2025 Xingping Ancient Town Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

I did a lot of research and found that a trip around the town is a great experience, so here are some tips. Transportation: Take a high-speed train from Guilin to Yangshuo Station. After exiting Yangshuo Station, turn left and take a bus to West Street or Xingping Ancient Town. The bus fare is CNY 5 and it takes 15 minutes to get to Xingping Ancient Town Bus Station. Turn right after exiting the bus station and you will see the old street of the ancient town. The street runs from east to west. You can take photos during the day or at night. The highlight of Xingping is not the ancient town, but the landscape of the Li River. Here is a detailed description. There are two docks in Xingping. One is at the entrance of the ancient town, where the legendary CNY 85 tourist boat is located. The other is Chaobanshan Dock, which is outside the ancient town, across the iron bridge, and further south along the river. This dock is for CNY 140 electric bamboo rafts. Special reminder: The CNY 85 boat goes downstream on the Li River, so you can't see the view on the CNY 20 banknote. The CNY 140 bamboo raft is the right choice to see the view on the CNY 20 banknote and the Nine Horses Fresco Hill. Tickets are sold separately at the two docks. The bamboo raft ride takes 50 to 70 minutes. It is recommended to go early, as each raft can carry four people and will only depart when full, unless you charter a boat for CNY 140 per person. Special note on the CNY 20 banknote photo spot: You can take photos on the bamboo raft, on the roadside, or on the riverbed. Navigate to "CNY 20 Viewing Platform" on the roadside. There are many steps leading down to the riverbed along the road, which are easy to find. After the bamboo raft ride, you can rent an electric bike for CNY 20 and ride from the ancient town along the main road to the Nine Horses Fresco Hill. This is the best way to enjoy Xingping Ancient Town. In addition, the sunset over the Li River is also beautiful at night in Xingping Ancient Town. You can stay overnight, as it is very quiet. Remember to bring a drone, as the view is stunning.

🌟 Xingping Ancient Town: A Millennium Time Capsule by the Li River "The moment the bamboo raft glided across the river, I felt like I'd traveled back into an ancient painting." This was my most genuine feeling standing at Xingping Wharf. With over 1,700 years of history, this ancient town is a living fossil of Guilin's landscape culture and the most poetic existence along the Li River. 🏯 Past and Present Xingping Ancient Town was first built in 265 AD during the Wu Kingdom of the Three Kingdoms period, once the most prosperous commercial port along the Li River. It's said that Xu Xiake described in his travelogue: "The scenery here resembles Yangshuo, yet surpasses it in wonder and beauty." Today, over 90% of the ancient architecture retains its Ming and Qing dynasty appearance, with old streets, houses, and wharves still breathing with millennium-old life. 🌊 Must-Visit Cultural Landmarks 1️⃣ 20 Yuan RMB Background Viewing Platform Story: The scene featured on the back of the 1999 fifth series 20 yuan note. Locals often say the most exquisite section of the Li River landscape was printed on this bill. Experience: When I held up a 20 yuan note to compare with the actual view, I noticed the fisherman casting his net in the painting was positioned near the river island. Best visited at dawn or dusk for the softest light. 2️⃣ Fishing Village Old Houses Story: Well-preserved Ming-Qing architectural complex with 36 courtyards hidden among grey bricks and tiles. Most remarkable are the "three carvings" - brick, wood, and stone carvings, with bat motifs on lintels symbolizing "fortune arrival." Tip: Follow the copper coin markers on stone paths to find authentic oil tea workshops. 3️⃣ Rongtan Ancient Ferry Story: A wharf existing since the Three Kingdoms period, where Tang poet Cao Ye wrote: "Night markets sell water chestnuts, spring boats carry fine silks." You can still see deep rope marks on the mooring stones. Experience: I imitated locals by buying freshly caught Li River fish at the ferry, and the beer fish cooked on-site was unforgettable. 4️⃣ Xingping Old Street History: A 1.5km flagstone road connecting 12 alleys, once a trading center for Zhuang brocade and Guangxi cloth during Ming-Qing dynasties. Notice the "triple eaves" on arcades - a signature of Lingnan architecture. Discovery: At "Huangyaoji," I tasted osmanthus jelly made with ancient methods, its recipe passed down six generations. At dusk, standing before the old opera stage watching sunset gild the dark tiles, Xingping feels like a corner forgotten by time, still preserving the ancient charm of "ferry bathed in afterglow, lone smoke rising from village." Remember to slow your pace here, letting millenniums flow gently through your fingers.

After much deliberation, I finally decided to visit Xingping Ancient Town. I wanted to see the cormorants and take photos at the 20 yuan spot～ I longed to admire the beautiful landscape paintings🖼️ On my second day in Yangshuo, I headed straight there. Ruyi Peak → Xingping Ancient Town → 20 Yuan RMB Background Check-in Having enjoyed the waters on the first day, I wanted to start the second day by climbing high to see the mountains⛰️ We took the cable car🚡 up to Ruyi Peak, overlooking Yangshuo from above. After descending, we headed straight to the long-awaited Xingping Ancient Town! The ancient town is filled with charming traditional architecture, with cobblestone streets lined with unique shops and food stalls～ We even tried the local beer fish🐟—tender and infused with a distinctive aroma, it was quite tasty! Then, we made our way to the 20 Yuan RMB background spot. The further we walked, the more stunning the scenery became. Holding up the banknote for comparison, the landscape matched perfectly—it was truly magical! There were plenty of bamboo rafts and cormorants🦅 around, and for a small fee, you could take photos with them—the results were incredibly atmospheric～ After leaving Xingping Ancient Town, we had pretty much explored all of Yangshuo, and it was time to head back. With a heart full of wonderful memories, we set off for Guilin or straight back to Shenzhen (Yangshuo’s high-speed rail station is very convenient).

While exploring River Li riverside you might find lovely spots where you can sit and relax having a cool lemon & watermelon tea with stunning views. Unmissable! #inlovewithchina #xingping #riverli #lemontea

#Sign up for tripbest July Hotel Tester Xingping Ancient Town is located in Yangshuo County, Guilin. It is a thousand-year-old town along the Li River. Walking along the bluestone road in the ancient town, time seems to be going back. Well-preserved ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, blue bricks and black tiles with horse head walls with Lingnan characteristics. Ancient streets, ancient bridges, ancient docks, and ancient theaters all bear witness to the rich cultural heritage of the local area. The regret this time is that I didn't climb Laozhai Mountain to overlook the panoramic view of the Li River. Leaving regrets is the reason to come again next time. Transportation: High-speed rail directly to Yangshuo Station>Bus or taxi>Xingping Ancient Town #千千古镇 #阳蜀旅游

When you come to Yangshuo, you must try the local specialties: beer fish + bamboo chicken + snail duck feet stew ~ ✅ Master Chef Gold Award Beer Fish (West Street Main Store) 📍 No. 1-7, Deye Building, West Street, Yangshuo County, Guilin City 💰 65+ per person This store is at the entrance of West Street. You can see it as soon as you enter. The chain brand is more guaranteed. There are many diners in the store. It doesn’t look too bad, so I chose this one. The service here is very good. The waiter pays attention to our needs at any time and his attitude is also very enthusiastic. Tomatoes are added to the beer fish, so it tastes a bit sweet. My friend and I think it’s delicious. It’s more affordable to buy a group purchase package. ～～～～～～ ✅ Lao Biao Ji Guangxi Signature Dish Snail Duck Feet Casserole (West Street Store) 📍 20 meters southeast of the intersection of Diecui Road and West Street Pedestrian Street, Yangshuo County 💰50+ per person I wanted to try snail duck feet casserole when I was in Nanning, but I missed it because I was in a hurry to catch the bus. I have to arrange it when I come to Yangshuo. Lao Biao Ji is located in the alley of West Street. It may be a little difficult to find. You can follow the navigation. We came at the business point and didn’t have to queue. The store is quite clean, and we also bought a set meal coupon, which is very generous. The signature cucumber roll is sour and sweet, very refreshing, suitable for summer, and it is very refreshing. The side dishes are also rich, bean curd, meatballs, and shrimp. The duck feet should have been fried first, the taste is great, and it is easy to remove the bones. ～～～～～～ ✅ Zuijiangyuan Private Kitchen 📍 No. 111, Xinjie, Xingping Ancient Town Pedestrian Street, Yangshuo County 💰 Per capita 55+ Come to Xingping Ancient Town to check in the filming location on the back of the 20-yuan RMB. For lunch, I chose Zuijiangyuan Private Kitchen in the ancient town and ate bamboo tube chicken. The outside of this restaurant looks pretty good, and the decoration inside looks a bit old. The bamboo tube chicken is really in a bamboo tube, the chicken soup is very fresh and sweet, and the chicken is very tender. The eggplant is a bit salty, but it tastes good. The bamboo tube rice is a bit too dry and hard. #大陆旅游 #food #localfood

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck These may not be famous foods, but they are delicious food. We ate them again in Qingping. Yes‼️For Chinese or locals, these foods may not be strange. But for us, foreigners, seeing freshly baked noodles with various seasonings, rolled and cut, and topped with sauce, which does not take long to make but tastes so good, still makes us think back to this day. Whenever we see it anywhere, we still think of the first time we ate it in Qingping. Or there is claypot rice, which does not take long to make, but the rice tastes good and is delicious. There is a little crispiness at the bottom of the bowl and the aroma of the claypot.

If you have time to visit Guilin and stop by Yangshuo, don't forget to explore the charming town of Qingping. For those traveling by high-speed train 🚆, the train station is conveniently close to Qingping, making it an easy destination to reach. Here are some activities you shouldn't miss in this delightful town: 1. **Photography with Cormorants**: Capture memorable photos with cormorants, the birds traditionally used for fishing. You'll find rafts waiting along the river, and while there might be a small fee, the experience of photographing these unique birds is truly enjoyable. 2. **Hiking Natural Trails**: For adventure enthusiasts, Qingping offers hiking trails that lead to stunning views of rivers winding through majestic hills. The trailhead is conveniently located near the town's main pier. 3. **Rafting to See the Famous 20-Yuan View**: If you prefer a more relaxed activity, take a raft ride to enjoy the scenic views depicted on the 20-yuan banknote. Local guides will accompany you on a leisurely journey along the river, showcasing picturesque landscapes. 4. **Exploring Qingping Town**: Stroll through the town to discover numerous photo-worthy spots and immerse yourself in the local charm.

We visited the scenic area printed on the 20 Yuan note. The landscape was just unreal! Limestone mountains all over, the Lijian river flowing slowly, small bamboo boats going up and down the river, the birds! It was all so beautiful. This is a perfect spot for sunset. Come with family, friends or your loved ones! You'll truly enjoy the place#travel #couplestrip #staycation #xingpingzhen #liriver #landscape

The beauty of the sunset at Xingping is unparalleled. Xingping, a small town under Yangshuo County, is often described as a place where the scenery rivals that of Guilin. This statement is far from an exaggeration. Here is just a glimpse of the sunset atmosphere in Xingping, a charming little town in Yangshuo. Many travelers might overlook staying here for a night, but trust us, this place has much more to offer than you might expect. This is the sunset view that graces the 20-yuan banknote. If you ever visit Guilin and plan to stay in Yangshuo for a night, we highly recommend adding an extra night for Xingping. You won’t regret spending that additional night here.

#Get a discount without relying on luck For those who are deciding to take a cruise🛳️ from Guilin to Yangshuo This is just one part of the cruise atmosphere. You can buy a package from your accommodation. There will be a car to pick you up in the morning at around 08.30 and then take you to the boat. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Then the boat will gradually depart, and there will be many boats. It takes about 3 hours to travel from Guilin to Yangshuo. The surrounding scenery is not boring at all. You will see tall mountains and valleys throughout the journey. And on the boat, there are also food for sale or snacks. It can be said that it is an interesting experience. Try it once for this city of rivers and mountains.

What a unique, flavorful, exotic and visually stimulating experience in the ancient Town of Xingping! #xingping From the breathtaking views getting there, to experiencing the 3rd generation cormorant fisherman, to exploring the market into Xinping town, this unforgettable experience will live dearly in our memories forever. the guide was extremely patient and educational, the fisherman was extraordinary and willing to show us the ways of old #cormorant

📅 May 4-5 Day1：upon arrival we visited the cosy Streets of the ancient town. Great food. Rey the Beerfish!! It is sooo delicious!! Tale a walk to the pagoda on the mountain you can reach from the harbour. Beautiful wire from the very top!! Day2: Rent a scooter and go sightseeing alting the country side. We payed 30 Juan for the entire day :-) 🏨 we can really recommend to stay in Pomelo Hostel. We have tried many places, but this is the best- great cosy beds with super soft linnen and nice quiet rooms :-) 🍴 As Well as the beerfish you should tru the ban op rise- another specialty :-) 📌 Rent your scooter next to Pomelo hostel.

💞Reason for recommendation: There are quite a few coffee shops in Xingping Ancient Town☕️, I chose this one because I was attracted by the bread at the door🤩. The shop front of the coffee shop is built mainly of wood, inside are brick walls, with some old pictures, very antique feeling. #musteat recommendation The coffee shop surprised me is that there are many hot main dishes, because most cafes in the ancient town do not have hot food provided, this cafe in addition to coffee and cake sell, but there are several main dishes and salads 🥗, this time I ordered a tomato meat sauce pasta 🍝, than I imagined surprisingly tasty 😋 ✅ Pistachio and original Basque double Basque is a soft heart, very soft and smooth to eat, rich pistachio flavor, not fake, plus a cup of caramel macchiato, straight perfect match! ✅ Avocado 🥑 Kale Smoothie In addition to avocado and kale, this smoothie also added bananas to mix together. But I'm slightly strict this cup is not cold enough, if cold enough to drink. 💰Average consumption per person: 60 #Xingping Ancient Town #Yangshuo #Yangshuo #Yangshuo Tourism

Xingping Ancient Town, located along the Li River in Yangshuo County, Guangxi, is a historic riverside village with over 1,700 years of history. It is famed as the backdrop for the iconic "20 Yuan scene" depicted on China’s 20 RMB banknote, characterized by its karst mountain landscapes and traditional architecture like ancient bridges and docks . The compact town can be explored in 10–15 minutes, offering a quieter, less commercialized atmosphere compared to Yangshuo’s West Street. Visitors enjoy scenic views, riverside cafes, and activities such as bamboo rafting or visiting nearby landmarks like Xianggong Mountain . Despite its small size, it attracts crowds, especially in peak seasons, but retains a tranquil charm with fresh air and preserved cultural elements . #discoverchina #travel #china #guangxi #guilin #yangshuo #xingpingvillage

Xingping Ancient Town Located in Xingping Township, Yangshuo County, Guilin City, Guangxi Province, China, this ancient town has a history of more than 1,700 years and is known as a beautiful tourist destination. 📌Interesting attractions and activities: • Li River Cruise: Tourists can take a cruise to enjoy the scenery of the Li River, which is featured on China's 20 yuan banknote.  • Watch the Bird Catching Show: Experience the local lifestyle of the villagers who use flocks of cormorants to catch fish, a long-held tradition.   🚗How to get there: From Guilin City, you can take a bus to Yangshuo County, then take a local bus or taxi to Xingping Ancient Town. You can also rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the surrounding area. 📌Xingping Ancient Town is a great place for those who want to experience the atmosphere of China's old town and beautiful nature. #tripแจกโรงแรมฟรี #ซอซ้งพาเที่ยว #TravelRichTravelAndTour #เที่ยวจีน

#2月好地方2025 Xingping Ancient Town is located in Yangshuo County, Guilin City, beside the beautiful Li River. It is famous for its unique history and culture and magnificent natural scenery. 💞Recommended reasons: 🏛️ Ancient buildings Xingping Ancient Town preserves many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can stroll along the quaint streets and feel the charm of history. 🌊 Beautiful view of Li River The ancient town is close to the Li River, the water surface is like a mirror and it is surrounded by green mountains, making it an ideal place for taking photos. The scenery is most charming especially in the early morning and at dusk. 🍵 Local cuisine In the ancient town, you can taste local snacks such as beer fish, rice noodles, etc., allowing tourists to enjoy delicious food while appreciating the beautiful scenery. 📸 Check-in hotspots Xingping Ancient Town often appears on the back of the 20-yuan RMB note, becoming a must-see spot for photography enthusiasts. Many people will take photos here from the same angle as the banknotes, leaving unforgettable memories. #Yangshuo #Guilin #Check-in

#travelinginchina Exploring Xingping Ancient Town before a Li River bamboo raft tour is a charming experience. The stone-paved streets, wooden houses, and local markets give a glimpse of old China. Try Guilin rice noodles or osmanthus cake at a small café before strolling to the riverbank. Visit the ¥20 RMB note viewpoint or hike Xianggong Hill for breathtaking scenery. The town’s quiet charm makes the bamboo raft ride through the misty karst mountains even more magical.

#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025 [Xingping Ancient Town] An ancient town located near Yangshuo County. From Yangshuo High-speed Railway Station, take a special bus for ￥5 per person to Xingping Ancient Town. When you arrive at the port, the place where you get off is near the river, so walk straight along the river, first visit the RMB 20 background picture, and then go straight to Xingping Wharf, where you can enjoy the landscape from a distance. At this pier, you can take a three- or four-star ship to Guilin, and there is also a ferry to the other side to connect to the Xianggong Mountain scenic spot. If you keep walking, you will see the sign of "Xingping Ancient Town". On both sides are famous beer and fish restaurants for tourists to taste. Walking in the ancient town, you will come to the pedestrian street and the market, which attracts many tourists. After visiting Xingping Ancient Town, leave for Yangshuo City. You can get on the bus at the place where you got off. The special bus costs ￥15 per person. Next time, will you plan to go to Xingping Ancient Town to experience the local characteristics like I did? #Xingping Ancient Town #Three or Four Star Ship #ferryboat #Market

#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025 Auspicious Restaurant in Xingping Ancient Town 🍽️ Located in the picturesque ancient town of Xingping, Jixiang Restaurant attracts many tourists with its delicious local dishes. The cuisine here is first-class and makes people praise it. Must-try menu 💞Recommended reasons: 1. Beer Fish 🍻🐟 This dish uses fresh fish as the main ingredient and is cooked with beer. The fish absorbs the aroma of the beer, making it tender and delicious, with a rich soup. 2. Pot-fried pork 🍖 The pot-fried pork is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a special sweet and sour sauce. This dish is delicious and is a classic among local dishes. 3. Stir-fry 🥬 The stir-fried dishes at Jixiang Restaurant are made with fresh seasonal vegetables and simple seasonings, which preserves the original flavor of the ingredients and makes them refreshing and delicious. 4. Tomato and egg soup 🍅🥚 This soup is brightly colored, with the sour and sweet tomatoes and the smooth and fragrant eggs. It is both delicious and nutritious, and is a must-have on the dinner table. 📍Address: No. 70, Xinjie, Xingping Ancient Town, Yangshuo County #Guilin #Check-in #Beer Fish #Xingping Ancient Town

#guangxi #historicallandmarks #Xingpingzhen #20yuannote This little town is halfway between Guilin and Yangshuo. One time I stayed here and the another time I caught a 50 minute didi up from Yangshuo where I was staying. It has a lovely feel to it, with a cute ancient pedestrian street, cafes, a mountain (Laozhaishan) to hike up, and the famous 20 Yuan note view of the Li River. There are other activities like bamboo rafting and visiting a nearby cave.

Here’s a guide to the highlights of your trip to Xingping: 🏞️ Stunning Scenery: Explore the picturesque landscapes with breathtaking views of the Li River and karst peaks, especially from Lao Zhai Mountain. 💵 20 RMB Bank Note Location: Visit the iconic spot featured on the 20 RMB bank note, where you can capture photos of the famous karst formations. 🚶 Exploring the Town: Wander through the charming streets of Xingping, where traditional architecture and local markets offer a glimpse into the town’s culture and daily life. 📸 Photo Opportunities: The scenic spots and quaint streets provide perfect backdrops for memorable photos. #summerdestinations #china #chinatrip #chinatravel #mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip