Xidi Village

Xidi Village

Construction of Xidi Village began during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). So far, it has a history of over 900 years. The village is famed as being the ’Ming and Qing Dynasty Local Residence Museum’. It has about 124 ancient residences and three ancestral halls, including an archway, Linyun Pavilion, Eastern and Western Gardens, Ruiyu Courtyard, Taoli Garden, Da Fu Grand House and Lvfu Hall. Da Fu is an official title reserved for high ranking government officials in ancient China.

The three carving styles including those on stones, bricks and wood are the most renowned. Tourists can appreciate these exquisite carvings on door frames, lattice walls, columns and beams in the halls. The birds, flowers, grass and figures on them are vividly presented. Both the Ming and Qing Dynasty carvings display poise and refinement.

Encircled by green hills, two streams flow through the village from north and east converging at Huiyuan Bridge. The village has two main streets and about 99 lanes. All the streets and lanes are paved with cobbles or black stones. The residences, lanes and streets combine well with the hills and streams.