Ancient Villages In Southern Anhui: Xidi And Hongcun

The traditional Chinese villages of Xidi and Hongcun are a place you must visit when in China.

These villages have a charm that is unparalleled and can not be competed against. They are a breath of fresh air for people of China and all other parts of the world.

This is because both Xidi and Hongcun have retained their traditional cultural values. The architecture dates back to the 15th century.

Most of the residential buildings that now stand tall in both villages were built during the rule of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which shows that the construction techniques were pretty thoughtful and solid. The architecture is traditionally Chinese and most visitors confirm that the outsides of the houses hardly reveal the lavish affair that lies within.

Apart from this, the surrounding environment of these villages is also serene. The ancient trees and fishing pools give people a sense of calmness, which might be just what you need as a break from city life. Keep reading to know more facts about Xidi and Hongcun and how you can reach these villages!

History

The villages of Xidi and Hongcun each have different histories. While Xidi was built almost 1000 years ago, Hongcun was established around the 15th century.

Interestingly, only a few features make the two villages stand apart from each other. The manmade culture of these villages stand in perfect symphony with the natural features such as Huangshan mountain and the numerous ponds and lakes. The regional art is also very striking.

Xidi was established during the rule of the Northern Song Dynasty. It is almost 1000 years old and only around 137 houses from the original settlements has survived the tests of time. However, this does not reduce the charm of the village in any way.

Hongcun, on the other hand, was predominantly built during the rule of the Ming and Qing dynasties and has more scenic beauty than its brother. The village is rather oddly shaped and is more difficult to navigate.

However, once you get to Moon Lake, there is no way you will be able to resist the sheer calmness of the place.

One of the most striking features of Xidi village is its entrance itself. The stone archway that leads to the inner parts of the village has three tiers and is pretty marvelous to look at.

The entrance is somewhat dulled down by the many souvenir shops that have popped up in the vicinity to make the most out of the visitors.

However, once we get past the entrance itself, an entirely different world opens up. The people of Xidi village are welcoming and their regional art can be seen in all streets. Although only a handful of the hundreds of houses have survived and they are testament enough to the rich history of the village.

Navigating in Xidi village is very easy, as the streets are well laid. It is located towards the southwestern direction of Huangshan mountain, which was clearly kept in mind by the locals when they built their houses. None of the architecture looks stark against the imposing beauty of the mountain.

Hongcun village is located 9.32 mi (15 km) away from Xidi. One of the typical features of this village is that it is shaped like a water buffalo. This shape makes the village slightly more difficult to navigate, however, that does not keep scores of visitors from flocking to Hongcun every day.

The manmade waterways in Hongcun are definitely striking. The spiritual values attached to these waterways and their practical functionality gives us a lot to think about while having quiet time by Moon Lake.

South Lake and Moon Lake are connected by Principle Street, which is also a great place to visit. The Ancient Academy of South Lake also casts its shadow on the crescent shaped Moon Lake!

Culture

One of the main reasons why Xidi and Hongcun villages could be declared a World Heritage Site is that they have managed to keep their culture alive through so many centuries. Their traditional practices and art has survived all tests of time which is why Chinese literature refers to these places as a secluded paradise.

The inhabitants have a deep set appreciation for the culture of their ancestors and are also very independent in every way.

They maintain commercial economies and also make the most sustainable use of their surroundings. For example, if you happen to visit Hongcun a particularly sunny day, you are sure to see some people washing their clothes in Moon Lake.

Apart from this, traditional values such as the retention of spirituality in Hongcun village through the waterways is something that still remains intact.

The houses of these villages are usually black and white in color and have roofs that are covered in black tiles. This is the type of architecture that was prevalent in ancient China and watching a village have the same style of architecture even after so many centuries and so much development in other cities is truly refreshing.

Significance

If you are wondering why these villages would be World Heritage Sites, the answer lies in their sheer beauty and their tremendous ability to transport people to around 500 years ago.

The buildings and the traditional way of life of the people of Xidi and Hongcun villages open a portal to the yesteryears and the traditional Chinese values which often get lost in the city noise.

FAQs

What is special about Xidi and Hongcun ?

Xidi and Hongcun are two traditional Chinese villages which have managed to keep their cultural integrity intact through many centuries of rapid change in the neighboring areas. These ancient villages have an old-worldly charm which is visible than just in their architecture.

The people are very simple and the natural beauty of the site wherein the rural buildings are made adds to the number of things to admire when in Xidi and Hongcun.

They are a breath of fresh air when viewed in connection with the contemporary society and provide the people of China a glimpse at their own culture and the years gone by.

Where are Xidi and Hongcun located?

Xidi and Hongcun villages are located in the southern part of Anhui province. They are located in the Yi county of Huangshan city. It is pretty easy to find buses and taxis that give you a ride to both villages now that they have started accepting foreign as well as national visitors.

The cultural site is recognized by UNESCO as well, which is why the Anhui villages get a lot of tourists on an annual basis. The two villages are located around 9.3 mi (15 km) away from each other, Xidi being closer to Huangshan city.

Why are there water channels in Hongcun Village?

The manmade waterways in Hongcun village have both practical as well as spiritual benefits. In traditional village culture, these artificial waterways are a way of regulating the spiritual and material balance within all villagers. This is because the waterway was built in the Ming dynasty in such a way that they would pass through the yard of all houses.

Apart from keeping the cultural fabric of the city intact, the waterways also served as a great way of making sure that the city and its inhabitants could fight any fire, their family gardens would be well watered and their washing needs would be served. The waterways also regulate the temperature and humidity within this village.

How old is Xidi?

Xidi village is estimated to have been established during the rule of the Northern Song Dynasty. This village has a rich history of having stood through more than 960 years, which shows that the culture here is undeniably strongly rooted. In the present day, little over a 100 traditional residential buildings have survived the tests of time.

The entrance of Xidi village is adorned with scores of souvenir shops now that the village is a World Heritage Site and is known for its regional art. The people are friendly and now also accept foreign visitors. People from other parts of the world were previously barred from entering the village for reasons that are unknown.