Introduction to Xidi Ancient Town:
Xidi is an ancient town in the south of Huangshan City, Anhui Province, about 50 kilometers away from the city. It is located at the southern foot of Huangshan Mountain and is known as:"The first ancient town in the south of the Yangtze River"。Xidi Ancient Town was built in the Ming Dynasty and has a history of more than 600 years. This ancient town covers an area of about 45 square kilometers, composed of two villages, the upper and the lower, has a rich historical and cultural heritage, and is listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit.
History and Cultural Heritage of Xidi:
The ancient town of Xidi is a typical representative of the Ming Dynasty and was once a prosperous place for commerce and trade. Its history can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, and there are many well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties in the ancient town, which fully demonstrate the architectural style and traditional culture of the ancient Jiangnan region. Xidi Ancient Town is also one of the first batch of historical and cultural villages in Anhui Province and one of the important representatives of cultural heritage.
Architectural style and landscape characteristics of Xidi:
The ancient town of Xidi is famous for its unique ancient architectural style. The architecture here is rigorous and well-constructed. Architectural styles such as traditional courtyard houses and ancient houses of the Ming and Qing dynasties have been perfectly displayed here. There are also many well-repaired ancient wells, ancient bridges, ancient ancestral halls, etc. in the ancient town, and these ancient buildings and the natural landscapes that complement each other together constitute the unique style of Xidi.
Former Residences and Cultural Attractions of Xidi:
Xidi Ancient Town is the hometown of many historical celebrities, and has produced many outstanding politicians and cultural celebrities. The most famous of these were Xu Zhenqing, a literati of the Ming Dynasty, and Jiao Hong, a famous minister of the Qing Dynasty. Their former residence is still well preserved and has become a popular spot for tourists to explore the history of the ancient town. In addition, there are many classical academies, ancient temples and other cultural attractions in Xidi, which enrich the historical connotation of the ancient town.
Xidi's characteristic handicrafts and traditional crafts:
Xidi Ancient Town is one of the birthplaces of traditional Chinese handicrafts, with rich handicrafts and unique traditional crafts. The handicrafts here include wood carving, stone carving, paper cutting, etc., which are exquisite and full of artistic value. The traditional crafts of Xidi, such as dough sculpture and paper-cutting, also embody the wisdom and creativity of the residents of the ancient town, and are deeply loved by tourists.
Food & Folklore Activities in Xidi:
Tasting the local food is one of the highlights of visiting the ancient town of Xidi. The cuisine here is dominated by farmhouse cuisine, which attracts many tourists with its unique flavor. Preserved meat, pastries, tofu and so on are all traditional specialties of Xidi, with delicious taste and rich nutrition. In addition, there are many traditional folk activities in Xidi, such as temple fairs, dragon dances, lion dances, etc., which enrich the cultural heritage of the ancient town and provide tourists with a unique and unforgettable experience.
For a day in Xidi Ancient Town, you can appreciate the charm of traditional culture, feel the precipitation of history, taste authentic food, and truly experience the unique charm of the ancient town. Therefore, Xidi Ancient Town is one of the treasures of the 100 most worthwhile ancient towns in the country, whether it is interested in history and culture, or friends who pursue traditional crafts and food, it is worth going to the first place.