Xidi Ancient Village Guide

Xidi was originally called Xichuan (West River), because of the streams that pass through it, but its present name, which means "West Post," comes from the ancient caravan posting station some 1.5km to the west of the village. Located in Yixian County, they were listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2000. They 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. It 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.

The three carving styles including those on stones, bricks and wood are the most renowned. Tourists can appreciate these exquisite carvings on door frames, lattice walls, columns and beams in the halls. The birds, flowers, grass and figures on them are vividly presented. Both the Ming and Qing Dynasty carvings display poise and refinement. Encircled by green hills, two streams flow through the village from north and east converging at Huiyuan Bridge. It 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.

The population began to rise sharply from 1465, when the Hu family began to act as merchants. The construction of a number of important private and public buildings, and in particular the Huiyuan and Gulai bridges, began at around that time. From the mid 17th century until around 1850 the Hu family was influential in both commerce and politics. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties members of the family became Imperial officials, whilst many also became graduates of the Imperial College. At its peak in the 18th and 19th centuries the village had more than six hundred residences. However, with the decline of the Anhui merchant community and the disintegration of the feudal clan system during the later Qing Dynasty and the Republic, Xidi ceased to expand.

• Xihai Scenic Area
• Beihai Scenic Area
• Hongcun Village
• Old Street
• Four wonders of Mt. Huangshan
• Cloud Valley Scenic Area
• Pine Valley Scenic Area
• Xidi Ancient Village
• Qiyun Mountain-Taoist holy site