Xidi Ancient Village

We rented a car and drove from Huangshan city – took about an hour. Xidi is a UNESCO site, and it really deserves that status. The layout is like a puzzle: every lane leads to another beautiful courtyard with cypress trees and ancient stone carvings. I'm not normally a temple person, but the Jing Ai Hall blew me away with its gate and woodwork. The village is very clean, and the locals are friendly – a woman in a souvenir shop let us try her homemade rice wine, and it was delicious. We grabbed a coffee at a cute little café near the central pond, which was a nice break. The only downside is that parking can be a nightmare on weekends, so go early. Otherwise, perfect day trip.

This was the highlight of my Anhui trip. Xidi feels so much more real and less commercialized than Hongcun (which I also liked, but it was busier). The entrance fee includes a guide, but I just followed a brochure and took my time. The ancestral temples and the old merchant houses are fascinating, especially the carvings that tell historical stories. I also loved just sitting on a stone bridge and watching the ducks in the stream while local grandmas washed vegetables. There's a small dumpling shop near the north gate that made the best pork and bamboo shoot dumplings – a complete accident. If you want to experience a genuine Hui-style village without being crushed by crowds, go here. I would return in a heartbeat.

Absolutely magical! Xidi is a living, breathing postcard. I arrived around 3pm when the day-trippers were leaving, and the light turned golden on the crumbling white walls. The reflections in the little lotus pond were perfection. I spent two hours just wandering – no map, no plan – and every corner had a composition begging to be photographed. The carvings on the houses are unlike anything I've seen, and the local man who runs a tiny tea stall near the schoolhouse chatted with me for ages (his English is limited but we used Our hand gestures). I'm a photographer, and this place gave me so many keepers. Stay for sunset and the village becomes utterly peaceful. Worth every yuan.

A solid half-day trip from Huangshan. Xidi has a very authentic old-world feel, and the ancestral halls and intricate wood carvings are impressive. I did get a bit lost in the maze-like lanes, but that's part of the charm. The reason I'm not giving five stars is that some of the old houses are now gift shops, and there was a faint smell of raw sewage near the small canal in a few spots. Also, my map app didn't work well, and there are almost no English signs. Still, the scenery of the surrounding hills and rice fields is gorgeous, and I loved the quiet alley behind the Hu Wenguang Memorial Arch. Worth a visit if you like historic architecture.

We visited Xidi during the first week of October, and honestly, it was way more packed than we expected. The village itself is beautiful with the white walls and black tiles, and the carved wooden windows are stunning. But you're constantly shuffling along shoulder to shoulder with tour groups, and hawkers are everywhere selling the same 'local' snacks. We paid 104 RMB each (with the Xidi and Hongcun combo ticket), which felt steep for the experience. There were moments of peace in the back alleys away from the main path, and the low-key vibe in the evening when the crowds left was lovely. But the daytime was just too touristy and rushed for me. If you go, stay overnight and explore late or early.

This is what I travel for. Xidi felt authentic in a way that can’t be faked. You can tell the brick, wood, and stone have been shaped by centuries of daily life. Our little guesthouse owner made dinner with fresh local greens and soft tofu, and the night was so quiet I slept better than I have in weeks. Waking up to birdsong and the faint smell of wood smoke was magic. The architecture is gorgeous, but the real soul of this village is the calm rhythm of its people. Not to be missed.

I honestly lost count of how many photos I took here. Xidi is every photographer’s dream: horse-head walls, narrow stone lanes, an old woman rinsing greens in the stream, light falling across a crumbling lintel. It’s not a polished open-air museum — people actually live here, and that raw energy comes through. Go early, go late, and just wander. The more you explore, the more tiny details you notice. Absolutely deserved its UNESCO status. Five stars from me.

Xidi was the highlight of our Anhui trip, hands down. We arrived at 7:30am before the tour buses rolled in, and had the misty alleys almost to ourselves. The white walls, dark upturned eaves, and worn cobblestones felt straight out of a painting. The Jing Ai Tang ancestral hall is a masterpiece — I couldn’t stop staring at the wood carvings. By noon it got busy, but by then we’d already soaked in the charm. If you can spend a night here, do it. Morning light over the roofs is unforgettable.

A really pleasant afternoon exploring Xidi. The Hui-style architecture is stunning — those dark wooden beams and whitewashed walls photograph beautifully, especially after a bit of rain. We paid for a local guide at the entrance and she shared some interesting family history about the Hu clan. My only minor complaint is that too many shops sell the same touristy souvenirs, and some of the residential sections felt a bit roped off. Still, the atmosphere was peaceful and it was much less crowded than Hongcun. Worth a visit if you're in the Huangshan area.

I really wanted to love Xidi, but I left feeling a bit underwhelmed. The old buildings and carved stonework are definitely impressive, but at 104 RMB per ticket I expected more accessibility. Several ancestral halls were closed off, and the main lanes were packed with tour groups waving flags. It’s a beautiful village, no doubt, but it felt more like a tourist circuit than a living place. A few side alleys were quiet and lovely, but honestly I’d skip it if you’re short on time.

Xidi exceeded every expectation. It’s like walking through a living museum – the locals still live here, drying laundry and cooking in their courtyards, which adds so much authenticity. I hired a bike and cycled through the surrounding rice paddies before entering the village – incredible views. The ticket includes a free audio guide, which was surprisingly detailed. Highly recommend spending a night in one of the family-run guesthouses inside the village. Unforgettable experience.

I absolutely fell in love with Xidi! The moment I walked through the ancient gate, I felt the history seep into my bones. The intricate wood carvings on the doors and windows are masterpieces. I especially loved the Hu Family Hall – the detail is mind-blowing. I also tried some homemade tofu pudding from a little old lady near the pond, and it was the best I’ve ever had. If you’re into photography, come at golden hour – the light on the white walls is magical.

Honestly, I was a bit let down. Maybe because I visited after Hongcun, which is larger and more impressive. Xidi is smaller and felt repetitive after a while – same style houses, same ponds, same narrow lanes. Some parts were also under renovation, so scaffolding blocked the view. The tea house we stopped at overcharged us for mediocre tea. It’s not bad, but for the price I’d rather spend more time in Hongcun or go to a less crowded village.

A beautiful and peaceful village, no doubt. The black-and-white buildings with horse-head walls are iconic, and the vibe is very relaxing. But honestly, it felt a bit too touristic for my taste – loads of souvenir shops and selfie sticks everywhere. The entrance fee is also steep for what you get. Still, if you come early morning or late afternoon, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the serene scenery. Worth a visit, but manage expectations.

Xidi is absolutely stunning! The ancient Huizhou architecture is incredibly well-preserved, and the moon-shaped ponds reflect the old houses perfectly. I spent hours just wandering the narrow alleyways, feeling like I had stepped back in time. The local guide was super friendly and shared fascinating stories about the village’s history. A must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese culture! 10/10 would come again.

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.