Xidi: The Architectural Twin of Hongcun in Anhui

Xidi, about 20 kilometers from Hongcun in Yi County, Anhui Province, is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor — but deserves equal attention. Together with Hongcun, it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing the finest Hui-style architecture and the merchant culture that created it. Where Hongcun is defined by water, Xidi is defined by architecture.

Street Layout and Planning

Xidi was laid out in the 11th century according to precise principles. Two main streets form a "Z" shape, with lanes branching off like leaves on a stem. At the town's entrance, a massive memorial archway (paifang) built in 1578 for a local official sets the tone for the grand architecture within. The layout was designed to channel wind and water according to Feng Shui, creating a harmonious environment.

Memorial Archways

Xidi once had 13 memorial archways, erected to honor distinguished scholars, officials, and chaste widows. Today, one magnificent archway survives at the entrance, its marble surfaces carved with dragons, phoenixes, and inscriptions. The archway, 12 meters tall, is one of the finest examples of Ming Dynasty stonework in China.

Courtyard Houses

Xidi contains 124 well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty courtyard houses. These homes, built by wealthy merchants, feature horse-head gables, carved wooden screens, and internal skywells for light and air. The Dingxi Hall, built in 1691, is among the grandest, with 28 rooms and elaborate decorations. The Yingfu Hall showcases the lifestyle of a mid-level merchant family.

Wood and Stone Carving

Hui architecture is renowned for its decorative carving, and Xidi is a showcase. Wooden beams, lintels, and window frames are carved with scenes from mythology, history, and daily life. Stone bases and thresholds feature geometric patterns and auspicious symbols. The craftsmanship represents generations of artisan tradition.

Merchant Culture

Xidi's wealth came from trade. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Yi County merchants dominated commerce in rice, tea, timber, and salt. They built lavish homes in their hometowns while doing business in distant cities. The contrast between the modest exteriors and lavish interiors of Xidi houses reflects Confucian values: wealth should be displayed with restraint.

Nearby Attractions

Yi County contains other Hui villages worth visiting: Nanping, with its ancestral halls; Ping-shan, with ancient banyan trees; and Guanlu, with fine wooden architecture. A car or taxi allows you to visit multiple villages in a day. The county town of Yixian has a market selling local products.

Practical Information

Xidi is accessible from Huangshan City by bus (about 1 hour). Combined tickets for Hongcun and Xidi are available. Xidi receives fewer visitors than Hongcun, making it more peaceful. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the surrounding fields are green or golden. Allow at least half a day to explore the main houses and lanes.