Daxu Ancient Town (大圩古镇) offers a refreshing escape from the commercialized ancient towns often crowded with tourists. Located near Guilin, this charming town is peaceful and authentic, with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of photogenic spots. If you’re looking for a laid-back day trip that combines history, scenic beauty, and delicious local food, Daxu is the perfect destination. Below is a suggested itinerary for a full day exploring this hidden gem.
One-Day Itinerary for Daxu Ancient Town:
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM:
Drive from Guilin to Daxu Ancient Town. The highway route is a bit faster, saving about 10 minutes. Upon arrival, you’ll find a large parking lot available in the town, and there are also local residents offering private parking spots for just ¥10 with no time limit.
10:40 AM – 12:00 PM:
Stroll around the ancient town. There are many great spots for taking photos, so if you’re a photography enthusiast, take your time exploring. We followed a simple route that took us through the town to the pier and then walked along the riverbank. One highlight is an old bridge within the town. Next to the bridge, there’s a small stall selling sweet treats, and nearby, you’ll spot a yellow vine-covered wall that makes for a beautiful photo backdrop.
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM:
Lunch time! We visited a highly recommended local restaurant called Xilin Steakhouse (喜林牛排), and it lived up to the hype. The sour and spicy beef steak was delicious, as was the stir-fried pork with pickled cabbage. We polished off two large bowls of rice, and the bill for five people came to less than ¥200—super affordable!
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM:
Visit the Guandi Temple (关帝庙) in Shangqiao Village. Although the ancient trees at the temple no longer have many leaves, the area is still peaceful. We spent about 10 minutes relaxing under a large tree at the village entrance, and it was so comfortable we almost dozed off.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM:
Explore the local market. For those who enjoy bargain hunting, this is a great opportunity to explore and maybe pick up a few hidden treasures. It’s a favorite activity for older visitors.
4:00 PM:
Head back home after a relaxing and enjoyable day in Daxu Ancient Town.