Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun in China

Facts and Data

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2000
Size of heritage: 52 ha
- Buffer zone: 730 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 117,988°
Latitude: 29,904°

Summary

The two traditional villages of Xidi and Hongcun preserve to a remarkable extent the appearance of non-urban settlements of a type that largely disappeared or was transformed during the last century. Their street plan, their architecture and decoration, and the integration of houses with comprehensive water systems are unique surviving examples.

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Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun

The Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui, consisting of Xidi and Hongcun, are two remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites located in Yi county, Huangshan city, Anhui Province, China. These villages are renowned for their well-preserved traditional architecture, reflecting the prosperous Ming and Qing dynasties' cultural and social development.

History

The history of Xidi and Hongcun dates back over 900 years. Xidi was established during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), while Hongcun was founded in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Both villages flourished during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, when they became prosperous centers of trade and commerce.

During this period, wealthy merchants and officials from Xidi and Hongcun contributed to the villages' development, constructing magnificent ancestral halls, elegant residences, and intricate carvings. These architectural masterpieces were designed to showcase the villagers' wealth and social status.

However, with the decline of the Qing Dynasty and the subsequent political and economic changes in China, Xidi and Hongcun gradually fell into decline. The villages' isolation helped preserve their ancient charm, as they were largely untouched by modernization and urbanization.

Current State

Today, Xidi and Hongcun are considered living museums, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The villages' architectural styles are representative of the Huizhou culture, characterized by white-washed walls, black-tiled roofs, and exquisite wood carvings.

Xidi, with its well-preserved layout and architectural heritage, is often referred to as a "Chinese village in a painting." The village is centered around a central axis, with ancestral halls, temples, and residential buildings lining the streets. The most notable structures in Xidi include the Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway, the Taoli Garden, and the East Garden.

Hongcun, on the other hand, is renowned for its unique water system, which was ingeniously designed to distribute water evenly throughout the village. The village is built around a crescent-shaped pond, with houses and bridges reflecting in its calm waters. The most famous building in Hongcun is the Chengzhi Hall, an exquisite example of Huizhou architecture.

Both Xidi and Hongcun have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2000. The Chinese government has made significant efforts to preserve and restore these villages, ensuring their cultural and historical significance is protected for future generations.