If you have a day to spare and are torn between visiting Xidi Village and Hongcun Village, I can definitely help you decide! Located in Yi County, Huangshan City, these two ancient villages are only 18 kilometers apart, making them easily accessible by a half-hour drive. Both are 5A-rated tourist attractions, with entrance tickets priced at ¥94. However, I highly recommend choosing one to explore. Although both villages share similar architectural styles, the experiences are quite different. In this guide, I’ll compare Xidi and Hongcun to help you choose the best option for your visit.
Hongcun Village
Vibe: Lively, bustling with tourists and shops
Area: Larger than Xidi, with more attractions
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for the best light
Start your journey at the South Gate Parking Lot in Hongcun, where you can easily access the village. From here, take a loop route to explore the main sights: Nanhu Lake (南湖), Hua Bridge (画桥), Nanhu Academy (南湖书院), Jingde Hall (敬德堂), Yuezhao (月沼), Lexu Hall (乐叙堂), Jingxiu Hall (敬修堂), Chengzhi Hall (承志堂), Shuren Hall (树人堂), Taoyuanju (桃源居), and the Ancient Hongyang Tree.
Hongcun’s most iconic and photogenic spots are Nanhu Lake and Yuezhou. The tranquil lake, the Hua Bridge (a famous filming location for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), and the traditional Hui-style architecture of white walls, blue tiles, and red lanterns create an extraordinary sense of symmetry, making it a photographer’s paradise. During the day, you’ll often find art students sketching along the lake.
Yuezhao, known for its stunning moonlit views, is a must-see, particularly on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is said to appear most beautifully over the water.
Between the village’s narrow alleys, the high foot traffic from tourists can make it harder to capture shots of the architecture. But if you wait for the right moment, you’ll be able to find that perfect angle. Hongcun also has many photo studios, making it a great place for changing outfits and taking styled photos.
Xidi Village
Vibe: Quieter, less crowded
Area: Smaller than Hongcun, but peaceful
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for serenity
Xidi Village is much smaller than Hongcun, making it easier to explore on foot in a short amount of time. I recommend parking at Parking Lot No. 4, from where you can enter through the Main Gate and walk past the Archway. Follow the main road to the quieter depths of the village, eventually reaching the riverside path and then the scenic Viewing Pavilion (观景亭).
The Archway is a key photo spot in Xidi, offering picturesque views of the village’s traditional architecture, rice fields, and lakes. Unlike Hongcun, Xidi has a more pastoral atmosphere, with cultivated fields and tranquil ponds adding to the rural charm. Xidi is surrounded by mountains, and from the Viewing Pavilion on the western mountain slope, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire village.
Architectural Features: Xidi vs Hongcun
Both Xidi and Hongcun are renowned for their Hui-style architecture, but there are some key differences that set them apart.
- Xidi dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty, making it older than Hongcun, which was founded in the Southern Song Dynasty. Historically, Xidi was a residence for wealthy officials, while Hongcun was home to merchant families, reflecting their respective societal positions.
- Xidi has wider streets, larger, more uniform cobblestones, and taller walls, with spacious courtyards and intricate carvings. The buildings are more ornate, showcasing detailed craftsmanship.
- Hongcun has narrower streets with smaller, more fragmented stones, and the houses are relatively lower and simpler compared to Xidi.
The streets of Xidi are cleaner and more orderly, with larger and more beautiful carvings in the buildings’ facades, while Hongcun’s buildings have a more charming, rustic appeal. Both villages, however, provide a deep historical and cultural immersion into Hui-style architecture.
A Commercialized Yet Authentic Experience
Both villages have commercialized over time, but they still retain their traditional beauty. You can find many shops and accommodations in both, but if you’re seeking a more intimate experience, staying in a local guesthouse can help you enjoy the charm of these villages at a slower pace.
Food Recommendations
Don’t miss out on trying local specialties when visiting Xidi or Hongcun. Here are some must-try dishes:
- Stinky Mandarin Fish (臭鳜鱼)
- Mao Tofu (毛豆腐)
- Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
- Huangshan Sesame Cake (黄山烧饼)