Xidi
A 960-year-old Huizhou village of white walls, horse-head gables, and winding lanes — a UNESCO World Heritage gem.
Xidi at a Glance
Everything you need to know before you go.
Xidi is one of Anhui's best-preserved ancient Huizhou villages, founded nearly a thousand years ago and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside nearby Hongcun. Its whitewashed walls, upturned horse-head gables, carved wooden lattice windows, and stone-paved lanes look almost unchanged since the Ming and Qing dynasties. It's compact, walkable, and rich in merchant-family history — the kind of place that rewards slowing down.
Where to Stay
Choose the neighborhood that fits your style.
Village Guesthouses
Traditional courtyard inns inside the old lanes — waking up in Xidi before the day-trippers arrive is the best way to see it.
Best for AtmosphereYixian County Town
A short drive away with more hotel choice and easy access to both Xidi and Hongcun.
Best for ConvenienceXidi Highlights
The city's essential experiences, grouped by what you love most.
The grandest merchant mansion in the village, with exquisite brick carvings and the famous 'Taoli Garden' hall.
A classic Huizhou courtyard house with carved beams, lattice windows, and the merchant family's ancestral shrine.
The stone archway at the entrance honors the Hu family's officials — Xidi's landmark since 1578.
The village's 99 lanes and two water channels are the attraction — duck into courtyards, watch ink-stone carvers, and follow the morning light.
A short climb for the classic panoramic view over the black-tile roofs of the whole village.
Best Time to Visit
Each season offers a different side of the city.
Spring · Mar–May
Mild weather and blooming landscapes — comfortable for exploring.
Summer · Jun–Aug
Warm days; highland areas stay cool while lowland cities get hot and humid.
Autumn · Sep–Nov
The best season in most of China — crisp air, clear skies, and golden light.
Winter · Dec–Feb
Cold in the north, mild in the south. Fewer crowds and lower prices outside holidays.
Suggested Itineraries
Three carefully-paced plans for your trip.
1-Day Xidi
Morning lane walk and the grand residences, lunch in a courtyard inn, then the Guanyin Hall viewpoint for the afternoon light. Pair with Hongcun the next day.
2-Day Xidi + Hongcun
Day 1: Xidi deep dive with an overnight in the village. Day 2: Hongcun's Moon Pond and South Lake, returning via Yixian county town.
Local Tips
Insider knowledge for a smoother trip.
From Huangshan city or Tunxi it's about an hour by car or tourist bus. Xidi is often paired with Hongcun, 20 minutes away.
Spring (Mar–May) for rapeseed blossoms around the villages; autumn for crisp light on the white walls. Mornings and late afternoons are quietest.
Sunrise from the Guanyin Hall viewpoint, and the reflection of white walls in the front pond — bring a polarizer for the tile roofs.
Shexian ink stones, Huizhou wood carvings, and Mao Feng green tea make good souvenirs from the village workshops.
FAQs About Xidi
Quick answers to common questions.
Ready to Explore Xidi?
Let MagicTrip build the perfect Xidi itinerary — tailored to your interests, pace, and budget.