Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun

In 1999, both villages were inscribed on the list of world heritage by UNESCO.
Located in Anhui province, Xidi and Hongcun are two traditional villages with well-preserved old architecture style. The remarkable appearance of these two villages is well-known for their picturesque landscape with elegant decoration, and the integration of houses with comprehensive water systems. 
The history of the villages can be traced back 1000 years ago during Song Dynasty (1190—1194 A.D). The houses still keep the original style built during Ming and Qing dynasty. The houses combined with the water, lanes, and villages, farm, garden etc. to create unique surviving examples.