Xidi Village（西递）Travel Guide
Nov 12, 2024
by orient china travel
Xidi Village Travel Guide for Foreigners
Location and History
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- Location: Xidi Village is located in Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Huangshan Mountain. It is surrounded by green hills and two streams flow through the village.
- History: The construction of Xidi Village began during the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127), and it has a history of over 900 years so far. In 2000, it was listed as a World Heritage Site14. It was founded by descendants of Li Ye, the son of Emperor Zhao of the Tang Dynasty, who changed their surname to Hu after fleeing from the chaos3.
Scenic Spots
- Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway: An important landmark of Xidi Village, it was built in memory of Hu Wenguang, a Ming Dynasty official. Standing in the southwest of the village, the archway is 12.3 meters (40.4 feet) high and 9.95 meters (10.9 yards) wide. Consisting of 4 columns and 5 roofs, it is decorated with various stone carvings such as deer, cranes, tigers, lions, and the Eight Immortals of Chinese legends.
- Ancient Residences: There are 124 well-preserved Ming and Qing (1368 - 1911) residences in Xidi Village. Walking into a residence, you can see meaningful couplets on the wall opposite the hall gate, and gorgeous colored paintings on the ceiling. Most of the paintings and furniture date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Some of the residences open to the public include Linyun Pavilion, the Eastern and Western Gardens, Ruiyu Courtyard, Taoli Garden, Da Fu Grand House, and Lu Fu Hall. The carvings on wood, stone, and brick in these residences are exquisite, vividly presenting birds, flowers, grass, and figures.
- Streets and Lanes: The village has two main streets and about 99 lanes paved with cobblestones or black stones. The residences, lanes, and streets fit well with the surrounding hills and streams, making you feel like you are in a maze4.
Cultural Highlights
- Couplets and Carvings: The couplets in the residences are full of wisdom and cultural connotations. The carvings, including wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings, show the superb craftsmanship of the ancient Huizhou people and reflect the rich cultural heritage of the area.
- Folk Customs: Locals may hold some traditional folk activities, such as the "throwing embroidered ball from the boudoir" in the Da Fu Grand House, which allows you to experience the unique folk culture4.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Xidi Village is in spring and autumn. In spring, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of white walls, black tiles, and blooming flowers. In autumn, the leaves turn golden and red, adding a touch of color to the ancient village.
The best time to visit Xidi Village is in spring and autumn. In spring, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of white walls, black tiles, and blooming flowers. In autumn, the leaves turn golden and red, adding a touch of color to the ancient village.
Practical Information
- Opening Hours: Generally, it is open from 8:00 to 17:00, but it is advisable to check the specific opening hours before your visit1.
- Ticket Price: The regular ticket price is 94 yuan. There are discounts for certain groups such as minors, students, the elderly, and people with relevant certificates4.
- Transportation:
- By Bus: You can take a bus from Huangshan City or other nearby cities to Yixian County first, and then transfer to a bus to Xidi Village4.
- By Private Car or Taxi: It is convenient for those who want to travel freely, but make sure to plan the route in advance.
When visiting Xidi Village, remember to respect the local culture and traditions, and protect the ancient buildings and the environment. Enjoy your journey in this ancient and beautiful village!