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. Ye Kun's grandson Ye Kecheng (叶克诚, 1250–1323) expanded the village, building Xishan Ancestral Hall (西山祠堂) on the western hills, and Youxu Ancestral Hall (有序堂) at the center of the village.[1]