Xidi

Located at Yixian County Anhui Province, Xidi and Hongcun have about 400-500 years of history. The original residential style and features of the Ming and Qing Dynasties were preserved perfectly. Reputed as "A Living Ancient Residential Museum" by experts and tourists at home and from abroad, they were listed as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 2000.

How do people evaluate the ancient villages in Southern Anhui? Well, Architects refer to them as a living Museum of the Ming and Qing Dynasties; foreign tourists see them as the most beautiful county on earth; camerists view them as the county in the traditional Chinese paintings; for the locals it is home on wonderland.

Xidi - A Cymbiform Village

Lying 8 kilometers northeast of Yixian County and built in 11 A.D, Xidi is 700 meters long and 300 meters wide. Encircled by surrounding mountains, two streams cut across the whole village. As you walk downstream, you will be able to take in everything in a glance. At this point, allow me to introduce you to the architectural style first. Wooden architectures in Xi'di is unique and elegant: prettified walls preventing rain infiltration; black tiles recording the history of the town; decorative gate towers standing for the particular flavor of the architecture. Rich and exquisite wood carvings, stone engravings and tile carvings are also very representative. Rockeries, fish ponds, various parterres can be seen in the courtyard, where the ground is paved with cobbles. Well-arranged laneways, streams and architectures in Xidi are garden-like scenery. It is pleasing to both the eye and the mind. At present, there are 122 ancient well-preserved residential areas in the village. People come to see it not only just for the architecture but also to enjoy the rich cultures.