Compared to Hongcun, I love Xidi, personally recommended by National Geographic, even more!

📍Location: Xidi Town, Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, at the southern foot of Huangshan Scenic Area. ⏰️Time: 🍃Performance section: Spring and summer 18:30—20:30 Autumn and winter (Fridays and Saturdays 17:30—20:00) ✨Lighting section: Spring and summer 18:30—22:30 Autumn and winter 17:30—22:30 🎈Best time to visit: Spring and autumn (March to June, September to November): Pleasant climate, picturesque scenery, especially when the rapeseed flowers bloom in spring. Avoid holidays: Xidi is beautiful, but crowded during holidays, so it is recommended to visit on weekdays. 🚗Transportation: 🚄High-speed rail: Take the high-speed train to "Huangshan North Station," then transfer to a tourist bus directly to Xidi Scenic Area (about 1.5 hours). ✈️Airplane: Fly to Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, then transfer by bus or taxi. 🚗Self-driving: Navigate to "Xidi Scenic Area," parking is available outside the scenic area. 🎫Tickets: 104 RMB/person (includes access to the main open ancient buildings in the scenic area), advance online booking is recommended. ✨II. Recommended Highlights 1. Hu Wenguang Cishi Archway: The symbol of Xidi, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty stone carving, intricately and exquisitely carved, serving as the welcoming gate at the village entrance. 2. Jing'ai Hall: The ancestral hall of the Hu family in Xidi, grand in scale, offering a sense of clan culture core. 3. Zui Mu Hall: The ancestral hall for worshipping Hu ancestors, with high architectural standards and a portrait of Tang Taizong Li Shimin inside. 4. West Garden: One of the representative Hui-style gardens, small and exquisite, with rockeries, fish ponds, and flower windows complementing each other. 5. East Garden: Another elegant garden, more scholarly in atmosphere, suitable for quiet sitting and enjoying the scenery. 6. Taoli Garden: A combination of private school and garden, evoking the ancient study atmosphere. 7. Ruiyu Courtyard: Representative residence of Hui merchants, with a uniquely clever "Shang" shaped gate tower. 8. Dunren Hall: One of the oldest existing residences in the village (Ming Dynasty), simple and solid. 9. Dafu Residence: The gate tower bears the inscription "Take a step back and think," full of philosophy, with a cleverly designed layout. 10. Viewing Pavilion (Back Creek): Walk along the Back Creek path to the mid-mountain pavilion, overlooking the entire Xidi village (especially beautiful in early morning mist or evening sunset). III. Authentic Food Recommendations ☕ Stinky Mandarin Fish: The signature dish of Huizhou, smells bad but tastes delicious, with tender meat. Mao Tofu: Tofu covered with white mycelium on the surface, crispy outside and tender inside after frying, with a unique flavor. Laba Tofu: Tofu dried with special craftsmanship, salty and chewy. Dao Ban Xiang: Steamed salted pork from Huizhou, salty and appetizing. Braised Bamboo Shoots with Pork: Spring or winter dried bamboo shoots braised with pork belly, incredibly delicious. 💫IV. Itinerary Suggestions One-day highlights tour: Morning: After arrival, visit Hu Wenguang Archway → Jing'ai Hall → Zui Mu Hall → West Garden/East Garden. Noon: Enjoy authentic Huizhou cuisine lunch. Afternoon: Tour Ruiyu Courtyard, Dafu Residence, Dunren Hall, Taoli Garden and other ancient houses → Stroll along Back Creek → Climb the Viewing Pavilion to overlook the panorama → Explore the ancient street and buy local specialties. V[Love], Practical Tips 1. Clothing: Wear comfortable flat shoes! The bluestone and cobblestone roads are uneven. 2. Guide: There are paid guides at the scenic area entrance, or use electronic guides/do research in advance to better understand the stories behind the buildings. 3. Shopping: Local specialties include Huangshan Maofeng tea, Qimen black tea, Hu ink cakes, She inkstones, bamboo carvings, etc. Compare prices and buy rationally. 4. Accommodation: There are accommodations inside and outside the scenic area. Inside are mostly characteristic inns converted from ancient houses, more flavorful but slightly more expensive; outside offers more choices with better cost performance. 5. Photography: The Viewing Pavilion, Back Creek, Yue Zhao (when there is water), and early morning alleys are excellent spots. Respect villagers' privacy; ask for permission before photographing people. 6. Environmental protection: Take care of ancient buildings and environmental hygiene, do not carve or scribble, and put trash in bins.