China - Anhui - Xidi

UNESCO-listed traditional feudal village

(photos of June 2006)

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Xidi village

UNESCO in 2000 inscribed on its World Heritage List two villages in southern Anhui province, including Xidi (map), which lies west of the town of Tunxi in the city of Huangshan (map), whose territory also includes the famous Huangshan Mountains (map). Xidi is also described at Wikipedia.

Quoting from UNESCO's web site: "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."

"The villages of Xidi and Hongcun are graphic illustrations of a type of human settlement created during a feudal period and based on a prosperous trading economy. In their buildings and their street patterns, the two villages of southern Anhui reflect the socio-economic structure of a long-lived settled period of Chinese history."

A gate welcomes visitors by the village lake nestled between green hills, while budding artists commit their impressions to canvas.

It is easy to get lost in the narrow winding alleys and streets.

Gates of all shapes beckon into shops, restaurants, courts, yards and temples.

The woodwork in some courtyards is elaborate, witness of a rich trading history (many courtyards have a narrow opening to the sky, allowing smoke to escape and rainwater to enter).

Many houses are used as shops, with well-heeled visitors in mind.

Other houses are inhabited, while the young locals mind their own business.