Xidi Off The Beaten Path

A blunt modern version of a see-through window on a wall. The area is famous of its Hui style architecture, namely, the 'Ma Tou Qiang' (horse head wall) with white walls and black tiles. The ones shown here are modern 'interpretation' of the traditional style.

Stonecarving window. The locals told us that a Japanese would like to pay $100,000 for moving it to Japan. Luckily. It still sits there on the wall. I am not sure what kind of professions local people have, besides selling authentic antiques they inheritaed from their ancesters and the reproduced ones and how long this kind of business can last. Many statues carved out of stone lost their heads during the so-called 'cutural revolution' in 1960s unfortunately.

Elegant courtyard. The see-through window is a typical Chinese architecture unit. The window creates interesting yet relatively separated courtyards, without losing the feeling of conitinuity. It also creats visual elusion that makes the courtyard feel larger and deeper.

Wood carving details on the doors/walls. The vertical 'scroll' says 'Gain always comes from loss' (Pin yin: pian2 yi4 duo1 zi4 chi1 kui1 lai2). The area where the village locates has a tradition of literature/scholars and merchants in Chinese history. Several typical types of residences can be seen in the village. In a merchant's house, most of the house rules/philosophies are more business related; while in a scholar's, more of lofty philosophy. Notice the fine wood carving and natural marble decorations (the texture/veins make them look like a Chinese scenic painting).

Stone Archway of Hu Wenguang. Mr.Hu was a 'feudal' Provincial Governor. His two major official positions were carved on either side of the archway. The number of 'roof looking' thing and number of columns can be used are all associated with that person's official rank etc. This one is called 4-column, 3-door, 5 'roof' (in Chinese, Lou), archway.

Brick or stone carving. The fine carving shows all the details of a village scene, the hills, trees, houses, narrow alleys etc.

More woodcarving. In ancient times when there was no glass, windows were lined with papers to block the WIND blOW.

The original stone sign of the village Xi DI sits now in this elegant courtyard, has experienced about 930 years of history.