Hongcun and Xidi Towns, Anhui — 2025 Explorer’s Guide (Huizhou Architecture, Ancient Towns, UNESCO Sites)
Hongcun and Xidi Towns, Anhui — 2025 Explorer’s Guide (Huizhou Architecture, Ancient Towns, UNESCO Sites)
Hongcun and Xidi – ancient Huizhou villages of Anhui.
Nestled in the Huangshan Mountains of Anhui Province, Hongcun and Xidi are twin UNESCO World Heritage sites renowned for their Huizhou architecture and traditional Chinese culture. With Hongcun’s population of ~1,200 and Xidi’s ~1,300, these villages in 2025 captivate with 20 km of hiking trails, the Moon Pond in Hongcun, and the ancestral halls in Xidi. These Ming and Qing Dynasty gems offer cobblestone streets, water systems, and local Anhui cuisine. Whether exploring the White Goose Pool or the Hu Wenguang Memorial Temple, this guide covers history, culture, cuisine, travel logistics, and eco-friendly itineraries for your 2025 adventure. Pair your trip with Fjällbacka, Sweden for coastal contrast or Mariefred, Sweden for medieval vibes.
- Overview & Must-Know Facts
- 🏛️ History & Huizhou Legacy
- 🎉 Culture & 2025 Traditions
- 🍲 Local Cuisine & Costs
- 🚂 Getting to Hongcun and Xidi
- 🗓️ Suggested Itineraries
- 🗺️ Map & Weather Guide
- 🛠️ Travel Tips for 2025
- 🎥 Video Tour of Hongcun and Xidi
- ❓ FAQs for Travelers
- 📚 Curated Resources
- 🌱 Join HongcunXidiExplorer
Overview & Must-Know Facts
Hongcun and Xidi, twin gems in Anhui Province, are UNESCO-listed ancient villages near Huangshan Mountain. Hongcun, known as “Crown of Villages,” and Xidi, “Village of Scholars,” boast Huizhou architecture, ancestral halls, and water systems. With Hongcun’s ~1,200 and Xidi’s ~1,300 residents, these villages in 2025 offer 20 km of hiking trails, the Moon Pond, and local Anhui tea houses. Key attractions include Hongcun’s Moon Gate, Xidi’s Archway, and cultural performances. Respect quiet hours (10 PM–6 AM) and book early for peak seasons (April–October). Plan your visit with our itineraries or explore Fjällbacka, Sweden for coastal contrast.
- Location: Yi County, Anhui Province, 70 km northwest of Huangshan City.
- Population: ~1,200 (Hongcun), ~1,300 (Xidi) (2025 estimate).
- Highlights: Huizhou Architecture, Moon Pond, Ancestral Halls, Huangshan Views.
- 2025 Appeal: Cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, village hikes.
- Vibe: Ancient, serene, architectural.
🏛️ History & Huizhou Legacy
Moon Pond, heart of Hongcun’s Huizhou legacy.
Hongcun, founded in 1131 AD during the Song Dynasty, was designed as a “cows village” for prosperity. Xidi, established in 1047 AD, served as a merchant hub. Both exemplify Huizhou architecture, with white walls, black tiles, and ancestral halls. In 2025, the Hongcun Museum features “Huizhou Roots” exhibit. Guided tours explore the villages’ water systems. Pair your visit with Fjällbacka, Sweden or explore Travel China Guide for more history.
🎉 Culture & 2025 Traditions
Xidi’s Ancestral Hall — a living symbol of Anhui’s timeless culture.
Hongcun and Xidi’s culture revolves around Confucian values and family clans. The Hongcun Moon Festival (August 15, 2025) features lantern releases and tea ceremonies. Weekly markets offer local Anhui inkstones and tea. In 2025, Xidi’s Ancestral Hall hosts “Huizhou Heritage Days” (September 10–12). Respect village quiet hours and dress modestly. Join tea ceremonies for an immersive experience. For more Chinese culture, explore Mariefred, Sweden or visit Travel China Guide.
| Event | Date (2025) | Highlights | Cost (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moon Festival | August 15 | Lantern releases, tea ceremonies | Free–50 |
| Huizhou Heritage Days | September 10–12 | Ancestral halls, performances | Free–100 |
| Weekly Market | Sundays | Inkstones, tea, crafts | Free entry |
🍲 Local Cuisine & Costs
Authentic Anhui flavors — a culinary journey through Hongcun and Xidi.
Hongcun and Xidi’s cuisine features Anhui specialties like stinky mandarin fish and Huangshan mao feng tea. At Hongcun’s Moon Pond Café, enjoy tea (~CNY 20–50) with village views. Xidi’s Ancestral Hall Restaurant offers tofu with bamboo (~CNY 60–100). Budget travelers can grab dumplings at local stalls (~CNY 10–20). In 2025, vegan options reflect sustainable trends. For a culinary contrast, try Mariefred’s Swedish fika or explore Anhui Cuisine Guide.
| Dish | Description | 2025 Price (CNY) | Dietary Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stinky Mandarin Fish | Fermented fish with bamboo | 60–100 | Gluten-free |
| Mao Feng Tea | Huangshan green tea | 20–50 | Vegan |
| Vegan Tofu | Bamboo tofu stir-fry | 40–70 | Vegan |
| Dumplings | Vegetable-filled dumplings | 10–20 | Vegetarian |
🚂 Getting to Hongcun and Xidi
Hongcun and Xidi are accessible by bus and train, supporting sustainable travel. From Shanghai, take a 4-hour high-speed train to Huangshan North (~CNY 300–500) via China Trains, then a 1-hour bus to the villages (~CNY 30). From Beijing, a 6-hour journey costs ~CNY 500–700. Parking is available; use public transport. In 2025, the China Rail Pass covers train fares. For a contrast, explore Mariefred, Sweden or check Travel China Guide.
| Route / Mode | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost (CNY, 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai → Hongcun/Xidi (Train + Bus) | 5 hrs | 330–530 | Via Huangshan North |
| Beijing → Hongcun/Xidi (Train + Bus) | 7 hrs | 530–730 | Via Huangshan North |
| Huangshan City → Hongcun/Xidi (Bus) | 1 hr | 30 | Frequent service |
| Hongcun → Xidi (Bus) | 30 min | 20 | Direct bus |
🗓️ Suggested Itineraries
Craft your 2025 Hongcun and Xidi adventure with these itineraries, blending ancient architecture, hiking, and tea ceremonies. For more ideas, check Rättvik, Sweden.
| Duration | Itinerary | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | Morning: Hongcun Moon Pond, ancestral halls. Afternoon: Tea at Moon Pond Café. | Architecture, tea |
| 2 Days | Day 1: Hongcun Moon Festival. Day 2: Xidi Archway, Huizhou Heritage Days. | Culture, festivals |
| 3 Days | Day 1: Hongcun Moon Pond, museum. Day 2: Xidi ancestral halls, hiking. Day 3: Tea ceremony, market. | Full Huizhou experience |
🗺️ Map & Weather Guide
Navigate Hongcun and Xidi’s ancient streets and Huangshan trails with the map below, highlighting Moon Pond, Ancestral Hall, and hiking paths. Visit in spring (April–May) for mild weather (15–25°C) or autumn (September–October) for foliage. Pack layers and comfortable shoes. Check AccuWeather for forecasts or explore Fjällbacka’s map.
Interactive map of Hongcun and Xidi, Anhui (2025)
Live Weather (Hongcun): Check here
Tip: Pack layers and sunscreen for 2025!
🛠️ Travel Tips for 2025
Hongcun and Xidi’s ancient settings require preparation. China requires visas for most nationalities (check Visa for China). Use CNY; ATMs are available in Huangshan. Wi-Fi is reliable at Moon Pond Café. Respect quiet hours (10 PM–6 AM) and book via Travel China Guide. Follow trail signs and check U.S. State Department. For more tips, see Mariefred’s guide.
- Packing: Layers, sunscreen, comfortable shoes.
- Currency: CNY; ATMs available, carry cash.
- Language: Mandarin, English; “Ni hao” is polite.
- Safety: Follow trail signs, book early.
- Booking: Reserve via Travel China Guide.
🎥 Video Tour of Hongcun and Xidi
Immerse yourself in Hongcun and Xidi’s ancient charm with this 2025 video tour, showcasing Huizhou architecture, Moon Pond, and ancestral halls. Narrated by local experts, it offers a vivid preview of your Anhui adventure.
Hongcun and Xidi’s Huizhou villages and Anhui traditions in 2025
❓ FAQs for Travelers
Planning your Hongcun and Xidi trip in 2025? These FAQs cover essentials for a seamless adventure. For more, see Fjällbacka’s guide.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where are Hongcun and Xidi? | Yi County, Anhui Province, 70 km northwest of Huangshan City. |
| Best time to visit in 2025? | April–May or September–October for mild weather (15–25°C). |
| Is a visa required? | Yes for most nationalities; check requirements. |
| Are reservations needed? | Yes, book accommodations early. |
| Is hiking beginner-friendly? | Yes, trails like Moon Pond are accessible. |
📚 Curated Resources
Enhance your Hongcun and Xidi journey with these 2025 resources, from official guides to Anhui insights.
- Travel China Guide: Hongcun – Official destination insights.
- Travel China Guide: Xidi – Village details.
- AccuWeather – Hongcun forecasts.
- China Trains – Train tickets.
- China Discovery – Tours and itineraries.
- Visa for China – Visa information.
- U.S. State Department – Travel safety advice.
- Anhui Cuisine Guide – Culinary insights.
- Tripadvisor Hongcun – Traveler reviews.
- HongcunXidiExplorer – Subscribe for updates.
🌱 Join HongcunXidiExplorer
Stay connected with HongcunXidiExplorer for 2025 updates on Anhui adventures, Huizhou tours, and eco-travel guides. Subscribe for a free Anhui Village Guide with trail maps, tea recipes, and event updates. No spam, just ancient serenity!
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© 2025 HongcunXidiExplorer. Last updated: October 10, 2025.
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