Xidi is an enchanting and unforgettable village located in Yixian county – administered by Huangshan city – in East China's Anhui province.
Due to its picturesque natural landscape and ancient Huizhou-style buildings, it's been listed as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site and is known as one of the country's most beautiful villages.
Xidi village is resplendent with lights under the evening sky. [Photo/WeChat account: cnhsta]
Dating back to the reign of the Emperor Qingli in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), the village boasted over 220 well-preserved residential houses from the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
Not surprisingly, the place has a deep cultural resonance and special and distinct village characteristics, which has led to a thriving tourism industry.
With the full operation of the Hangzhou-Changzhou high-speed railway at the end of 2023 – along with the completion and opening of Yixian East Station – Xidi village is widely said to have been presented with a golden opportunity for tourism development.
Festive decorations now line the walkways of Xidi village. [Photo/WeChat account: cnhsta]