Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇) is located on the eastern bank of the Li River, where the river bends and flows onward. This picturesque town is famously depicted on the back of China’s 20 RMB banknote. After completing a scenic drift along the Li River, many visitors find their way to Xingping, drawn by its quaint charm and historic ambiance. Unlike the bustling West Street in Yangshuo, Xingping retains an authentic, rustic feel with its smooth cobblestone streets, showcasing the true essence of Yangshuo.
The town boasts eight major scenic areas and over twenty points of interest, including the famous Nine Horse Fresco Hill, Luosi Hill, Lotus Cave, and Tianshui Village. Xingping’s fame further increased when former U.S. President Bill Clinton visited Xingping Fishing Village, sparking a surge of both domestic and international tourists. Visitors should not miss the chance to taste the renowned “Songhua Candy” of Xingping, known for its brown-yellow hue, crisp texture, and sweet, fragrant flavor that melts in the mouth.
Xingping Ancient Town has a rich history dating back to the Three Kingdoms period. It became the administrative center of Xiping County in 265 AD during the Wu Kingdom’s Ganlu reign. In 590 AD, during the Sui Dynasty, the county seat moved to Yangshuo Town, and Xingping became a market town. Over time, Xiping morphed into Xingping, and the town now boasts a history of over 1,730 years.
The town is home to numerous historical and cultural relics, primarily concentrated in the ancient streets of the town and in the Fishing Village, located about 2 kilometers from the market area. The area borders the Li River to the west, Little Riverback and Tongzi Mountain to the north, and the ancient Xiping County ruins at Lion Hill, as well as Wuzhi Mountain and Tianshui Village to the southeast, covering an area of 4.5 hectares.
Xingping’s historical environment is remarkably well-preserved, featuring ancient bridges, ferries, pavilions, opera stages, temples, villages, trees, and building complexes. One notable site is the Guandi Temple on Xingping Ancient Street, built in 1739 during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, making it 260 years old. The temple includes side halls and an opera stage. The ten-thousand-year-old opera stage inside the temple is one of the oldest and best-preserved Qing Dynasty stages in northern Guangxi. It holds significant research value for the history and evolution of opera in the region.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 13.00 – 16.30 |
Location and Transportation
Xingping Ancient Town is located in Xingping Town, Yangshuo County, Guilin City, Guangxi Province, China. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
By Bus: From Yangshuo: Take a bus from the Yangshuo Bus Station to Xingping. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
By Li River Drifting: From Yangdi to Xingping: Enjoy a scenic drift along the Li River from Yangdi to Xingping. Once you disembark, you will arrive directly at Xingping Ancient Town.
