic area that includes the ruins of the Qizhe Ancestral Hall. The building has two stories, featuring white walls, black-tiled roofs, and upturned eaves. Inside, visitors can enjoy cultural performances such as Huangmei opera, silk ball throwing, and tea ceremonies. Beneath the tower lies a single-arched stone bridge named Wugeng Ancient Bridge, with the gentle waters of Xixi Stream flowing through it. Zoumalou offers an ideal spot to experience one of Xidi’s “Eight Scenic Views” – the beautiful “Wuqiao Night Moon.”
Taoli Garden and Sanwei Hall
As you walk down the main road in Xidi Village, the first residential attraction you encounter is “Kuanggu Zhai,” which signifies the vast ancient Hui culture. The name was inscribed by the renowned contemporary calligrapher Liu Bingsen.
A few steps past Ruiyu Courtyard, you’ll find Taoli Garden, built during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty. It consists of a main house and courtyard, formerly the residence and private school of the Hu Yuanxi family, prominent Xidi merchants. The main house has a three-room, three-entrance, two-story structure. The first two entrances form smaller sets of three rooms, back-to-back. Upstairs, a unique “upstairs well” provides ample light to the entire house. A white wall separates the second and third rooms, with a connecting door bearing an inscribed stone plaque that reads, “A family in a peach blossom land.” The small gate leading to the street bears the inscription “Taoli Garden,” symbolizing the flourishing of students across the world.
Not far from Taoli Garden lies the West Garden, adjacent to Sanwei Hall, which connects to the East Garden. Sanwei Hall is a five-room, two-story structure with a plaque at its center reading “Sanwei,” symbolizing the three things to be feared: the will of heaven, the emperor’s edict, and great men.
Daifu Di
Built in the 30th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (1691), Daifu Di is located on the main street of Xidi Village in Yi County. It was the residence of Hu Wenxu, a prominent official with the title of Chaolie Daifu and prefect. The structure is a traditional courtyard house with two floors. The grand and spacious main hall is fronted by a skylight courtyard, while the brick-carved entrance bears the inscription “Daifu Di” in large characters. Inside, the skirts of the hall’s partitions are intricately carved with patterns of plum blossoms, and the window lattice is designed in a Ming Dynasty style.
Adjacent to the main house, the owner built a street-facing tower called Xiulou, also known as the “Embroidery Tower.” This elegant and intricate tower features upturned eaves and exquisite craftsmanship. The plaques on the tower bear the handwritten inscriptions “Mountain City” by Qing Dynasty scholar Zhu Shilu and “A Family in a Peach Blossom Land” by local calligrapher Wang Endao. Below the tower, a small door set back from the main house features the inscription “Take a Step Back” personally written by the owner, offering a thought-provoking contrast.
Qingyun Pavilion
The term “Pavilion” (轩) refers to a small building or corridor with windows, often used as a study in ancient times. Qingyun Pavilion, located in Qingyun Alley in Xidi, was the owner’s study, symbolizing the hope of rising to prominence and achieving great success.
Built during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, Qingyun Pavilion follows the architectural layout of a northern-style courtyard, making it unique among Xidi’s ancient residences. With a construction area of approximately 136 square meters, it is situated less than 100 meters from the Hu family’s ancestral hall, Lifutang, where family meetings were held. In the courtyard, a flourishing peony brought back from Luoyang blooms in mid to late April, attracting bees and butterflies with its deep purple flowers.
Opposite the peony stands a rare round “Moon Gate,” framed by six pieces of Yixian greenstone. This type of moon gate is uncommon in Xidi’s homes. Just outside the gate lies a treasured seashell fossil, considered the guardian of the residence. Inside the courtyard, the right side serves as the living quarters for the current residents, while the left side features a covered corridor, allowing movement without getting wet in the rain. This area is now used for selling antiques and crafts.
The main hall of Qingyun Pavilion does not have a skylight courtyard, but its center contains a two-square-meter underground cellar. This cellar channels mountain spring water through a drainage system that leads to the village stream, creating airflow that helps regulate the temperature inside the house.
Various Itineraries for Xidi Village
3-Day Itinerary to Hongcun, Tachuan, and Xidi
Day 1: Arrival and Visit to Xidi Village
- Yixian East Station: Take bus No. 7-10 (10-minute ride) or tourist lines 9 or 10 (faster route) to Xidi Village.
- Accommodation: Stay within Xidi scenic area.
- After checking in, take a leisurely stroll around the village, soaking in the picturesque autumn scenery and taking photos of the iconic ancient buildings and colorful foliage.
Day 2: Exploring Xidi, Hongcun, and Returning to Hongcun
- Xidi Village: Visit the Xidi Stone Forest (5 km, 5 minutes by car, or 700 meters on foot via Line 2 bus).
- After visiting the stone forest, return to Xidi for a quick rest.
- Transfer to Hongcun: Take Tourist Line 10 (30-minute ride) to Hongcun Village and check in to your hotel within the scenic area.
- Spend the evening enjoying Hongcun’s beautiful autumn sights, including its famous ancient streets and tranquil ponds.
Day 3: Hike from Hongcun to Tachuan and Return
- For those looking for a bit of adventure, a 7 km hike through rice fields and villages is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the area. The trek takes about 2 hours and passes through picturesque villages like Fengdeng, Xieli, and Zilu before reaching Tachuan Village.
- Alternatively, you can take a taxi (5 minutes) from Hongcun to Tachuan.
- After visiting Tachuan, enjoy a leisurely walk around its scenic landscapes before returning to Yixian East Station for your return journey.
One-Day Itinerary for Hongcun and Xidi Villages
Morning: Travel to Hongcun
- 9:35 AM: Take the tourist bus from Huangshan North (黄山北) to Hongcun (宏村), which costs ¥30 and takes about 70 minutes. The entrance ticket for Hongcun is ¥104.
- Visit Duration: 2.5 hours
- Itinerary in Hongcun: Enter from West Gate and visit Hua Bridge (画桥), South Lake Academy (南湖书院), Hongcun Post Office (宏村邮局), Moon Pond (月沼), Wang Clan Ancestral Hall (汪氏宗祠), Chengzhitang Hall (承志堂), Shuren Hall (树人堂), Taoyuan Residence (桃源居), the two ancient trees, and exit through the West Gate.
Afternoon: Travel to Xidi
- 2:35 PM: From the Hongcun Bus Station, take the bus to Xidi for ¥6. The ride takes about 30 minutes. The entrance fee for Xidi is also ¥104.
- Visit Duration: 1.5 hours
- Itinerary in Xidi: Start at the Ticket Office and visit Mingjing Lake (明经湖), the Hu Wenguang Archway (胡文光牌坊), Baijiang Hall (百匠堂), Kuanggu Zhai (旷古斋), Taoliyuan (桃李园), Runyuting (润玉庭), Xiyuan (西园), Zhuimu Hall (追慕堂), Diji Hall (迪吉堂), Zhi Street Cultural Plaza (直街文化广场), Jingai Hall (敬爱堂), Qingyun Alley (青云巷), Yingfutang (膺福堂), and Houbianxi (后边溪).
Evening: Return to Huangshan
- 4:50 PM: Take the last bus back to Huangshan North Railway Station, completing your day trip.
Visitor Guide for Xidi Village
Accommodation in Xidi Village
Xidi Village offers a wide variety of accommodations, many of which are distinctive inns housed in traditional brick-wood structures or old buildings with white walls and black-tiled roofs. The interiors often feature wooden carvings, giving them a classic and historic ambiance. Reservations can be made online, but it is recommended to book in advance during holidays and peak travel seasons.
One of the most famous inns is Pig’s Inn (猪栏酒吧乡村客栈), a guesthouse located within the World Cultural Heritage site. It is housed in a three-story Ming Dynasty building, with the most renowned feature being the cozy bar on the first floor, which offers a nostalgic atmosphere.
Another notable option is Floral Lux Lainyantang Guesthouse (花筑奢 ·宏村来燕堂客栈), located in the Hongcun Scenic Area at No. 1, Yanhe Street. With a serene environment, it faces Yixi River and is backed by Leigang Mountain. The ancient courtyard is elegant, offering spaces for tea drinking, chatting, relaxing, and even playing with cats. Visitors can also exchange travel stories and photography tips with the host, making it a tranquil retreat.
For those staying in Xidi itself, Huiniang Boutique Homestay (西递徽娘精品民宿) is located at No. 2, Qingyun Alley in the Xidi Scenic Area. The owner, a native of Huizhou, has a passion for wooden carvings and stone sculptures. The homestay consists of three beautifully arranged courtyards, providing a peaceful and charming environment for guests.
5 Popular Foods in Xidi Village
1. Hui Niang Private Kitchen (徽娘私房菜)
- Price: ¥88
- Taste: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Environment: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Value: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This restaurant offers delicious and homey Hui-style dishes. The steamed pork with rice flour (粉蒸肉) is a standout, surpassing even some of the best versions in Wuyuan with its soft, fragrant texture. The wild bamboo shoots with shredded pork (野笋肉丝) is a seasonal delight that pairs perfectly with rice. The signature rice wine is a refreshing, sweet, and cool drink that’s not overly alcoholic but very flavorful. For dessert, the owner kindly offers colorful cakes, though the rice (米饭) could be improved. Whether you opt for the large, medium, or small set menu, this is a great spot for those wanting to try traditional dishes in a cozy setting. This restaurant is also popular among celebrities and food bloggers.
2. Mama’s Taste (妈妈的味道)
- Price: ¥200
- Taste: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Environment: 🌟🌟🌟
- Value: 🌟🌟🌟
Known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients, Mama’s Taste serves generous portions of local dishes. The scallion oil river shrimp (葱油河虾), priced at ¥88 per serving, is fresh and well-seasoned. The dry pot bullfrog (干锅牛蛙), although tasty, is a bit overpriced at ¥128 per serving. The restaurant offers set menus in large, medium, and small portions. The owner, a former Shanghai chef, has returned to his hometown to open this popular eatery. The food quality is top-notch, though the atmosphere could use a bit more charm.
3. Fan Ji Shaobing Shop (范记烧饼铺)
- Price: ¥50
- Taste: 🌟🌟🌟
- Environment: 🌟🌟🌟
- Value: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Fan Ji specializes in shaobing (烧饼), a traditional Chinese pastry. You can choose between large (¥15, 1 kg) or small (¥10) options. These baked goods come with a delicious mix of flavors and are great for takeout or as a souvenir gift. The freshly baked shaobing at ¥5 each is particularly good. They can be shipped and stored for up to a month, though eating them fresh is always the best option.
4. Handmade Noodles and Rice (饭菜手工面)
- Price: ¥25
- Taste: 🌟
- Environment: 🌟🌟
- Value: 🌟🌟🌟
This restaurant is not recommended. Although cheap, the food quality is disappointing. The wonton tasted stale, and the noodles were sour. The meat in the noodles had a strange taste, which the owner explained was due to pickled vegetables. This place is best avoided if you’re looking for fresh, tasty meals.
5. Wang Yi Tiao Wonton (汪一挑馄饨)
- Price: ¥86.5
- Taste: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Environment: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Value: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wang Yi Tiao Wonton is another local favorite, offering delicious wontons that are both fresh and flavorful. The sweet rice wine cake is a great accompaniment, and the marinated duck feet (卤味鸭爪) is another standout. While the tofu (豆干) is somewhat bland, the steamed dumplings are a hit with most customers. However, the taro rice balls (葛粉团子) have a strange taste that may not appeal to everyone.
Shopping in Xidi Village
In Xidi County, the continuous peaks connected to the Yellow Mountains have historically hindered communication between the ancient county and the outside world, creating an idyllic ecological environment reminiscent of a “paradise.” As a result, local specialties are abundant, including ancient Huizhou embroidery, Qimen black tea, and renowned products such as Sixi Three Bitter Tea (泗溪三苦丁茶), fragrant hazelnuts (香榧), and kudzu powder (葛粉).
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Hongcun and Xidi Villages
Arrive Early if Driving: If you are driving, it’s best to arrive early as the parking lots at both Hongcun and Xidi can get crowded quickly. The parking areas are small, and spaces fill up fast, which means you might have to park far away from the entrances if you arrive late.
Buy Tickets Online and Bring Your ID: Both Hongcun and Xidi allow you to buy tickets online in advance. However, make sure to bring your ID, as both villages require identification verification to enter the park. This is essential for the ticket validation process.
Allocate a Full Day for the Visit: A visit to Xidi and Hongcun will take around one full day, as the two villages are not located next to each other. They are about 10 kilometers apart, and driving between them takes around 20 minutes.
Avoid Shopping in the Villages: While exploring, you’ll come across many souvenir shops, but it’s advisable to avoid purchasing items from them. Most of the shops are run by people from outside the area, and the prices tend to be high. If you want to buy souvenirs, it’s better to do so online, where prices are generally lower. If you’re curious to try something local, you could buy a small item, but be mindful of your budget.
Best Photography Times in Hongcun: For those looking to capture stunning photos, the best time to visit Hongcun is early in the morning, around 6 AM. The mist over the lake during this time creates a magical atmosphere and makes for breathtaking photos. Alternatively, you can visit South Lake (南湖) around 6 PM in the evening. The sunset reflections on the water create a serene and sparkling scene, perfect for capturing the beauty of the village.
Ticket Validity for Re-entry: Both Hongcun and Xidi offer re-entry with a single ticket within 3 days. This allows you to visit multiple times if you wish to explore more at a leisurely pace.
Accommodation Recommendations: Staying inside Hongcun is not recommended for those with luggage, as the village streets are quite uneven and walking with a suitcase can be very difficult. Instead, consider staying in Yi County (黟县), which is very close to both Hongcun and Xidi.
Nighttime Light Show in Xidi: If you’re traveling with elderly family members or children, consider visiting Xidi in the evening to enjoy the amazing light show. It’s a peaceful experience that is perfect for families and offers another side of the village’s beauty.