A UNESCO's expert recently inspected Xidi and Hongcun, two ancient villages in China's southern Anhui Province. The Chinese government has proposed having them included in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

The expert highly appraised the historical and cultural value of the two villages. "Xidi is like a retreat away from the world," he said, adding that "Hongcun seems to be my birthplace".

Xidi has preserved so many ancient residences and ancestral halls of great artistic value. It is rare in the world that Xidi also retains picturesque ancient lanes and streets.

The expert will submit a report based on the inspection results to UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, which will then decide whether the two villages can be listed by the end of this year.