Embarking on a day trip to Xingping Ancient Town is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Li River, savor delicious local cuisine, and explore the charming streets of this historic town. With its stunning landscapes and vibrant local culture, Xingping is a perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the essence of Guangxi Province. This guide outlines a comprehensive itinerary for your visit, ensuring you make the most of your time in this enchanting location.
Morning: Starting Your Adventure
🕤 9:20 AM – Depart for Xingping
Begin your journey with a hearty breakfast, perhaps a delicious bowl of local rice noodles. After that, take the D2961 train from Guilin North Station (桂林北站) to Yangshuo Station (阳朔站), which takes about 30 minutes. From Yangshuo High-Speed Railway Station, a quick 15-minute taxi ride will bring you to Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇).
📌 Luggage Storage
If you have luggage with you, don’t worry! Xingping Passenger Station (兴坪客运站) offers luggage storage services, allowing you to explore the town freely without the burden of your bags.
Exploring Xingping Ancient Town
🕥 10:20 AM – Discover Xingping Ancient Town
Xingping is compact, with just a few streets to wander. Take your time to explore the charming shops selling local snacks and fruits, and be sure to try some unique delicacies.
🕚 11:00 AM – Lunchtime
For lunch, we recommend “Lao Jie Fang Canteen” (老街坊餐吧), known for its generous portion sizes suitable for 2-4 people. Must-try dishes include bamboo chicken, dry-fried potato beef, and stir-fried bamboo shoots. You can also taste local specialties like beer fish, stuffed snails, Li River shrimp, and bamboo rice.
Afternoon: Scenic Views and Bamboo Rafting
🕛 12:00 PM – Visit the Viewing Platform
To see the famous “Yellow Cloth Reflection” (黄布倒影) featured on the 20 RMB banknote, navigate directly to the viewing platform using your smartphone. The walk from the town to the platform takes about 15 minutes and offers beautiful views along the way.
⚠️ Secret Spot Alert
Just south of the viewing platform, there is a small path leading down two flights of stairs to the riverbank. Here, the view is breathtaking, especially at sunset when you can take photos with a bamboo raft similar to the one on the banknote. It’s also a great spot for capturing images of fishermen casting their nets, a popular scene among photographers.
🕐 1:00 PM – Bamboo Rafting on the Li River
From the viewing platform, walk about 15 minutes to the Chaoban Mountain Pier (朝板山码头) to board an electric bamboo raft for a round trip between Chaoban Mountain and Jiuma Huashan (九马画山) (Ultimate Guide to Bamboo Rafting on the Lijiang River). This approximately one-hour ride is highly recommended as it showcases the most beautiful section of the river, unlike other longer segments which may become tiresome or crowded with tour groups.
🕝 2:30 PM – Return to Xingping
After your rafting adventure, take the sightseeing bus back from Chaoban Mountain Pier to Xingping Ancient Town, which takes around 10 minutes. Once back, pick up your luggage from the Xingping Passenger Station.
Late Afternoon: Journey to Yangshuo
🕒 3:00 PM – Head to Yangshuo
Buses from Xingping to Yangshuo run every half hour, making it convenient to continue your journey. You can disembark at the bus stop closest to your accommodation in Yangshuo.
🕔 4:00 PM – Check into Your Hotel
For convenience, it’s recommended to stay near West Street (西街), where you’ll find plenty of dining and travel options.
Evening: Dining and Exploring
🕕 6:00 PM – Dinner Time
While in Yangshuo, don’t miss the chance to try the local specialty, beer fish (啤酒鱼). Although some might find the flavor underwhelming, it’s a dish that represents the region well. You can also sample the complimentary oil tea provided by the restaurant, though it may not be to everyone’s taste.
⚠️ Price Awareness
Be cautious when dining in Yangshuo, as prices tend to be higher than in Xingping. Be wary of tourist traps and always try to operate through reputable platforms for food, transportation, and tickets.
🕣 7:30 PM – Stroll Along West Street
In the evening, West Street comes alive with bustling activity. You’ll find a mix of restaurants, shops, and specialty stores that are typical of commercial streets in other ancient towns.
📌 Photo Opportunity
Head to the third floor of the Starbucks at the intersection of West Street for a stunning view. The blend of traditional Chinese architecture illuminated by vibrant neon lights at night creates an ideal setting for capturing beautiful photos.