[3][4] First built during the Huangyou era (1049–1053) of Song dynasty Emperor Renzong, the village was originally called Xichuan (West River), owing to the water courses flowing through it.

By 1465 CE, during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), family members had started in business as merchants, leading to construction of major private buildings and a public infrastructure.

By the middle of the 17th century, the influence wielded by members of the Hu family expanded from commerce into politics.

However, during the late 19th century, the disintegration of the feudal system in China and the decline of merchant communities across Anhui cause the expansion of Xidi to cease [6] Xidi has maintained its original street plan and water systems from the medieval period.

Of those, there are 124 well-preserved wooden residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties with beautiful carvings form the major attractions.