Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui - Xidi and Hongcun, China

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HongCun_AnHui.JPG
Author: Jma


Xidi and Hongcun are two traditional villages in the southern part of Anhui Province, China. They are two rare examples of non-urban settlements that have largely disappeared or have been transformed by urban development of the last century. The well-preserved villages with their street plan, architecture and decoration provide a glimpse into the feudal period of Chinese society, a reflection of the socio-economic structure of a long-lived settled period of Chinese history.

Xidi and Hongcun were inscribed as World Heritage Sites during the 24th session of the World Heritage Committee when it met in Cairns, Australia, from 27 November to 2 December, 2000. In recognising the value of Xidi and Hongcun, the World Heritage Committee also recommends that the Chinese Government take steps to nominate other historic villages in Southern Anhui to extend the inscribed site.

Hongcun village, China