[1][2] Founded in the Southern Song dynasty, Xinye is noted for its well-preserved Ming and Qing era architecture and ancient residential buildings.

[6] Xinye was founded in 1219 during the reign of Emperor Ningzong of the Southern Song dynasty, when founder Ye Kun (叶坤) moved to the area.

[3][7][8] Its architectural style is similar to that of the nearby historical Huizhou region which includes World Heritage Sites Hongcun and Xidi.

[8] Also near the village is Daci Rock (大慈岩), a Buddhist temple built on a sheer mountain cliff dating from the Mongol Yuan dynasty.

To that end, the village has maintained a detailed genealogy book through the centuries, which is officially updated once every sexagenary cycle (60 years), accompanied by a major ceremony.