[2025 Yi County Attraction] Travel Guide for Xidi Ancient Village (Updated Apr)

#discoverchina #anhui At daybreak, UNESCO-listed Xidi Ancient Village awakens wrapped in pearlescent mist. The 900-year-old Huizhou-style dwellings– with their white walls, black tiles, and soaring horsehead gables – emerge like ghosts of Ming merchants past. Morning light filters through Qingming Street's bluestone alleyways, glinting off carved wooden portals where "wealth never left.Farmers pass the 1578 Hu Wenguang Archway,its stone phoenixes damp with dew, while the village's mirror-like ponds double the beauty of curved eaves. This perfectly preserved Anhui gem remains frozen in time, where every cobblestone whispers of scholar-merchants and poetic landscapes. Entrance ticket: 104RMB(half price for foreigners with passport)

#favouriteitinerary During a past visit to Xidi Ancient Village, situated at the foot of Huangshan, I was captivated by its historical charm and cultural richness. Built during the Northern Song Dynasty and flourishing in the Qing Dynasty, Xidi is a picturesque village. The Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway, located at the village entrance, features inscriptions from the Ming Dynasty. The West Garden and East Garden, with their white walls and black tiles, showcase the beauty of Huizhou residential architecture. Qingyun Pavilion, a small building from the Qing Dynasty, has a courtyard with a century-old peony flower symbolizing harmony and prosperity. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone paths and enjoy your journey through the historical charm and cultural richness of Xidi Ancient Village. 🌿😊

#favouriteitinerary 📍 Xidi Ancient Village: Situated at the foot of Huangshan, Xidi, historically known as Xichuan and Xixi, derives its name from the westward flow of water. The village was built during the Northern Song Dynasty, developed in the Ming Dynasty Jingtai period, and flourished during the Qing Dynasty. 🎫 Tickets: 94 RMB per person 🏮Must-Visit Attractions: 🔹 Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway: Located at the village entrance, this Ming Dynasty archway has the inscriptions "Prime Minister of Jingfan" and "Governor of Jiaozhou" on its east and west sides. 🔹 West Garden and East Garden: The West Garden is exquisite, while the East Garden is profound. Both offer a unique charm, with white walls and black tiles highlighting the beauty of Huizhou residential architecture. 🔹 Qingyun Pavilion: A cleverly designed small building from the Qing Dynasty. The courtyard features a century-old peony flower, symbolizing harmony and prosperity with its round door frame. Travel Tips: The cobblestone paths require a lot of walking, so avoid high heels. Enjoy your journey through the historical charm and cultural richness of Xidi Ancient Village! 🏯🌿😊

#localguides #historicallandmarks Nestled in the heart of Anhui Province, Xidi Ancient Village is a living testament to China’s rich cultural and architectural legacy. Renowned for its well-preserved ancient buildings, picturesque streets, and stunning natural surroundings, Xidi offers visitors a rare glimpse into the traditions of the Huizhou region. The village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a unique blend of traditional Hui-style architecture, with whitewashed walls, curved eaves, and intricate wood carvings that tell stories of generations past. Walking through Xidi is like stepping back in time, where every corner of this charming settlement reflects the prosperity and artistic achievements of the Ming and Qing dynasties. One of the village’s most remarkable features is its historic family-run compounds, where families have lived for centuries, preserving their customs and heritage. The stunning Stone Lion Gate, ancient temples, and tranquil courtyards showcase the harmonious integration of nature and human craftsmanship. A visit to Xidi also offers a chance to experience local customs, including traditional tea ceremonies and unique regional delicacies that reflect the flavors of Anhui. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone seeking tranquility away from the hustle of modern life, Xidi Ancient Village is a must-visit destination that captures the essence of China’s cultural past.

Xidi is today much more vibrant than I last visited some years ago, with more visitors and young artists abound. It was heartening to note that tourist guides were not allowed to have loud speakers so that there is less annoying noise from loud hailers everywhere, a plus for Xidi. I hope the administrators in Xidi DO NOT allow the overuse of red lanterns and neon lights all over the village as that will damage the image of any ancient village atmosphere, so too the excess use of signboards displayed by restaurants all over. This will lead to an overall ugliness in signboards displays of dishes/menu advertised all over the streets. I note too that there are now alcohol/beer display signboards hanging outside some restaurants. Such indiscriminate displays will destroy the village atmosphere that should very much be preserved for its charm. . I hope the Xidi authorities will take heed of these and continue to preserve the ancient charm of Xidi.

"A place of lifelong obsession, no dreams reach Huizhou" I really love Xidi. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, two shallow streams flow through the village. White walls, black tiles, horse-head walls, this is the ink-wash Jiangnan depicted by ancient people. Compared to Hongcun, which is full of tour groups and students studying painting, this place has less commercial atmosphere and more of a homely feel. Location: Xidi Ancient Village Transportation: Yixian East Station (Bus No. 10 directly to the entrance, departs according to high-speed rail schedule) Ticket: 94 yuan per person Free ticket activity: Free every Wednesday, grab tickets at 1 PM on Monday afternoon, use the Xiaoxu Huizhou Tour app to get coupons and make reservations

May Day 2023 in Xidi, lovely place!#xidi #anhui #china