[2012-1-13] The ancient villages of Xidi and Hongcun have been successfully rated as the national 5A Level Tourist Attraction, the highest level of China's tourist attraction.  The National Review Panel evaluates Xidi and Hongcun that the architectures in these two villages are the two representatives of Huizhou Ancient Village of the southern Anhui Province, which is famous for the pastoral paradise-like scenery, well-preserved village style, exquisite Huizhou residences and a variety of historical and cultural connotations.  As the local traditional emblem of Hui culture and the typical ancient villages built by Hui merchants, Xidi and Hongcun retain a large number of houses, ancestral halls, arches, gardens and other ancient buildings in Ming and Qing dynasties, which is a "living fossil" that embodies Hui culture. 

[Source: China National Tourism Administration]