Xidi and Hongcun: A Guide to China's UNESCO-Listed Huizhou Villages

Xidi and Hongcun are two of the best-preserved ancient villages in southern Anhui, China. Located in Yi County near Huangshan, these historic settlements are known for their whitewashed houses, dark tiled roofs, intricate wood carvings, ancestral halls and traditional waterways. Together, they form the UNESCO-listed property known as the Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui.

What makes Xidi and Hongcun particularly valuable is not simply the age or appearance of their buildings. Their streets, residential compounds, public spaces and water systems preserve a picture of traditional Huizhou society, shaped by merchant wealth, family lineages, education and local craftsmanship.

Although the villages share a distinctive architectural tradition, they offer different experiences. Xidi is especially rewarding for exploring historic residences, ancestral halls and memorial architecture. Hongcun is celebrated for Moon Pond, South Lake and its carefully integrated water system.

This guide explores the history, architecture and cultural significance of Xidi and Hongcun, compares their main attractions, and explains how to plan a visit as part of a wider Huangshan and Anhui journey.

1. Where Are Xidi and Hongcun? Understanding Their UNESCO Heritage

Xidi and Hongcun are located in Yi County, Huangshan City, in southern Anhui Province, eastern China. Both villages belong to the historic Huizhou cultural region, an area associated with distinctive architecture, prosperous merchant families, traditional craftsmanship and a strong lineage culture.

The villages are surrounded by the landscapes of southern Anhui, where hills, streams, farmland and traditional settlements form a closely connected cultural environment. Their location near Huangshan also makes them a natural addition to a cultural journey through the region.

In 2000, UNESCO inscribed Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun on the World Heritage List. The inscription recognizes the exceptional preservation of their traditional architecture, village layouts, decorative arts and relationship between human settlements and the natural environment.

Importantly, the heritage value of Xidi and Hongcun extends beyond individual historic houses. Their streets, ancestral buildings, public spaces, waterways and residential compounds collectively demonstrate how traditional communities were planned and organized.

Why Are Xidi and Hongcun UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

The villages are significant because they preserve several interconnected aspects of traditional Chinese settlement culture:

• Traditional Huizhou architecture: Whitewashed walls, dark tiled roofs, horse-head walls, internal courtyards and detailed wood, brick and stone carving.
• Historic village planning: Streets, residential compounds, public spaces and waterways developed in response to local geography and community needs.
• Merchant and family history: The villages reflect the influence of prosperous Huizhou families, regional commerce, education and ancestral traditions.
• Integration with the landscape: Buildings and public spaces are closely connected with surrounding hills, farmland, streams and water systems.

For travelers, this means that visiting Xidi and Hongcun is not simply an opportunity to see old Chinese houses. It is a chance to understand how architecture, economic activity, family organization and the natural environment shaped a historic rural society.

2. What Is Huizhou Architecture? Five Features to Recognize

Huizhou architecture is a traditional regional architectural style associated with the historic Huizhou area of southern Anhui. Xidi and Hongcun are among the most recognizable places to appreciate its residential buildings and village-scale design.

The style is often identified by the contrast between white walls and dark roofs. However, its defining characteristics also include raised gable walls, inward-facing courtyards, carefully designed entrances and decorative craftsmanship.

White Walls and Dark Tiled Roofs

The combination of whitewashed walls and dark grey or black roof tiles gives Huizhou villages their distinctive appearance. Against the green hills of southern Anhui, the restrained color palette creates a strong visual relationship between buildings and landscape.

Look closely at the rooflines when walking through the villages. Overlapping roofs, sloping tiles and changing building heights create different streetscape views as lanes narrow, widen or turn.

Horse-Head Walls: A Defining Huizhou Feature

One of the most recognizable elements of Huizhou architecture is the raised gable wall, commonly called a horse-head wall in English.

These walls extend above the roofline in stepped or curved profiles, creating the distinctive silhouettes seen throughout southern Anhui. They also served practical purposes in traditional building design, including helping to limit the spread of fire between closely spaced houses.

The height and profile of horse-head walls vary between buildings. Comparing their shapes is a useful way to appreciate the architectural character of individual residences rather than viewing every house as identical.

Inward-Facing Courtyards and Residential Layouts

Many traditional Huizhou residences are organized around internal courtyards. This inward-facing arrangement separates private household life from the public village lanes while allowing daylight and ventilation to reach interior spaces.

In larger residences, rooms, corridors, entrances and screens form an ordered composition around the courtyard. The arrangement can also reflect household structure, family hierarchy and the social functions of different spaces.

Wood, Brick and Stone Carving

Decorative carving is another important feature of Huizhou architecture. Visitors can look for carved wooden beams, door panels, window screens, stone features and brick reliefs.

Traditional motifs may include plants, animals, figures, geometric patterns and scenes connected with cultural beliefs or social values. The quality and complexity of the decoration vary from one residence to another, reflecting the resources and preferences of the families who commissioned the buildings.

Some of the most interesting details are found in seemingly modest places, such as a doorway, window frame or carved threshold. Taking time to observe these smaller features offers a closer appreciation of traditional craftsmanship.

Carefully Designed Entrances and Spatial Transitions

In traditional residences, the entrance is more than a passage from the street into the house. Doorways, thresholds, gates and screens create a transition between public and private space.

When visiting historic homes, notice how the entrance relates to the courtyard and surrounding rooms. These details help explain how traditional architecture balanced household privacy, hospitality and family life.

3. Xidi Ancient Village: Exploring Huizhou Merchant History

Xidi Ancient Village is particularly known for its historic residences, ancestral halls, stone-paved lanes and the prominent Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway. Its preserved buildings reflect the prosperity of families connected with regional commerce and the social traditions of historic Huizhou.

Xidi developed through family networks and commercial activity. As some Huizhou families accumulated wealth through trade, they invested in substantial residences, communal buildings and educational opportunities in their home communities.

This relationship between commerce, family reputation and architecture remains visible in the village. Its buildings provide insight into how prosperous households expressed their status while maintaining connections with their ancestral home.

Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway

The Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway is one of Xidi's most recognizable landmarks. Known in Chinese as a paifang, a traditional memorial archway could commemorate family achievements, public service, official recognition or moral reputation.

Its architectural structure and decorative details distinguish it from the more private features found inside residential compounds. The archway also communicates the importance of family standing and public recognition in traditional Chinese society.

When viewing the archway, consider its position within the village. It is not merely an isolated monument but part of the settlement's historical identity and the wider story of family reputation in Huizhou.

Ancestral Halls and Family Compounds

Ancestral halls played an important role in many traditional Chinese communities. They provided spaces for family ceremonies, ancestral commemorations, gatherings and activities connected with lineage identity.

In Xidi, these buildings help visitors understand how extended families organized aspects of social and communal life. Their layouts and decorative details also reflect the importance attached to ancestry, collective memory and family continuity.

Historic residential compounds offer a different perspective. Courtyards, entrances, rooms and decorative features reveal how households accommodated family members, visitors and everyday activities.

Where access is permitted, compare the public-facing areas of a residence with its more private interior spaces. The differences can reveal how traditional homes balanced hospitality, household organization and privacy.

Stone Lanes and Traditional Streetscapes

Some of Xidi's most memorable features are the spaces between its historic buildings. Stone-paved lanes pass between closely spaced houses, occasionally opening onto small courtyards, bridges and public areas.

The changing width and direction of these streets create a sequence of intimate views rather than one continuous panorama. The arrangement also reflects the way the village functioned as a connected community.

Instead of walking directly from one landmark to another, take time to observe the relationship between the lanes, entrances and buildings. These transitions are an important part of Xidi's historic character.

What Makes Xidi Worth Visiting?

Xidi is especially rewarding for visitors interested in:

• Historic Huizhou residences and traditional courtyard layouts.
• Ancestral halls and the history of family lineages.
• The Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway and traditional memorial architecture.
• Huizhou merchant history and the relationship between commerce and village development.
• Traditional wood, brick and stone carving.

Its appeal lies in understanding how the village's buildings express a wider social history. A closer look at a courtyard, carved doorway or ancestral hall can reveal more than a quick walk through the main streets.

4. Hongcun Ancient Village: Water Systems, Moon Pond and Traditional Landscape Design

Hongcun Ancient Village is particularly famous for its historic water system and the relationship between its architecture and surrounding landscape. Traditional residences, narrow lanes, ponds and channels form a distinctive village environment in which water is central to both daily life and spatial organization.

Hongcun's distinctive setting combines whitewashed houses, dark tiled roofs, reflective pools and the surrounding hills. The result is one of the most recognizable historic village landscapes in China.

Moon Pond: The Iconic Center of Hongcun

Moon Pond, known in Chinese as Yuezhao, is one of Hongcun's most recognizable landmarks. Located within the village, the pond is surrounded by traditional buildings whose white walls and dark roofs are reflected in the water.

Its curved outline and surrounding architecture create a distinctive composition that attracts visitors and photographers. However, Moon Pond is more than a scenic viewpoint. It forms part of Hongcun's historic water system and contributes to the spatial organization of the surrounding settlement.

For a closer appreciation of the architecture, observe the pond from different positions. Notice how the buildings frame the water, how rooflines overlap and how the reflections change with the weather and light.

Early morning can offer softer light and a calmer atmosphere, although visitor numbers and photographic conditions vary by season and day.

South Lake: A Wider View of the Village Landscape

South Lake, or Nanhu, lies on the southern side of Hongcun. Its open water and surrounding greenery provide a different perspective from the more enclosed Moon Pond.

From this area, visitors can appreciate the relationship between the village's historic buildings and the wider landscape. The open setting also offers opportunities to photograph traditional architecture against the water and surrounding scenery.

For photography, soft light and relatively calm water can create attractive reflections. For architectural observation, South Lake provides a useful opportunity to step back and consider the village as a whole.

Hongcun's Historic Water System

One of Hongcun's most important heritage features is its integrated water system. Historic channels brought water through the village, while ponds and connected waterways formed part of the settlement's practical and spatial organization.

This arrangement linked the daily needs of residents with the design of streets, public spaces and residential areas. It demonstrates how traditional village planning could incorporate water management into the structure of a community.

The UNESCO recognition of Xidi and Hongcun highlights the relationship between traditional buildings, village planning and the surrounding environment. Hongcun makes this relationship especially visible because its ponds and channels are closely connected with everyday village spaces.

Why Hongcun Is More Than a Photographic Destination

Hongcun's appeal comes from the interaction between its architecture, water and surrounding hills. A traditional residence viewed from a narrow lane offers one perspective; the same building reflected in a pond creates another.

Moving between enclosed streets and open waterside spaces reveals how different parts of the village contribute to its overall composition.

For this reason, Hongcun rewards slower exploration. Beyond the famous viewpoints, notice the smaller channels, building entrances, traditional streets and transitions between public and residential spaces.

5. Xidi vs. Hongcun: Which Ancient Village Should You Visit?

Xidi and Hongcun share the same broad Huizhou architectural tradition, but they offer different cultural and visual experiences. The most useful way to distinguish them is to consider what each village helps visitors understand about historic southern Anhui.

Can You Visit Both Villages in One Day?

Yes. Visiting both Xidi and Hongcun in one day is a practical option for travelers staying in the Huangshan area, provided that transport and sightseeing time are planned in advance.

A useful approach is to explore Hongcun's main water features and historic lanes, then continue to Xidi to focus on its residences, ancestral halls and memorial architecture. The order can be adjusted according to your accommodation, transport arrangements and preferred photography times.

However, a one-day visit is best treated as an introduction rather than an in-depth exploration. Travelers interested in traditional architecture, historic interiors or photography may prefer to spend more time in the area.

Which Village Is Better for Photography?

Hongcun is often the first choice for visitors who want to photograph water reflections and traditional architecture. Moon Pond and South Lake offer recognizable views where historic buildings meet open water.

Xidi is particularly rewarding for architectural photography. Its memorial archway, carved entrances, narrow lanes and residential details provide a different range of subjects.

If photography is a major priority, visiting both villages provides a more varied experience than choosing only one.

6. The History Behind Xidi and Hongcun: Huizhou Merchants, Family and Education

To understand the historic villages of southern Anhui, it is important to look beyond their architecture to the people who built and maintained them.

Xidi and Hongcun developed within a regional society shaped by family networks, commerce, education and Confucian traditions. Successful merchants and officials often maintained strong connections with their home villages, investing in residences, communal buildings and educational opportunities.

The Influence of Huizhou Merchants

Huizhou merchants played an important role in China's commercial history. Trade connected people from the region with markets across different parts of the country. Some successful families used their wealth to build substantial residences, support education and establish communal institutions in their home communities.

This history helps explain why relatively small rural settlements contain elaborate houses, decorated halls and carefully constructed public buildings.

Architecture was not only about providing shelter. It could also express family standing, cultural aspirations and a continuing connection with one's ancestral home.

Family Lineages and Ancestral Traditions

Family and lineage structures influenced the organization of many historic villages in southern Anhui. Ancestral halls and family compounds provided spaces for ceremonies, commemorations, gatherings and the preservation of family history.

The buildings therefore reflected social relationships as well as practical household needs. Their spatial arrangements and decorative features can help visitors understand how ancestry and collective identity influenced traditional community life.

These traditions should be understood within their historical context. The organization of traditional communities differed from contemporary ideas about household structure and social equality.

Education and Confucian Values

Education and public service were important aspirations for many families in traditional Huizhou society. The wealth generated through commerce could support educational ambitions, cultural activities and opportunities for social advancement.

The design of residences and communal buildings sometimes reflected the importance attached to learning, reputation and family continuity.

Walking through Xidi and Hongcun with this history in mind adds another dimension to the visit. The buildings become evidence of a society in which commerce, scholarship, ancestry and architecture were closely connected.

7. What to Look for When Exploring Huizhou Architecture

You do not need an architectural background to appreciate Xidi and Hongcun. Paying attention to a few recurring features can make a visit more meaningful.

Rooflines and Horse-Head Walls

Look at the shapes of the roofs and raised gable walls. Notice how their silhouettes change as the lanes narrow, widen or turn. These features are among the easiest ways to recognize the Huizhou architectural style.

Doorways and Entrances

Traditional entrances often mark the transition between public streets and private household spaces. Examine the materials, carved panels, lintels and decorative details where access is permitted.

Courtyards and Natural Light

Courtyards can bring light and ventilation into otherwise enclosed residences. Observe how rooms are arranged around them and how the interior spaces differ from the public streets outside.

Wood, Brick and Stone Carving

Look for carved elements around doorways, beams, windows and architectural frames. Small decorative details can reveal the skills of traditional craftspeople more clearly than a distant view of an entire building.

Water and Settlement Planning

In Hongcun, observe how channels and ponds relate to nearby streets and residences. In both villages, consider how the built environment responds to the surrounding landscape.

Everyday Life in a Living Heritage Site

Xidi and Hongcun are historic communities, not simply outdoor museums. Where residents continue to live and work, respect private spaces, avoid entering restricted areas and ask permission before photographing people or private interiors.

8. Best Time to Visit Xidi and Hongcun

Xidi and Hongcun can be attractive throughout the year. The best season depends on whether you prioritize comfortable walking, seasonal scenery, photography or a quieter cultural experience.

Spring: Fresh Greenery and Soft Light

Spring brings fresh vegetation to the surrounding countryside and can be a pleasant season for walking through the villages. The combination of traditional architecture, hills and seasonal greenery creates attractive conditions for landscape photography.

Weather can change, so bring suitable layers and comfortable footwear for stone-paved streets.

Summer: Lush Scenery and Changeable Weather

Summer brings abundant greenery, but conditions can be hot, humid or rainy. The surrounding vegetation and village waterways can look particularly vivid, although rain may affect visibility and walking comfort.

Plan regular breaks and carry drinking water, especially if combining the villages with other outdoor activities in the Huangshan region.

Autumn: Comfortable Conditions for Cultural Exploration

Autumn is often appealing for walking through historic lanes and exploring traditional residences. Cooler conditions can make longer visits more comfortable, although popular travel dates may still attract substantial visitor numbers.

Winter: A Quieter and More Atmospheric Experience

Winter can offer a quieter atmosphere, with a different quality of light and a more subdued appearance in the surrounding landscape. Conditions may be cold or damp, and mist can affect visibility.

For visitors interested in atmospheric photography, winter can be rewarding. Check the forecast and prepare for changing conditions before departure.

What Time of Day Is Best for Visiting?

Early morning can offer softer light and a calmer atmosphere, particularly around Hongcun's ponds. Later in the day, changing sunlight can reveal details in the white walls, rooflines and carved architectural features.

Crowd levels vary according to the season, public holidays and tour schedules. If you prefer a quieter experience, allow time to explore less crowded lanes rather than focusing only on the best-known viewpoints.

9. How to Plan a Visit to Xidi and Hongcun

How Much Time Should You Allow?

The time needed depends on whether you want a quick introduction or a more detailed cultural visit. The following framework can help with initial planning:

• Half a day: Visit one village and focus on its main architectural and landscape features.
• One full day: Visit both Xidi and Hongcun, allowing time for walking through each village and taking breaks between visits.
• Two days or more: Explore both villages at a slower pace and add other cultural or natural attractions in the Huangshan region.

These are suggested planning durations rather than fixed sightseeing times. Actual schedules depend on transport, ticket arrangements, access to historic buildings, crowd levels and individual interests.

How to Get to Xidi and Hongcun

Most visitors approach Xidi and Hongcun through the Huangshan area, combining rail or road transport with local transfers. The most suitable route depends on your arrival city, accommodation and whether you plan to visit Huangshan Mountain as well.

When planning your journey, consider the following:

• Arrival point: Identify the most convenient railway station, airport or road connection for your overall itinerary.
• Local transfers: Plan transport between the arrival point, your accommodation and the two villages.
• Village sequence: Choose the order of visits according to your starting point and preferred sightseeing schedule.
• Combined attractions: Allow additional travel time if you intend to include Huangshan Mountain or other regional destinations.

Transport connections, ticket arrangements and local access conditions can change. Confirm the latest information through official sources before departure rather than relying on an assumed timetable.

What Should You Bring?

• Comfortable walking shoes: Many lanes are paved with stone and can be uneven or slippery when wet.
• Rain protection: A light rain jacket or compact umbrella is useful in changeable weather.
• Photography equipment: A lens suitable for both wider streetscapes and architectural details can be helpful.
• Small day bag: Narrow lanes can make large bags inconvenient.
• Drinking water: Carry water, particularly during warmer months and longer walks.

How to Visit Responsibly

Xidi and Hongcun are important heritage sites as well as communities with living traditions. Respecting their character helps support their long-term preservation.

• Follow signs and local guidance around historic buildings.
• Do not touch, climb on or damage fragile architectural features.
• Ask permission before photographing residents or private interiors.
• Avoid leaving litter or disturbing village waterways.
• Respect residential areas and do not enter restricted spaces.
• Support legitimate local businesses and cultural services where appropriate.

A thoughtful visit allows you to appreciate the villages without reducing them to photographic backdrops.

10. Combine Xidi and Hongcun with a Wider Anhui Journey

Xidi and Hongcun can be the focus of a short cultural trip or part of a broader journey through eastern China. Their architecture and village history provide a different perspective from the natural scenery and modern cities that feature in many first-time China itineraries.

Add Huangshan Mountain's Natural Landscapes

Xidi and Hongcun offer a cultural experience that contrasts with the mountain scenery of Huangshan. The villages invite close observation of traditional architecture, family history and settlement planning, while the mountain landscape offers a different perspective on the natural environment of southern Anhui.

Combining the villages with Huangshan Mountain can create a more balanced regional itinerary. Allow sufficient time for transfers and check weather conditions before scheduling mountain activities.

Explore More of Huizhou Culture

The wider Huizhou cultural region offers opportunities to explore additional historic settlements, traditional crafts, regional food and local museums.

Travelers interested in traditional architecture can look beyond the most famous viewpoints and consider how local craftsmanship, commercial history and everyday customs developed together. Choose additional stops according to your interests rather than trying to visit too many places in a single day.

Connect Anhui with a Wider China Itinerary

Travelers with more time can connect Anhui with other destinations in China, depending on their arrival city, available transport and interests.

For broader route inspiration, explore Sunda Travel's China Travel Itinerary page. Travelers who prefer a journey shaped around traditional architecture, local culture and slower-paced exploration can learn more about Tailor-Made China Tours.

You can also explore our China Destinations to discover more regions and cultural landscapes for a wider journey.

Specific village visits, transport, accommodation and entry arrangements should be confirmed when finalizing your itinerary.

11. Frequently Asked Questions About Xidi and Hongcun

Are Xidi and Hongcun UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

Yes. Xidi and Hongcun were inscribed together on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000 as the Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui. Their heritage value includes traditional architecture, village planning, decorative craftsmanship and the relationship between settlements and their surrounding environment.

Where are Xidi and Hongcun located?

Xidi and Hongcun are located in Yi County, Huangshan City, in southern Anhui Province, eastern China. Both villages belong to the historic Huizhou cultural region and can be included in a wider journey through the Huangshan area.

What is the difference between Xidi and Hongcun?

Xidi is particularly known for its historic residences, ancestral halls and Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway. Hongcun is especially recognized for Moon Pond, South Lake and its historic water system. Both villages preserve important examples of Huizhou architecture.

What is Huizhou architecture?

Huizhou architecture is a traditional regional style associated with southern Anhui. Common features include whitewashed walls, dark tiled roofs, horse-head walls, inward-facing courtyards and decorative wood, brick and stone carving.

Why is Hongcun famous for its water system?

Hongcun is known for its historic network of channels, ponds and connected waterways. These features formed part of the village's practical water management and spatial organization, linking daily community life with the layout of streets and buildings.

Is Hongcun worth visiting for photography?

Yes. Hongcun is particularly attractive for photography because of Moon Pond, South Lake, water reflections and traditional rooflines. Xidi offers complementary subjects, including carved doorways, memorial architecture and narrow historic lanes.

Can you visit Xidi and Hongcun in one day?

Yes. Visiting both villages in one day is possible with advance transport planning. However, visitors interested in architecture, photography or exploring historic residences in greater detail may prefer to spend longer in the area.

What is the best time to visit Xidi and Hongcun?

Spring and autumn are often comfortable seasons for walking and cultural exploration. Summer can be hot or rainy, while winter can be cold and atmospheric. Weather and visitor numbers vary, so check local conditions before traveling.

Are Xidi and Hongcun suitable for travelers interested in Chinese history?

Yes. The villages offer opportunities to learn about Huizhou architecture, merchant history, family and ancestral traditions, traditional craftsmanship and historic settlement planning. They are especially valuable for travelers who want to explore China's cultural heritage beyond its major cities.

Can Xidi and Hongcun be combined with Huangshan Mountain?

Yes. Many travelers include the villages and Huangshan Mountain in the same regional journey. The combination offers both cultural heritage and natural scenery, although transport and sightseeing time should be planned carefully.

12. Discover Traditional China with Sunda Travel

Xidi and Hongcun offer a distinctive window into the history of southern Anhui. Their white walls, dark tiled roofs, carved architectural details, historic lanes and carefully integrated waterways reveal how traditional communities shaped their built environment around family life, commerce and the surrounding landscape.

The most rewarding way to experience these villages is to look beyond the famous viewpoints. Notice how a courtyard is arranged, how a memorial archway relates to the street, how water shapes public space and how small architectural details preserve the work of generations of craftspeople.

For travelers interested in Chinese history, architecture and regional culture, these villages make a meaningful addition to a journey through Anhui.

Begin planning with Sunda Travel's China Travel Guide, discover more cultural activities through our Travel Experiences, or explore Tailor-Made China Tours to discuss a journey shaped around your interests.

Travel note: Access to historic residences, opening schedules, ticket arrangements and local transport may change. Confirm current information with official sources before your visit.