Xidi and Hongcun - Ancient Villages Steeped in Cultural Heritage

Xidi@Huangshan City: Known as the "Peach Blossom Spring of Households," this village is famous for its well-preserved ancient residential complexes from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The ingenious layout of these ancient dwellings, along with exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings, makes it a prime example of Huizhou-style architecture. - Hongcun@Yixian County, Huangshan: Dubbed the "Village in Chinese Paintings," it's renowned for its unique ox-shaped village layout and scenic spots like South Lake and Moon Pond. The picturesque lake and mountain views harmonize with Huizhou architecture, resembling an ink-wash painting. 3. Best Time to Visit: • Spring and Autumn (March-May & September-November): Pleasant weather and beautiful scenery make these seasons ideal for visiting Xidi and Hongcun. 4. Transportation Guide: • High-Speed Rail: After arriving at Huangshan North Station, transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus directly to Xidi and Hongcun. • Self-Drive: Navigate to Xidi and Hongcun parking lots, with multiple options available nearby. 5. Suggested Itinerary: • Xidi: Follow this route—Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway, Jing'ai Hall, Zhuimu Hall, Ruiyu Courtyard, etc. • Hongcun: Explore in this order—South Lake, Painted Bridge, South Lake Academy, Moon Pond, Chengzhi Hall, Shuren Hall, etc. 6. Food Recommendations: • Xidi: Try local Huizhou dishes like stinky mandarin fish and hairy tofu. • Hongcun: Sample snacks near Moon Pond or Shuren Hall Alley, such as dried plum vegetable pancakes and sesame candy. 7. Accommodation Suggestions: • Xidi: Stay at boutique guesthouses like Boxin Yunshe to experience the village's tranquility. • Hongcun: Choose hotels like Hongcun Tianyi Tang Boutique Hotel, just minutes from the scenic area.