Is Xidi worth visiting? How to choose among the ancient villages of Southern Anhui?

🚄Transportation Guide High-speed Rail: Huangshan North Station → Yixian East Station (10 mins by high-speed rail), then transfer to a bus to Xidi (approx. 15 mins). City Transportation: Direct buses to Xidi/Hongcun are available at Huangshan Tourist Transportation Center. Village Transportation: Electric cars or walking, approx. 2 hrs for an in-depth tour. 🗺️Tour Route Recommended Route (better atmosphere on rainy days): Hu Wenguang Archway (check in at the essence of Ming and Qing architecture, recommended for morning photography for optimal lighting) Zhui Mu Tang (core of clan culture, reopened after renovation) Xidi Ancient Street (taste Huizhou snacks such as stinky mandarin fish and hairy tofu) Xidi Night Tour (illuminated by light art, intangible cultural heritage experiences such as fish lantern parades) Jing Ai Tang (Hu Clan Ancestral Hall, a must-see in the village center) Alternative Route (exclusive for rice paddy photography enthusiasts): Lotus Pond → Rice Paddies → East Garden/West Garden → Gulai Bridge → Qingyun Xuan ✅Southern Anhui Ancient Village Selection Recommendations Hongcun vs. Xidi: Hongcun: Unique water system design (Moon Pond, South Lake), more lively at night, commercially developed. Xidi: More refined architectural details, fewer tourists, suitable for peaceful wandering. Other Recommendations: Nanping (film location, super quiet during the off-season) Chengkan (Bagua Fengshui Village, CNY 107 entrance fee) Lucun (wood carving buildings, free entry) 🌟Practical Tips Best Seasons: Spring and autumn (rapeseed flowers/rice paddies) or rainy days (Huizhou ink painting vibe). Food: Must-try hairy tofu and stinky mandarin fish. Local restaurants like "Lao Hu Jia Kitchen" are recommended. Accommodation: Choose guesthouses converted from ancient dwellings (such as "Pigsty Bar") to experience the slow-paced Huizhou life. Avoid: Refuse expensive tour guides; free explanations at the village entrance are more authentic. Combined tickets for East Garden/West Garden offer good value; separate tickets are not cost-effective.