Xidi Ancient Village

Xidi is okay but honestly a bit overrated in my opinion. Entrance fee is steep for what you get. Many houses are closed to the public, and the ones open are packed. The commercialization is heavy - vendors everywhere. If you've seen one ancient village, you've seen them all. Not bad for a quick stop, but I wouldn't go out of my way.

Nice visit overall. The village is beautiful and very photogenic. However, it felt a bit too crowded with tourists and many shops selling the same souvenirs. Some areas seemed a bit neglected. Still, the scenery is worth it. I'd recommend going on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

As a history enthusiast, Xidi exceeded my expectations. The ancestral halls and intricate wood carvings tell so many stories. The guide (Mr. Wang) was incredibly knowledgeable. This is a UNESCO site that truly deserves the title. Every corner is a photo opportunity.

Xidi is a hidden gem. The village is well-preserved, and I spent hours wandering around taking photos. The local snacks, especially the steamed buns and tofu pudding, were delicious. Highly recommend staying overnight to experience the peaceful atmosphere after the day-trippers leave.

Absolutely loved Xidi! The ancient architecture is stunning, especially the horse-head walls. Walking through the narrow alleys early in the morning felt like stepping back in time. The locals were friendly and the tea was great. A must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese culture!

I'd read mixed reviews online, but Xidi completely exceeded my expectations. The contrast between the dark wood interiors and the bright courtyard gardens is stunning. I especially loved the 'Rainbow Bridge' area where you can see the whole village from a slight elevation — perfect sunset spot. The only downside is the food options are limited and a bit overpriced, but the noodles at the small shop near the parking lot were actually quite good. A truly magical place that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time.

Xidi is hands down the most authentic ancient village I've seen in China. Unlike some tourist traps, this one still feels lived-in — you see locals drying vegetables, kids playing by the stream. The layout is incredibly well preserved, and the intricacy of the woodwork in the larger residences left me speechless. I'd suggest hiring a local guide (around 100 yuan) because otherwise you'll miss the fascinating stories behind each family's history. This place deserves all the hype. Will definitely come back.

Absolutely fell in love with Xidi! Every corner is a postcard — the reflection ponds, the carved wooden beams, the quiet courtyards. I spent hours just wandering and soaking in the atmosphere. The locals were friendly; one old lady even let me peek into her family's ancestral hall. If you love photography or history, this place is a dream. Go early in the morning before the tour bus crowds hit. 10/10 would recommend to anyone visiting Huangshan area!

Visited Xidi on a rainy morning and it was almost magical — the mist settled over the white walls and black tiles, and the cobblestones glistened. The layout is maze-like and fun to explore. I liked that it felt less commercial than Hongcun, though there are still plenty of tea shops. My only complaint: some local guides were way too loud and blocked the narrow paths. Also, the public restroom near the entrance could use a serious upgrade. Overall a lovely glimpse into Huizhou culture, but not perfect.

Xidi is undeniably beautiful, but honestly, it felt way too crowded for a weekday in April. The main alley was packed with tour groups, and it was hard to take a quiet photo without someone photobombing. Some of the souvenir shops felt repetitive and a bit pushy. The ancient architecture is stunning, but I wish there were more informative signs in English — I ended up just guessing the stories behind the carvings. For the entrance fee, I expected a bit more maintenance on the smaller side streets; a few houses looked neglected. Not bad, but I wouldn't rush back.

Honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed. I’d seen so many stunning photos online that I expected something magical, but Xidi felt quite small and a lot of sections were under renovation — scaffolding and dust everywhere. The main street was packed with selfie sticks and loud tour groups even on a weekday. I finished the loop in about an hour. Maybe if I had visited during a quieter season or when the construction was done, I’d feel differently. Not bad, but not worth the long drive from Huangshan city.

Really enjoyed Xidi — the architecture is stunning and well-preserved. The ticket price (104 yuan) felt a bit steep for the size though; you can walk through the main parts in two hours. Also, some of the shops selling the same souvenirs got a little repetitive. That said, the Hui-style houses and the intricate wood carvings in the Hu family ancestral hall are absolutely worth it. Great half-day trip from Tunxi. Would recommend going early to beat the tour groups.

Xidi is the kind of place that seeps into your soul. I took a full day to explore without a map — just letting the lanes guide me. An old tea seller invited me for a cup and told stories about his grandfather who was a scholar in the Qing dynasty. The food is underrated too: try the stinky tofu fried on the street and the homemade sesame candy. Everything felt so authentic, not overly touristy like some other ancient towns. If you’re a slow traveler like me, you’ll leave with your heart full.

As a photographer, Xidi is a dream. The light hitting the horse-head walls in the late afternoon creates the most incredible contrasts. I spent three hours just wandering through the narrow alleys, and every corner offered a new composition. The ancestral halls have incredibly detailed carvings — bring a zoom lens for those. March is perfect because the yellow rapeseed fields frame the village beautifully. Only complaint? The crowds started pouring in around 10am, but that’s everywhere. 10/10 would shoot again.

Absolutely fell in love with Xidi! Arrived just before sunrise and had the village almost to myself. The white walls and black tiles against the morning fog were pure magic. Walking along the cobblestone lanes with a little stream running beside you feels like stepping into a Ming dynasty painting. Saw some locals drying persimmons in their courtyard and they waved at me — so warm. If you only have time for one ancient village near Huangshan, make it this one. Don’t skip climbing the small hill at the back for the panoramic view!

Xidi stole my heart. I visited on a weekday in autumn and had entire alleys to myself. The rust-colored leaves against the white walls, the sound of trickling water from the gutters, and the smell of woodsmoke from family kitchens — it's pure poetry. Unlike other touristy spots, this village still feels alive. Kids playing, grandpas playing chess, women washing vegetables in the creek. If you want a real glimpse of rural Huizhou life, skip the chaos of Hongcun and come here instead. 10/10 would return.

Hands down the best ancient village I've visited in China! Xidi is less commercialized than Hongcun and way more authentic. I stayed overnight in a local guesthouse (only 120 yuan!) and woke up to roosters crowing and mist over the rooftops — magical. The locals are friendly, and the street snacks like stinky tofu and sesame cakes are delicious and cheap. Bring comfortable shoes; you'll want to explore every hidden courtyard. Can't recommend it enough!

Absolutely fell in love with Xidi! Walking through those narrow lanes feels like stepping back in time. Every carved beam and stone archway tells a story — I spent hours just admiring the intricate woodwork. The ancestral halls are incredibly well preserved. The ticket price is fair considering the maintenance and cultural value. Had a lovely chat with an old lady making bamboo baskets. This is a gem for anyone who appreciates real history, not just a pretty facade.

A solid experience overall. The ancient alleyways and white-washed walls with grey tiles are a photographer's dream — I got some fantastic shots. My only gripe is that some of the old houses felt a bit neglected, with peeling paint and dusty interiors. The local guides are knowledgeable but a little rushed. Still, the Hui-style architecture is unique, and the little stream running through the village adds charm. Worth a visit, but don't expect perfection.

Xidi is undeniably beautiful, but I left a bit disappointed. The entry fee is quite steep for what you get, and the village felt more like a tourist trap than a living community. Every second house had a souvenir stall or a ticket-checker. The architecture is stunning, but the constant crowd and noise ruined the peaceful vibe I was hoping for. If you go, try early morning or off-season — otherwise, it's just a photo-op with a price tag.

I came for the architecture but stayed for the food! The little family-run restaurant near the main square served the best bamboo rice and smoked tofu I've ever had. The owner even showed me how they dry the meat on the rooftops. Staying overnight in a local guesthouse added so much—waking up to the smell of wood fires and roosters crowing. Xidi is not just a scenic spot; it's a living, breathing community. Already planning to return.

This place is a goldmine for history lovers! Every ancestral hall and carved beam tells a story. I spent hours reading the plaques and chatting with an old man who explained the Hu family lineage. The layout of the village is based on Feng Shui, and you can really sense the harmony. Yes, there are some tourists, but it's nothing compared to Hongcun. Bring a good camera and soak it all in. Easily one of my top experiences in Anhui.

Absolutely magical! Xidi is the most well-preserved ancient village I've seen in China. Walking through the stone paths, breathing in the quiet morning air, and seeing the original Ming and Qing dynasty architecture made me feel like I stepped back in time. The locals are friendly, and the lack of loud music or neon signs keeps the charm intact. A must-visit for anyone who loves history and tranquility. 5 stars easily.

Xidi is undeniably beautiful with those white-walled, grey-tiled houses and the reflective ponds. I loved wandering the narrow lanes early in the morning before the crowds hit. My only complaint is that it gets packed by midday, and some of the so-called 'local snacks' felt overpriced. If you can visit off-season or on a weekday, it's a solid 4-star destination. The history is fascinating if you hire a guide.

Honestly, I was a bit let down by Xidi. The entrance fee is pretty steep for what you get, and it feels overly commercialized with souvenir shops crammed into every alley. The old architecture is nice, but a lot of the buildings are closed off or just turned into cafes. I expected a more authentic experience. Not bad, but not worth the hype or the long bus ride.

As a photographer, Xidi is a dream. Every corner offers a different composition—ancient door locks, moss-covered stone steps, and those iconic swooping eaves against a blue sky. I visited during late autumn, and the golden leaves popping against the grey bricks were stunning. The light at golden hour turns the whole village amber. One tip: skip the crowded main street and explore the residential back alleys—you'll find real life happening, like an elderly lady drying persimmons on her roof. Five stars just for the visual feast!

Xidi Ancient Village completely blew me away. I've been to many ancient towns in China, but this one feels the most authentic. The layout is original—no fake reconstruction like some other places. I climbed up to the small hill behind the village for a panoramic view, and it was breathtaking. The local snack of steamed wild veggies wrapped in rice flour was a delightful surprise. Everything was clean and well-maintained. Best 5 RMB I spent was on a hand-painted fan from a local artist. Unforgettable trip!

Absolutely loved every second in Xidi! The moment I stepped through the stone archway, it felt like traveling back in time. The reflection of the white-walled houses in the lotus pond is postcard-perfect. I spent hours wandering the narrow lanes, peeking into courtyards with blooming roses. The locals were friendly and didn't hassle me to buy anything. If you're into photography or just want a peaceful escape from city life, this place is magic. Highly recommend staying overnight to see the village at sunrise!

Xidi is definitely a charming place with well-preserved Huizhou architecture. The intricate wood carvings on the ancestral halls are stunning, and the layout of the village is like a maze. I gave it 4 stars because some alleyways were muddy after the rain and there weren't enough trash bins around. Also, the local guides at the entrance push their services a bit too aggressively. But if you love history and don't mind a few touristy bits, it's a solid half-day trip from Huangshan.

I was really excited to visit Xidi after seeing so many photos online, but honestly, it felt a bit too commercialized for my taste. The main lane was packed with souvenir stalls and selfie sticks, and the entrance fee (104 RMB) felt steep for what you get. The old houses are beautiful from the outside, but many are closed off or turned into tea shops. I ended up spending more time dodging crowds than soaking in the atmosphere. If you go, try early morning or off-season.