Lost in a Peach Blossom Paradise? No, This is Xidi!

Compared to Hongcun's gentleness, Xidi appears more dignified. The Hu Wenguang Memorial Arch stands majestically at the village entrance, with horse hoof prints still faintly visible on the bluestone slabs. Walking between "Scholar's Mansion" and "Peach and Plum Garden," the couplets and inscriptions all reflect the wisdom of cultivating both farming and scholarship. From the viewing platform on the hill behind, cherry blossoms wrap around the mountainside like pink ribbons, while scattered rapeseed flower fields just beginning to bloom extend from the mountain foot to the village entrance, creating a symphony of lush green and gray-white with the ancient village. The overlapping, staggered gray-tiled upturned eaves compose an ancient and eternal melody amid this boundless spring scenery. What moved me most was the scenery along the roadside near Xidi: vast fields where rapeseed flowers bloom freely, brilliantly dazzling like a golden ocean. A clear stream meanders around, with several graceful weeping willows along the banks. In the distance, white walls dot the landscape, creating a beautiful scroll of peaceful times. I think this must be the legendary paradise beyond this world. Xidi Ancient Village Travel Guide, Yixian County, Huangshan I. Transportation and Driving Tips Driving route: From Huangshan City, take the Hangrui Expressway and Huangfu Expressway for about 1 hour to reach Xidi (navigate to Xidi Scenic Area parking lot) II. Classic Village Tour Route Enter through the scenic area gate and follow the bluestone path to visit Hu Wenguang Memorial Arch, Zhuimu Hall, Jingai Hall, Peach and Plum Garden, Dongxian Hall, Sanli Hall, Lufu Hall, and other ancient buildings. Admire the exquisite wood, stone, and brick carvings while experiencing the unique charm and historical cultural atmosphere of Huizhou architecture. The tour takes approximately 2-3 hours. IV. Accommodation Recommendations: 1. Huizhou-style guesthouses: Various levels of guesthouses are available in the scenic area. Recommended is Hanmo Residence: Located within the scenic area, offering panoramic views of the ancient village like a Chinese ink painting from your window, traditional Hui cuisine, and cheongsam photography experiences, averaging 300+ yuan per person. 2. During off-season, you can find clean and comfortable guesthouses near the attraction for around 200 yuan. V. Special Local Cuisine 1. Stinky Mandarin Fish: A signature dish of Xidi with tender fish meat that smells pungent but tastes delicious. After special pickling and cooking, the flavor is quite unique. 2. Hairy Tofu: Tofu with white fuzz on the surface, fried and dipped in chili sauce, with a crispy outside and tender inside, rich in bean flavor. 3. Laba Tofu: Golden in color, firm in texture, and delicious in taste, can be served cold, stir-fried, or in soup. Huangshan Double Stone: A soup made from stone chicken and stone ear fungus, nutritious, delicious, and has nourishing health benefits. 4. Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoots: Local dried bamboo shoots cooked with pork, where the shoots absorb the meat's flavor while the pork becomes rich without being greasy, perfect with rice. 5. Acanthopanax Bark with Scrambled Eggs: Acanthopanax bark is a wild vegetable stir-fried with eggs, fragrant and nutritious. VI. Nearby Attractions 1. Hongcun: 20-minute drive, compare Xidi's architecture with Hongcun's "ox-shaped" water system; joint tickets are more economical. 2. Mukeng Bamboo Sea: Filming location for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," great for hiking through bamboo forests; joint ticket approximately 118 yuan. 3. Bishan Village: An artistic, niche village with the avant-garde "Bishan Bookstore" worth visiting, 15-minute drive. VII. Important Notes 1. Tickets and Fees: Online tickets 94 yuan (104 yuan on-site), valid for 3 days with multiple entries. 2. Best Seasons: March-April for rapeseed flower seas, November for autumn foliage, winter for occasional serene snow scenes. 3. Photography Tips: - The viewing pavilion is perfect for sunset shots; Lantern Alley (when red lanterns light up at night) is highly photogenic. For more travel tips, check the "Retired Couple Traveling the World" public account.