Xidi
Anhui Sheng
Xidi is a historic village located in Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China, renowned for its exceptional preservation of rural Huizhou architecture and medieval urban planning. Founded during the Song dynasty (1049–1053), it was originally named Xichuan due to the watercourses flowing through it. The village flourished under the Hu family, who began commercial activities in the Ming dynasty and expanded their influence into politics by the 17th century. Xidi's street layout remains largely unchanged since medieval times, featuring a main east-west road flanked by parallel streets and narrow alleys paved with original granite. The village contains 224 ancient residential buildings, including 124 well-preserved wooden houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties, many with intricate carvings and central courtyards. Public buildings such as the Hall of Respect and the Memorial Archway of the Governor punctuate the village, adding cultural depth. Together with nearby Hongcun, Xidi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its outstanding cultural value. Today, it is a highly recommended tourist destination, offering a vivid glimpse into traditional Anhui rural life and architecture.
ヒント: The best time to visit Xidi is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the village's natural scenery is at its most beautiful. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid long waits. Many residences and historic buildings are open to the public, and guided tours can enrich the experience. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the granite-paved streets and alleys.
興味深い事実
- •Xidi and the nearby town of Hongcun were jointly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for their well-preserved ancient architecture and urban planning.
- •The village contains 224 ancient residential buildings, with 124 wooden residences featuring exquisite carvings from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- •Xidi’s street pattern, including granite-paved roads and narrow alleys, has remained largely unchanged since medieval times.
- •The Hu family, prominent merchants and political figures, played a central role in the village’s development and prosperity.
- •Xidi was one of the first Chinese villages to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list, highlighting its cultural significance.
歴史
Xidi was established during the Huangyou era (1049–1053) of the Song dynasty and was initially called Xichuan.
The village’s development was closely tied to the Hu family, descendants of Emperor Zhaozong of Tang, who began merchant activities in 1465 during the Ming dynasty.
Their wealth funded the construction of significant private residences and public infrastructure.
By the mid-17th century, the Hu family expanded their influence into political spheres.
Xidi reached its peak prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries with about 600 residences.
The late 19th century saw a decline due to the breakdown of the feudal system and waning merchant power in Anhui.
場所ガイド
Main Street and Alleyways
The village’s original street plan features a main east-west road flanked by two parallel streets connected by numerous narrow alleys, all paved with original Yi County granite, offering an authentic medieval atmosphere.
Hall of Respect (Jing'ai Tang)Ming and Qing dynasties
A significant public building serving as a clan ancestral hall, showcasing traditional Huizhou architectural style with ornate wooden carvings and a central courtyard.
Memorial Archway of the Governor (Hu Wenguang Archway)1578
Built in 1578 during the Ming dynasty, this archway honors Hu Wenguang, a notable governor from the Hu family, symbolizing the village’s political prominence.
Ancient Residences14th to 19th centuries
Over 120 wooden residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties feature central courtyards and intricate wood carvings, many open to the public to showcase traditional life and craftsmanship.