Xidi Village – A Museum of Ming and Qing Dynasty Residences

Xidi Village In Anhui Province

Xidi Village (西递村) was founded during the reign of Emperor Renzong in the Northern Song Dynasty, flourished in the mid-Ming Dynasty, and reached its peak in the early Qing Dynasty. With a history spanning nearly a thousand years, it was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2000. The village is often praised as “the most beautiful village in the world” and “a museum of Ming and Qing dynasty residences in China.” Originally named Xichuan, Xidi Village was named after the three streams that flow from east to west through the village. Additionally, because of an ancient post station located 1.5 kilometers west of the village, it became known as “Pudi” or “post station,” from which the name “Xidi” is derived.

The village is shaped like a ship, surrounded by mountains on all sides, with two streams running through it. The village layout is primarily structured around a longitudinal street and two roads along the streams, forming a street and alley system that extends mainly eastward, with branches to the north and south. All the streets and alleys are paved with Yixian bluestone, and the ancient buildings are mostly wooden structures with brick walls. The village features a rich array of wood, stone, and brick carvings, and its 99 high-walled alleys create a maze-like experience, making it a quintessential example of Huizhou architectural art.

The village’s landmark is the three-bay, four-column, five-story bluestone archway at the entrance, built in 1578, which stands tall and imposing with its intricate structure, symbolizing the prominent status of the Hu family. Additionally, classic buildings such as Lufu Hall and Dafu Residence can be found in Xidi. Today, the Dafu Residence serves as a venue for traditional folk activities, such as the ancient custom of young women throwing embroidered balls from the high tower.


Table of Contents


Basic Information

Estimated Length of Tour1 day
Ticket Price104 RMB
Opening Hours24 hours a day throughout the year
Telephone Number0086-0559-5154030
0086-0559-2266617

Location and Transportation

Xidi Village is located in the southeastern part of Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. It lies at the southern foot of Mount Huang and the southern side of the Yixian Basin, with geographical coordinates at 117°38′E longitude and 30°11′N latitude. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:

  1. From Huangshan Mountain: Take a bus from Huangshan City Bus Station to Yixian County. From Yixian, transfer to another bus heading to Xidi Village.
  2. From Hongcun Village: You can reach Xidi Village from Hongcun by either taking a tourist bus to Tunxi (which passes through Xidi) or a local bus from the old village entrance (Niujiao) in Hongcun to Yixian, then transfer to a bus to Xidi.
  3. From Tunxi Village: At Tunxi Bus Station, take the Tourist Bus Line 1 to Hongcun. This bus passes by Xidi Village and takes approximately one hour from Tunxi to Xidi.
  4. Public Bus: You can also take the Yixian Bus Line 1 to Xidi Village Committee (bus stop). From there, it’s about a 140-meter walk to the village.

Highlights of Xidi Village

Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway (胡文光牌楼)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 6

The Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway, also known as the “Xidi Archway,” was built in the sixth year of the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1578). It is located at the entrance of Xidi Village in Xidi Town, occupying an area of 127.6 square meters, with a length of 15.75 meters and a width of 8.1 meters. The archway follows a three-bay, four-column, five-story architectural format. It was erected by imperial decree to honor Hu Wenguang for his 32 years of exemplary service as an official. The archway stands 12.3 meters high and 9.95 meters wide, constructed from Yixian bluestone. The main columns rest on rectangular stone pedestals, and the ends of the stone columns are adorned with drum-shaped stones. The middle pair of columns is decorated with two pairs of stone lions, carved in a lifelike manner. The archway features intricate openwork relief carvings, showcasing various themes such as “Kirin Frolic,” “Spring with Deer and Cranes,” “Tigers and Leopards Displaying Power,” and “Five Lions Playing with a Ball,” along with depictions of civil and military officials and the Eight Immortals. The ridge of the archway is adorned with three pairs of mythical fish, whose whiskers seem to ripple, adding to the unique and beautiful design. On the east and west sides of the archway are inscriptions of the phrases “荆藩首相 Prime Minister of Jing Province” and “胶州刺史 Governor of Jiaozhou” in large characters.


Zhuimu Hall (追慕堂)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 1

Zhuimu Hall was built in the 58th year of the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1794) by Hu Guansan, the 24th-generation descendant of the Hu family, to honor and commemorate his grandfather Bing Peigong and father Ying Haigong for their lives of literary pursuit, integrity, and philanthropy. The hall features an upturned eave roof with curving corners and a grand eight-character entrance gate. Outside the three-way door under the eaves, a wooden railing is installed, and the eight-character walls are made of polished Yixian marble. Inside the hall, there are portraits of Li Shiming’s meritorious officials and a statue of Li Shiming enshrined for worship.


Duyi Courtyard (笃谊庭)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 2

Duyi Courtyard, also known as Zhenshi Xiaozhu, was built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty (1821-1851). It was originally the residence of Hu Yuanxi, the youngest son of Hu Guansan, a third-rank Tongyi Daifu and one of the six wealthiest men in Jiangnan. Hu Yuanxi was also the son-in-law of Cao Zhenyong, a prime minister who served during the reigns of Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Daoguang. The courtyard’s entrance features a brick-built eight-character gate, with a brick-carved plaque inscribed with “紫气东来 Purple Clouds from the East.” Inside, the entry pavilion is adorned with a stone-carved door plaque in the shape of a scroll, bearing the characters “枕石小筑” (Resting on Stones Cottage). On either side of the pavilion are small, green-leaf-shaped doorways, each with a brick-carved door plaque inscribed with “Jade Vase” and “Spring Warbler,” respectively. The courtyard also contains a greenhouse where the owner once stored flowers and plants during the winter.


Jing’ai Hall (敬爱堂)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 3

Jing’ai Hall was built in the 28th year of the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1600), covering an area of more than 1,800 square meters. The hall’s entrance is marked by an ornate gate with upturned eaves and curved corners. Inside, there is a large central hall for worship, with a spacious courtyard between the upper and lower sections. The hall is flanked by east and west side chambers, supported by lofty marble columns. The rear of the hall is a pavilion, with the lower level serving as an ancestral worship hall for the owner’s parents, while the upper level enshrines the ancestral tablets of previous generations. Originally, Jing’ai Hall was the ancestral hall of Shiheng, the 14th-generation ancestor of the Mingjin Hu family. His three sons, to demonstrate mutual respect and affection between brothers, transformed the ancestral hall into a shrine and named it “敬爱堂” (Hall of Respect and Affection).


Zouma Building (走马楼)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 4

Zouma Building, also known as Lingyun Pavilion, was built in the 52nd year of the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1787). It was hastily constructed by Hu Guansan, a 24th-generation descendant of the Mingjin Hu family and one of the six wealthiest men in Jiangnan, who held the official title of third-rank Tongyi Daifu. The building was specifically erected to welcome his in-law, Cao Zhenyong, a prominent prime minister who served during the reigns of Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Daoguang, and who hailed from Xiong Village in Shexian County. According to legend, the wealthy Hu family of Xidi built Zouma Building in a rush to receive Cao Zhenyong. The current Zouma Building has been restored according to the original layout and, along with the nearby ruins of the Seven Sages Ancestral Hall, forms a single scenic spot. The building is two stories high, with white walls and black tiles, featuring upturned eaves and curving corners. Today, Zouma Building hosts performances of Huangmei opera, traditional ball tossing, and tea ceremonies. Below the building is a single-arched stone bridge named Wugeng Ancient Bridge, over which the flowing waters of West Creek meander past, creating a picturesque scene.


Kuanggu Studio (旷古斋)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 5

Kuanggu Studio was built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. It is a private residence composed of a courtyard, garden, and multiple units. The gate tower is adorned with exquisite examples of the three traditional Huizhou carvings – wood, brick, and stone. The furnishings in the front hall are typical of ancient Huizhou style, with a large plaque inscribed with the characters “旷古斋 Kuanggu Studio” in clerical script hanging above the front panel wall. Below the plaque is a central painting flanked by two pairs of antique couplets, highlighting the theme of brotherly harmony and encouraging future generations to study diligently and achieve success.


Ruiyu Courtyard (瑞玉庭)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 7

Ruiyu Courtyard was built in the third year of the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty (1853). The original owner was a Huizhou merchant, and the layout of the house reflects the theme of “commerce” to signify the owner’s status and aspirations. On the eaves of the courtyard entrance, there are ingot-shaped brick carvings on both sides, inscribed with the characters for “富贵 wealth and honor.” The right wall bears the four-character inscription “履道含和 Lü Dao Han He” (meaning to follow the path with harmony). The courtyard’s central area, with its open-air design, symbolizes the concept of “all water returns to the hall,” a traditional architectural theme. The beams around the courtyard are adorned with seasonal bird and flower carvings, while the corridors on either side of the hall feature carvings in the shape of the character “商” (commerce). The pillars in the hall are decorated with three couplets that promote “传家之道 the way of passing down the family legacy,” “修身之道 the way of self-cultivation,” and “经商之道 the way of doing business.” Additionally, the panel walls of the right wing room in the hall bear ancestral teachings and family management maxims.


West Garden (西园)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 8

West Garden was built in the fourth year of the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty (1824) and was originally the residence of Hu Wenzhao (styled Xingge), a fourth-rank official and prefect of Kaifeng in Henan Province. The main entrance features a brick-built, eight-character gate tower. The residential complex inside is composed of three units, each with three rooms, connected to form a unified structure. These units are separated into front, middle, and rear courtyards by intricate brick-carved lattice windows, which allow for visual connection while maintaining distinct spaces. On the walls flanking the main entrance to the second courtyard, there are stone-carved lattice windows, with the left one depicting “Pine and Rock” and the right one “Bamboo and Plum.” These carvings, known for their vivid designs and exquisite craftsmanship, are one of the three celebrated forms of carving (brick, stone, wood) in Xidi Village, with the stone carvings being particularly famous. Above the rear courtyard entrance are two stone-carved plaques inscribed with “种春圃 Spring Garden” and “井花香处 The Fragrance of Well Flowers.”

The courtyard architecture of West Garden uses lattice windows to create a sense of borrowed scenery and emotional resonance. Upon entering the garden, three buildings are lined up on the right, connected by a rectangular courtyard. The buildings are separated into front, middle, and rear sections by large brick-carved lattice windows and variously shaped doorways, creating distinct spaces. The garden features flowerbeds, rockeries, and a fish pond, adding to the scenic charm of the area.


East Garden (东园)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 9

East Garden was constructed in the second year of the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty (1724) and originally served as the ancestral home of Hu Wenzhao. It is currently the residence of the descendants of Hu Guansan. Above the entrance of East Garden is a fan-shaped stone window, symbolizing the homophone for “善” (virtue), reminding residents to aspire towards goodness. The left wall features a leaf-shaped stone lattice window, symbolizing the idea of returning to one’s roots. Opposite the entrance, there is an inscribed plaque named “百可园 Bai Ke Garden.” East Garden consists of three main halls: the main hall, front hall, and cool hall. The main hall, named Houguang Hall, was used for receiving distinguished guests. The front hall was for hosting relatives and close friends, while the cool hall served as both a study and a family schoolroom. On the wall of the courtyard, there is a calligraphic inscription by Chen Hongshou, one of the Eight Great Masters of the Xiling Society of Seal Arts from the Qing Dynasty, featuring the words “结自得趣 Contentment Brings Joy” in cursive script.


Dunren Hall (惇仁堂)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 10

Dunren Hall was built at the end of the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty and served as the residence of Hu Yinghai and his son Hu Guansan, the 23rd and 24th generation ancestors of the Hu clan. The building has a five-bay, two-wing, two-story structure and is now inhabited by the direct descendants of Hu Guansan’s 30th generation. The hall features two interconnected bedrooms on each side, historically referred to as “Pearl Linked Rooms.” At the lower end of the hall, there is a large courtyard, commonly known as the “Mother Courtyard,” while each wing also has a small skylight-like courtyard, referred to as the “Child Courtyard.” This unique architectural feature sets Dunren Hall apart from other ancient residences in Xidi Village. In the 32nd year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1906), Hu Guansan’s great-granddaughter-in-law, Madam Huang Xingxian, established the first girls’ school in Yi County, the Xidi Chongde Girls’ School, within this hall.


Lufu Hall (履福堂)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 11

Built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty in 1684, Lufu Hall is a distinguished ancient residence with a three-room, three-story structure oriented both front and back. This house was originally the ancestral home of Hu Jitang, a renowned calligrapher, painter, collector, and art connoisseur. Hu Jitang, also known as Qingsheng, was the grandson of Hu Guansan, one of the six wealthiest men in Jiangnan, who was bestowed the title of Tongyi Dafu, a third-rank official. Lufu Hall is a prime example of a scholarly residence in Xidi Village, with numerous couplets hanging in the hall that reflect the family’s values, such as “For hundreds of years, the family prospers by accumulating virtues; the best of all good deeds is simply reading books” and “Give way in all things, and heaven and earth are broad; cultivate the heart, and descendants will thrive.” In the rear hall, there is a wooden hanging fan with inscriptions: “清风徐来 Gentle breeze arises” on one side and “凌云 Soaring to the skies” on the other. In the courtyard of the rear hall, a large blue stone fish pond, over a meter high, was built for keeping fish, regulating humidity, and storing water for fire prevention.


Qingyun Pavilion (青云轩)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 12

Qingyun Pavilion, constructed during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, is a single-unit structure known as a study hall (or “side hall”). The entire layout is similar to a courtyard house, with the side hall situated in the center, a two-story structure flanked by single-story wings, all surrounding a small courtyard. The courtyard gate, which opens to an alley, has a gatehouse. In the courtyard, there is a fossilized half-shell of a sea clam, over a billion years old, on display. The full moon-shaped door frame of the side hall is made of Yixian blue stone, facing the courtyard garden, embodying the harmony of “flowers in bloom and a full moon.” In the center of the hall’s floor is a small round pit covered with a stone lid. In winter, lifting the lid allows warm air to circulate; in summer, cool air flows through. This underground passage was ingeniously designed by the architect to drain dirty water during the rainy season, leading it directly into the sewers, showcasing a unique and thoughtful design.


Yingfu Hall (膺福堂)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 13

Yingfu Hall, constructed in the third year of the Kangxi period during the Qing Dynasty (1664), served as the residence of Hu Ruchuan, a high-ranking official who was honored with the title of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. As the 25th-generation ancestor of the Hu family, Hu Ruchuan was bestowed the rank of second class. The hall features a grand, imposing gate with tall walls, eaves that curve upwards, square columns, and intricately carved brickwork, all of which indicate its status as an official’s residence. Inside the main gate, there is a secondary gate known as the “ceremonial gate,” which was opened only during significant family celebrations, such as weddings, or to welcome dignitaries of notable status. It is said that officials below the seventh rank could only enter and exit through the side gates flanking the ceremonial gate. The spacious and solemn main hall is designed in a courtyard layout, comprising an upper and lower hall, three rooms, and two side chambers connected by wooden carved flower-patterned doors. The eaves of the hall are supported by slanted columns carved into crouching lions, while the side rooms around the courtyard are connected by intricately carved wooden screens that link the upper and lower floors.


Daifu Residence (大夫第)

Xidi Village In Anhui Province 14

The Daifu Residence, built in the 30th year of the Kangxi period (1691), was the ancestral home of Hu Wenzhao, a fourth-rank official. Above the main entrance is a brick carving with the characters “大夫第 Daifu Residence,” signifying its importance. The main hall, known as “大雅堂” (Hall of Elegance), is surrounded by wooden screens intricately carved with plum blossom patterns, symbolizing the scholar’s perseverance through “十年寒窗,” a metaphor for diligent study. The upper floor, which encircles the courtyard, is adorned with a beautifully carved railing known as “Beauty’s Lean,” while the decorative brackets beneath the eaves are carved with crouching lions, a symbol of authority and power. The residence also includes two additional structures: Guifu Hall and Guan Jing Tower. Guifu Hall, built in the 10th year of the Daoguang period (1830), is a three-room, two-story building named for the fragrant osmanthus that fills the courtyard with its sweet scent. The spacious and well-lit hall is supported by two marble pillars, a rare feature among the hundreds of Ming and Qing dynasty residences in Xidi Village. Guan Jing Tower, also constructed during the Daoguang period, features eaves adorned with plaques bearing the inscriptions “山市 Mountain Market” and “桃花源里人家 Family in the Peach Blossom Land,” alluding to a utopian vision of life.


Hu Changyi (胡昌翼)

According to the Hu clan genealogy, Hu Changyi was the founding ancestor of the Mingjing Hu family. He was allegedly the son of Emperor Zhaozong of Tang, Li Ye. In the first year of the Tianyou period (904 AD), when Zhu Quanzhong rebelled and forced the relocation of the capital from Xi’an to Luoyang in Henan, the Empress He gave birth to a baby boy during the journey. A man named Hu San (whose name was Qing) from Wuyuan, Xin’an, who was serving in Shaanxi at the time, was entrusted by the court to secretly take the prince back to Huizhou Prefecture in Wuyuan, where he named him Changyi and changed his surname to Hu. This child, Hu Changyi, became the founding ancestor of the Mingjing Hu family.

Hu Guansan (胡贯三)

Known by the courtesy name Xuezhi and the style name Jingtai, Hu Guansan was the 24th-generation ancestor of the Mingjing Hu family. Born in the 11th year of the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty (1733) and passing away in the 59th year of the Qianlong period (1794), Hu Guansan lived to the age of 61. He was one of the six wealthiest individuals in Jiangnan, with assets in Wuhan, Jiujiang, Jingdezhen, and other places, boasting “thirty-six shops” and “seven and a half streets.” Hu Guansan generously donated to the construction of Biyang Academy and single-handedly built several bridges, including the Hexi Bridge in Shexian, Dengfeng Bridge at the foot of Mount Qiyun, and Yongji Bridge and Aiwang Bridge in Yixian. He also initiated the construction of the Mingjing Ancestral Hall and repaired major roads in Yixian, Shexian, Qimen, and Xiuning. According to clan records, Hu Guansan was noted for his charitable acts, donating a total of 80,000 taels of silver. Fourteen years after his death, in the 13th year of the Jiaqing period (1808), Hu Guansan was posthumously honored as a third-rank official and bestowed the title of Tongyi Dafu due to his lifetime of virtue and charitable deeds.

Hu Jitang (胡积堂)

Hu Jitang, with the courtesy name Qingsheng and the style name Jiongwushanren, was the 26th-generation ancestor of the Mingjing Hu family. He was the second son of Hu Shouzeng and the grandson of Hu Guansan. Hu Jitang was a renowned collector and connoisseur of calligraphy, painting, and antiques during the mid-Qing Dynasty, holding the title of Langzhong in the Wu Selection Department with a third-rank top-grade hat. In his hometown of Xidi, Hu Jitang built Bixiao Pavilion and authored several works, including The Collection of Calligraphy and Painting at Bixiao Pavilion, Jiongwushanren’s Notes, and Gaining Knowledge. He also published the Corrupt Talks Collection and Hu Xuemei’s Poetry Manuscript, rebuilt the Ningshuitang in Shuikou with his brother Hu Jicheng, and solely funded the construction of the Jiexiao Memorial Arch in Yixian. Hu Jitang had eight sons, three of whom left no descendants. His eight sons were Wenhui, Wenxian, Wenao, Wenjing, Wenrui, Wenyue, Wengao, and Wenqiao. His former residence, Dujingtang, still hangs portraits of Hu Jitang and his wife.

Huang Xingxian (黄杏仙)

Huang Xingxian (1882–1948) was a woman of noble birth who grew up in a prominent family. She studied with her father in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, during her childhood and married Hu Dayan of Xidi Village at the age of 20. In the 32nd year of the Guangxu period (1906), she established the first girls’ school in Yixian—Xidi Chongde Girls’ School—where she served as principal. This marked the beginning of modern girls’ education in Huizhou. The curriculum included traditional subjects such as The Classic of Filial Daughters, The Biographies of Exemplary Women, and Women’s Letters, as well as practical skills like arithmetic, calligraphy, embroidery, and weaving, aiming to combine theory with practice. The number of students increased from over 20 to more than 80. Later, nine private academies in Xidi were merged to form “Mingjing School,” achieving co-education for the first time. Hu Aixian was appointed principal, Hu Rongfu served as dean of academics, and Huang Xingxian was invited to teach and also served as the girls’ guidance counselor.

Hu Wenguang (胡文光)

Hu Wenguang, with the courtesy name Yuanzhong, was the 18th-generation ancestor of the Mingjing Hu family. Born in the 16th year of the Zhengde period (1521) and passing away in the 21st year of the Wanli period (1593), he achieved the rank of Juren in the 35th year of the Jiajing period (1555). As the magistrate of Wanzai County in Jiangxi, he was known for his bold reforms, eradicating corruption, promoting education, and defending against external invasions. Due to his outstanding contributions, he was successively promoted to the posts of Cishi of Jiaozhou, the chief historian of the Jing Prince’s mansion, and ultimately attained the rank of Zhongxian Dafu, a fourth-rank official. During the Wanli period, the court granted him the honor of erecting a large bluestone archway at the entrance of Xidi Village.

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