Xidi Ancient Village

Xidi, together with neighbouring Hongcun, forms the UNESCO World Heritage listing "Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui." Founded in the 11th century by the wealthy Hu clan, Xidi is the better-preserved of the two for sheer concentration of Ming- and Qing-dynasty mansions — nearly 200 original residences still stand along its boat-shaped lane network. Where Hongcun is famous for water, Xidi is famous for its woodwork, brick carvings and the stone memorial archway that guards its entrance.

What to see

The landmark Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway (1578), a three-tier stone paifang, marks the village mouth. Inside, the lanes are lined with grand merchant homes — visit Lüfu Hall, Dafu Di and the Zhuimu Hall, where the carved window lattices, ink couplets and "four treasures" courtyards reveal the Confucian values of the scholar-merchants who built them. Look up at the brick carvings above the doorways; each is a small masterpiece.

Opening hours & tickets

Xidi opens daily about 7:30am–5:30pm. The entrance ticket is around ¥94, valid for three days and linked to your passport. As in Hongcun, a guide is the best way to understand the symbolism packed into every beam and lintel.

Getting there

Xidi lies in Yi County, roughly 50 km / about an hour from Tunxi (Huangshan City), and only about 8 km / 15 minutes from Hongcun, so the two are easily paired in one day. Tourist buses run from Huangshan bus station; a shared van or taxi between Xidi and Hongcun is cheap and quick.

Best time to visit

Like Hongcun, Xidi is loveliest in spring (canola blossom) and autumn. It generally sees fewer tour groups than Hongcun, but the archway and main lanes still fill up at midday — come early. The village is also a magnet for art students, and you will often see them sketching in the lanes.

Practical tips

Wear comfortable shoes for the stone lanes and allow at least two to three hours. Many courtyard homes double as small museums or guesthouses; stepping inside is the only way to see the carved interiors. Photographers should target early morning light on the white gables.

A little history

Xidi was settled in 1047 by the Hu clan, who claimed descent from a prince of the Tang imperial family. Over the following centuries the family produced scholars and officials as well as wealthy merchants, and that blend of Confucian learning and commercial success is written into the architecture: the homes are restrained on the outside but richly carved within, and many carry moral couplets urging hard work, modesty and study. At its peak in the 18th and 19th centuries Xidi held some 600 mansions; the nearly 200 that survive are among the best-preserved examples of Huizhou residential design anywhere.

Combine your visit

Because Xidi and Hongcun share a UNESCO listing and sit only 8 km apart, almost everyone visits both. Start at Xidi early to enjoy the archway and lanes before the tour buses arrive, then move to Hongcun for the afternoon and its sunset reflections. From Tunxi the round trip is comfortable in a day. Inside Xidi, set aside time to step into the open halls rather than only photographing the exteriors — the carved beams, latticework and ancestral portraits are the real reward, and small on-site exhibitions explain the Hu family story.

Good to know

There is no public transport inside the village, which is entirely pedestrian, so wear comfortable shoes and pack light. Toilets and a few cafés cluster near the entrance and the main square. English signage is limited, so a translation app or a guide helps; carry some cash, as the smallest craft stalls may not take foreign cards.