Xingping Ancient Town: Discover a Timeless Riverside Gem

Written by Natalia | Updated April 10,2026

Built along the Li River, Xingping Ancient Town (Xingping Old Town) has silently over-watched Guangxi’s waterways for over 1300 years. It is a captivating destination sits on a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, attracting more and more visitors from all over the world. Indeed, Xingping stands as a living museum of China’s, especially Guangxi province’s history and scenic splendor. Beyond that, it’s also a cornerstone of Guilin tours that cannot be missed. Plan your trip to Xingping Town pair with a Guilin tour or Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, take a chance to explore its ancient architecture, stunning karst landscapes, and vibrant local culture.

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Essential Travel Information about Xingping Town
Why Visit Xingping Ancient Town
What to See and Do in Xingping
How to Visit Xingping Old Town: Food, Accommodation, Transport, and Best Travel Time
How to Plan a Xingping Tour?
Plan Your Xingping Tour with China Xian Tour

Essential Travel Information about Xingping Town

Location: Xingping Town, Yangshuo County, Guilin, Guangxi province
Chinese Name: 兴坪古镇 (Xīngpíng Gǔzhèn)
Tickets: Free entry to the town; certain attraction may charge for entry
Opening Hours: 24/7; specific sites have their own schedules
Time Needed: 2 hour to 1 day
Best Time to Visit: April-May & Sept-Oct
Best for: History and culture lovers who take a scenic Guilin trip

Why Visit Xingping Ancient Town

It gathers the most spectacular scenery of the Li River, you will feel like touring in a Chinese ink painting.
The Yellow Cloth Shoal, the scene on the China’s note 20 RMB, is right here for you to experience.
Xingping Ancient Town is a living ancient town. The local people still live here, offering a realistic living atmosphere.
From Laozhai Mountain and Xianggang Mountain, tourists can overlook the scenery of the whole First Bend of the Li River.
It is also the best base for an in-depth exploration of the nearby attractions, such as the Fishing Village and Sickle Bay.

What to See and Do in Xingping

Enjoy the Breathtaking Scenery: The 20 RMB Note Scene

Just a 15-minute walk south of Xingping Old Town lies one of China’s most iconic views—Yellow Cloth Shoal—the scene immortalized on the 20 yuan banknote. Follow signs that read “20元观景台”. For the best lighting and minimal crowds, arrive by 6 AM during April-May or September-October when soft golden light bathes the Li River, remember avoid weekends. Frame these elements:

Bamboo rafts with cormorant fishermen reenacting the traditional scene seen on the note
The jagged shadow of Laozhai Hill reflected on the calm water
Morning mist weaving through karst formations

Stroll Through Xingping Town’s Living History

The origin of Xingping can be traced back to 265 during the Three Kingdoms period, with a history of over 1,700 years. In ancient times, water transportation was the most important mode of transportation. The waterway transportation in Xingping Ancient Town was particularly convenient. Starting from the Xingping Wharf and following the Li River, one could reach multiple cities – thus, it also brought the prosperity of Xingping Ancient Town in Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Today, the ancient town still retains ancient streets, bridges, theater stages, and temples, featuring typical Guangxi North style. Nearby fishing villages still have whitewashed houses with blue-tiled roofs and intricate horse-head gables (马头墙).

Savor up Xingping’s history, while also capturing the chance to take photos of the traditional Chinese architecture.

Unveil the Cultural Heritage & Local Life Behind the Souvenir Shops

At the heart of Xingping Old Town stands the Guandi Temple, founded in 1739 during the Qing Dynasty. You’ll spot the well-preserved Qing-style opera stage – after centuries of performances, there are over 20 notches left on the twin pillars. Above the stage, four vivid wood-carved panels. Also, the provincial guildhalls built during the Ming and Qing dynasties are also well-kept.

Then, walk along the stone-paved old street, which is about 1,000 meters long, extending from the southeast of the ancient town to Banyan Tree Spring and Xingping Wharf.

At the ancient ferry terminal of Rongtan, large stone slabs still lie horizontally on the stone base, with dragons and phoenixes carved on them. This is the site of the Hexi Pavilion. Ascending the stone steps, you can see the ancient three-story octagonal pavilion and the site of the North God Temple.

Curious about how people live in Xingping? Why don’t you step into some small, family-run workshops? And you’ll see locals crafting bamboo fishing tools using techniques passed down from generations to generations. Then in a fishing village, witness some other artisans making bamboo rafts.

So, in the historic town of Xingping, discover the heritage, and also gain a glimpse into locals’ daily life deeply rooted in tradition.

>> Explore Top 12 China Old Towns & Villages

Xingping Fishing Village Hike

Located 2.5 km east of Xingping Town, south of Shuiluo Village, west of Yuanbaozha Village, and north of Dahebei Village, the fishing village is surrounded by the Li River and surrounding mountains. There are three ferry crossings through the village: Yuanbaozha Ferry to the south, Majing Ferry to the northwest, and Zhongyang Ferry.

The village currently has 48 Ming and Qing dynasty residences typical of northern Guangxi. All the villagers share the surname Zhao and claim descent from the late Song dynasty imperial family.

Hiking into the village, across the river to the west are famous scenic spots such as Luosishan Mountain, Meinu Peak, and Tengjiao Rock (within which is Tengjiao Temple). To the southwest are famous attractions like Carp Playing in the Water. Behind the village are Majingshan Mountain, Baitou Rock, Jiandaoshan Mountain, Bijia Mountain, Jiangjunshan Mountain, Taizi Mountain, Tianshui Village, and the landmark “Seven Fairy Peaks.”

You’ll definitely be interested in the traditional cormorant fishing technique preserved in Xingping Fishing Village. In its Big Fishpond, villagers use bamboo rafts instead of wooden boats for fishing.

However, the village may charge you for entry, around ¥5 per person.

Xianggong Mountain: Guilin’s Best Sunrise Vista

Located near Xingping Town, Xianggong Mountain (28km from Yangshuo, 57km from Guilin) rewards hikers with best views of the Li River’s most dramatic bend. It’s a top place for sunrise when the mist and golden light together create a magical scene.

You can reach the mountain by bus from Yangshuo to Baisha (widely chosen) or Putao town, and then taking a local van or car to the mountain base.The second choice is, you can take a boat trip from Xingping to Huangbu Shoal, then walk to your final destination. If time permits, try to stay in nearby guesthouses for a night, using the extra time to arrange bamboo raft rides across the river or an early morning hike to catch the sunrise.

Laozhai Hill: Xingping’s Hidden Treasure

Just south of Xingping Old Town, Laozhai Hill rewards hikers with one of Guilin’s most striking river views. However, the hiking trail is a path of original stone steps – therefore rather strenuous. First, find the entrance – next to “Wuqi Cafe” or “Xingping Pier,” there is the sign for “Laozhai Hill (老寨山)”. Start hiking. The first half is relatively gentle, while the second half becomes narrow and steep. Near the summit, there is a nearly vertical iron ladder, and then you need to use both hands and feet to climb it. How long does it take to reach the top? It’s approximately 40 minutes.

On the midway and at the summit, you’ll find the Peace Paivilion and Friendship Pavilion, both built in 1990s by a Japanese traveler inspired by the region’s beauty. He then decided to stay and help reparing the mountain roads. From the point where Laozhai Hill stands, the Li River suddenly carves its path between jagged limestone peaks, while rice terraces and riverside villages light up the valley floor. Compared to other attractions, Laozhai Hill is less uncrowded, making it ideal for a short hike that combines stunning scenery with a beautiful story.

Bamboo Rafting from Yangdi to Xingping

Drifting down the Li River between Yangdi and Xingping offers an intimate encounter with Guilin’s most iconic landscapes as poets and painters have cherished them for centuries. Between Yangdi and Xingping, your raft glides past two legendary sights: the Nine Horses Fresco Hill and the Yellow Cloth Shoal, a scene printed on China’s 20 RMB note.

During the 90-minute float, you’ll get the chance to see farmers guide water buffalo through rice terraces and fishermen partner with their cormorants to cast nets. Unlike motorized boats, the silent bamboo raft allows you to hear the river’s heartbeat—the dip of the pole, the ripple of water, and distant song of village life.

How to Visit Xingping Old Town: Food, Accommodation, Transport, and Best Travel Time

What to Eat at Xingping

In Xingping Ancient Town, the Li River-style main dishes are must-try. Beer Fish is the most representative and recommended signature dish. It is made by stewing the live fish caught from the Li River with the local beer. The fish meat is incredibly tender and the soup is rich. Stuffed River Snails and Li River Shrimp are also worth tasting.

Besides, do not miss the local special cuisine, such as the Chicken in Bamboo Tube, Lipu Taro Braised Pork.

When wandering in the town, try the Songhua Candy, Oil Tea, Mugwort Rice Cake and other snacks you have an interest in that are sold on the stalls.

Photography Tips: Capturing Xingping’s Timeless Beauty

Xingping is a dream for photographers that blend natural grandeur and living history. Top photo spots include the famous 20 RMB note viewpoint, where the Li River curves beneath misty peaks, and the summit of Xianggong Mountain.

In the old town, weathered Ming-era buildings provide even more endless frames: sunlight filters through carved window lattices, elders play mahjong in shadowed courtyards, and deep-red lanterns glow against twilight-blue tiles. If you want to take some candid shots, visit the riverside at dusk as fishermen haul nets with cormorants—a tradition frozen in time.

Recommended Guilin Tours including Xingping Ancient Town:

Where to Stay in Xingping Town

Xingping offers various hotel options to match every traveler’s need, all while allowing you to appreciate the town’s unique riverside charm.

Riverside Inns
Wake up to a painting Xingping, seeing mist drifting over the Li River at family-owned inns. Perfect for nature lovers. Take sunrise photography on your private balconies.

Family Guesthouses
For a close view of local life, book a room in a 100-year-old courtyard home. Try homemade rice noodles for breakfast and share stories with the hosts about Xingping’s fishing heritage.

Accommodation on the Island

Take a ferry from Xingping Ancient Town to a fishing village on the island/peninsula for a more authentic and peaceful stay. During the summer nights, the cicadas are chirping and the frogs are croaking. Also enjoy the serene starry sky. Find a map from your inn/hotel, you can bike/hike around.

Best Time to Visit: Spring & Autumn Magic

The most recommended time to visit Xingping town is from April-May and September-October. Mild temperatures and clear skies will make the best to your journey.

In Spring (April-May), while walking through green rice paddies and blooming wildflowers, you can see mist clinging to karst peaks at dawn.

Autumn (Sept-Oct) offers crystal-clear skies and golden sunlight which are perfect for photography, free from summer’s humidity or winter’s chill.

Getting to and Travel Around Xingping Town & Surrounding Areas

From Yangshuo to Xingping

Direct buses depart Yangshuo Bus Station every 20 minutes for the 30-minute ride to Xingping Bus Station (¥15). The station sits steps from Xingping Ancient Town’s entrance, making this the simplest option.

From Guilin to Xingping

By High-Speed Train

Take a 25-minute train from Guilin Station/Guilin North to Yangshuo Railway Station (¥24–31). Transfer to the High-Speed Rail Shuttle Bus outside the station for an 8km ride to Xingping Bus Station (¥5, 15 mins).

By Bus (Alternative)

Guilin’s main bus station offers 4 daily buses to Xingping (2hrs, ¥35), but seats are limited. Most travelers opt for:

Bus from Guilin Bus Station to Yangshuo (1.5hrs, ¥30)

Transfer to Xingping via frequent local buses (as above)

Local Transport Tips:

Ferries: CNY 5 yuan per passenger. Every 20-30 minutes one boat departs. It is used to cross the Li River from Xingping Wharf to the villages on the opposite bank such as Xingping Fishing Village and Dahebei Village. If you bring the rented bicycle on the ferry as well, an additional 10 yuan per bike is required.
Walking: The ancient town is pedestrian-friendly
Bike Rentals: ¥30/day to explore nearby villages and viewpoints.
Taxis: For Xianggong Mountain or Huangbu Shoal (¥50–80 one-way).

How to Plan a Xingping Tour?

As the best place to feel the charm of the Li River, both the 1-day essence tour and the 2-day leisure tour will not let you down. The itinerary below is for your reference.

Half-day tour from Yangshuo:

You can take a bus from Yangshuo to Xingping – easy yet a bit boring. Better yet, take a Yangdi to Xingping bamboo rafting trip to view the highlight attractions from the water. Then take a short walk in the old town with lunch. And get back to Yangshuo.

1-day Tour:

In the morning, stroll in the ancient town and take a picture of the Yellow Cloth Shoal on the viewing platform.

In the afternoon, experience bamboo rafting and climb up to the Laozhai Mountain or Xianggong Mountain to enjoy a bird’s-eye view.

2-day Tour:

Day 1: If the weather permits, it is highly recommended to get up early and watch the sunrise on Xianggong Mountain. Then rent an electric bicycle to explore the scenic spots along the Li River. In the afternoon, visit the Nine Horses Fresco Hill and the Fishing Village.

Day 2: Head to the Yulong River and experience bamboo rafting here. Then rent a bicycle to ride along the Ten-Mile Gallery. At dusk, return to Yangshuo County and wander along the West Street.