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The Ancient Villages of Xidi & Hongcun in Southern Anhui  |
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 Xidi and Hongcun are two ancient villages located in Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province in southern China. They were included in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2000.
The general layout of the place is well preserved, with its road and rivers remaining unchanged. There are more than 40 lanes and alleys. Hongcun, situated in the northeastern part of the county, was established around the year of 1100, and 137 buildings of Ming and Qing dynasties remain in their original places.
The original citizens of Xidi village make up 80% of the local population, and there are relatively fewer new houses built here, so the ancient culture is well preserved. The ancient architecture, old temples, and ancient archway symbolize the integration of science and culture, architecture and its surroundings in ancient times. Xidi and Hongcun villages are typical representatives of the culture of feudal society in the Ming and Qing dynasties in China.
From ancient times, the two villages had great respect for the thoughts of Confucianism. They laid emphasis on education and culture, that is the collective reflection of Huizhou culture in the peak era of Ming and Qing dynasties, such as feudal ethic culture and Fengshui culture during the establishment of the village.
An UNESCO's expert highly appraised the historical and cultural value of the two villages. "Xidi is like a retreat away from the world," he said.
Xidi has preserved so many ancient residences and ancestral halls of great artistic value. It is rare in the world that Xidi also retains picturesque ancient lanes and streets.
Editor: May
CCTV.com
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