Xidi Village

Located on the southern foot of the Yellow Mountain, Xidi is 9 kilometers from downtown Yixian and 37 Kilometers from the Yellow Mountain. This village is considered by some foreign architects as one of the most perfectly protected ancient residences in the world. In 2000 Xidi Village was accepted by UNESCO as the World Cultural Heritage Site in 2000, along with the nearby village Hongcun.

Up till now, Xidi has developed a history of over 960 years, dating back from its rise in Song Dynasty during the Yuanfeng regime of Emperor Shenzong (1078-1086) all through its prosperity in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Gone through such a long period of time, more than a half of its original architectures are destroyed, but the basic appearance and feature of Xidi is maintained. There remain 124 well preserved wooden residences, 4 clan halls, and 1 memorial archways, all of which are built in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Many of them have been exploited into scenic spots.

Xidi is the treasure of ancient dwelling architecture art and the witness of ancient culture of Huizhou region. The attracting characteristics of the architectures in Xidi represent the classic Huizhou style in Ming and Qing dynasties. Across the village, all the houses are covered by gray-tile roof, white walls; while inside, exquisite carvings, elegant paintings and calligraphies can be found everywhere. Lingyun Attic, Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway, Ruiyu Courtyard, Taoli Garden are among some of the most worth visiting spots in the village.

Another part of the World Cultural Heritage Site, Hongcun village is not far from Xidi, you can visit these two sites together within one day.