Located in Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, Xidi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National 5A-level Scenic Area. Established in Northern Song Dynasty, the village preserves 224 Ming-Qing dwellings, 3 ancestral halls, and 1 memorial archway across 13 hectares. Showcasing the "Three Wonders of Huizhou Architecture" (brick/wood/stone carvings), it's hailed as "Living Museum of Ming-Qing Residences" and "Peach Blossom Shangri-La".
History & Culture
Founded during Yuanyou Period (1086-1094) by Hu clan ancestor Hu Shiliang, its name means "Westward Post" reflecting the river's flow and ancient courier station. Ming-Qing merchants built lavish homes like "Hall of Blessedness" and "Residence of Imperial Physician", creating a peak community of 3,000 households. With 12 academies and 34 ancestral halls at zenith, the boat-shaped village follows fengshui principles with three streams and 99 alleys. Inscribed as World Heritage with Hongcun in 2000, it epitomizes Huizhou culture preservation.
Main Attractions
Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway
Erected in 1578, this 12m-high stone paifou honors Ming Dynasty governor Hu Wenguang. Five-tiered with 11-layer brackets, carved from Yi County bluestone, its "Imperial Favor" inscription represents pinnacle of Huizhou stone carving.
Jing'ai Hall
Hu Clan Ancestral Hall (Qing Kangxi Period) covers 1,800㎡. Phoenix-gate tower leads to main hall with 9m-span beams (nails-free), while rear chamber houses ancestral tablets. Colorful paintings adorn every beam.
Residence of Imperial Physician
Early 19th-century official Hu Wenzhao's mansion features "Xidi" brick carving by calligrapher Wang Daokun. The protruding "Bridal Chamber" has ice-crack patterned windows symbolizing perseverance.
Garden of Peach and Plum
1850s merchant Hu Yuanxi's school-residence combo displays double-sided hollow carving of "Old Drunkard's Pavilion Record". Backyard peach/plum trees reflect Confucian merchant ideals, with texts carved differently on each side.
Cuisine
Laba Tofu
Yi County specialty fermented on Lunar December 8th. Pressed, salted, and sun-dried, this firm tofu develops unique aroma, traditionally steamed with ham and bamboo shoots as preserved winter delicacy.
Stone Pancakes
Huizhou flatbread stuffed with preserved vegetables, cooked on heated river stones. Crispy exterior with mineral notes served as ancient merchants' travel food, now locals' breakfast staple.
Fermented Mandarin Fish
Signature dish using mountain-stream fish dry-fermented for "stinky-but-delicious" flavor. Braised with pork and bamboo shoots, century-old Zuixianlou Restaurant maintains traditional preparation.
Tickets
Peak season (Mar1-Nov30): ¥104; Off-season: ¥94. Includes guided tour. Seniors(60-65)/students half-price, free over 65. Night light show ¥30 extra. Combo ticket (Xidi+Hongcun) ¥180 valid 3 days.
Suggested Routes
Half-day: Mingjing Lake→Hu Archway→Walking-Horse Tower→Jing'ai Hall→Physician's Residence→Peach-Plum Garden→Qingyun Pavilion. Full-day adds craft workshops and sunset photography. Ideal 2-day itinerary combined with Hongcun.
Transportation
- Air: Huangshan Tunxi Airport→shuttle (1.5hrs)
- HSR: Huangshan North Station→Yi County Bus Center→Xidi (30min)
- Highway: Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway→Yi County exit→8km on S218
- Shuttle: ¥5 electric cart (parking lot-village)
Must-See Spots
- Hu Archway: Ming stone carving masterpiece
- Jing'ai Hall: Huizhou clan culture exemplar
- Physician's Residence: Qing official architecture
- Qingyun Pavilion: Ancient "air-conditioning" system
Travel Tips
- Arrive before 7:30am for misty village shots
- Join free tours for architectural insights
- Wear flat shoes (uneven flagstones)
- Oct-Nov harvest season most photogenic
- Night illumination show starts 19:30
Precautions
- No selfie sticks inside heritage houses
- Do not touch carvings
- Drone permits required
- Download village map (complex alleys)
- Confirm farmhouse meal prices beforehand