Xinping - wonderful place to fall in love to China

My Personal Travel Highlights, Tips & Must-Visit Spots If you’re looking for a mix of epic nature, peaceful ancient towns, and good food then this trip might just be for you. I spent a few days exploring Xingping Ancient Town and the surrounding Yangshuo area, and honestly, I’m still thinking about those views. 🚩 What I Did (Sightseeing Route) My little adventure was based in Xingping, a quieter alternative to bustling Yangshuo, and from there I explored: • 🧗♀️ Laoszhai Mountain: A challenging but short hike (yes, those stairs!) — but the view at the top is absolutely surreal. Karst peaks, the winding Li River, golden hour light… it was one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever seen in real life. • 💵 20 Yuan Viewpoint: This is the classic Li River view — the one on the back of the 20 RMB note. I biked here and just sat for a while soaking it in. • 🐎 Nine Horses Fresco Hill: Took a mini river cruise to this one — the cliffside is said to resemble nine horses. I only found maybe five? 😄 But the ride itself was relaxing and gave a different perspective of the landscape. 📷 Photo-Worthy Spots • Summit of Laoszhai Mountain (sunset or sunrise = perfect lighting) • Li River banks in the early morning • Old cobblestone streets of Xingping town • Any random alleyway where mountain peaks peek between rooftops 🍜 Food I Loved (Local & Western) There’s plenty of simple, delicious local food in Xingping, but these spots stood out: • 🍽️ Rosewood Restaurant – a cozy garden setting with local dishes. • ☕ Mountains of the Years Coffee Shop – I stopped here more than once. Great pasta with shrimps and cheescake, peaceful and calming vibe • 🍔 Michelin Burger – when I needed a Western food fix, this place came through. Great burgers and fries, very good quality for such a small town. 🏠 Where I Stayed 🛏️ Yangshuo Sanshi Du Hui Youth Hostel (Xingping Ancient Town Branch) A clean, friendly, female-friendly hostel right in the heart of the old town. Walkable to everything. The staff were kind, and I felt super safe and comfortable staying there solo. 🚲 Getting Around • I used bus to get to Xingping from Yangshuo Station. Easy and cheap. Bus is frequent and only 5 Yuan • Once in town, I rented an e-bike roads were well-paved and it felt safe even for a beginner like me. • You can walk to most attractions in Xingping itself, but for places like the 20 Yuan spot or local farms, a bike makes it easier. 💡 Tips for Fellow Travelers • Wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning to hike Laoszhai. It’s steep, but short. • Start your days early — less crowded, cooler weather, and better photos. • Bring cash or a Chinese payment app like Alipay/WeChat Pay because some places don’t take international cards. • Download maps and translation apps ahead of time (Baidu Maps works well for directions). • Don’t rush it because this place is best experienced slowly, with plenty of time to just sit, sip tea or coffee, and admire the view. 🌄 My final thoughts What really stayed with me was the incredible natural beauty everywhere you look, you’re surrounded by green mountains, slow-moving rivers, and peaceful village life. It felt like stepping into a traditional Chinese painting. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or just want a quiet escape from city life, Xingping is 100% worth the trip.