Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇), nestled along the Lijiang River and surrounded by stunning landscapes, is often regarded as the most picturesque ancient town along the river. With whitewashed walls, black-tiled roofs, and stone-paved alleys, Xingping captures the essence of traditional Chinese architecture and charm. The town has a rich history dating back over 1,700 years, and today, visitors can still see many well-preserved ancient buildings and traces of its historical past.
Beyond its historical significance, Xingping is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery. The area is home to several famous attractions, including the Nine Horse Fresco Hill, the Yellow Cloth Reflection, the Monk and Nun’s Debate, and Chaoban Mountain. Visitors can also explore the scenic Banyan Tree Pond, the mist-shrouded Snail Hill, and the mysterious, ancient fishing villages that dot the landscape.
One of the most remarkable natural wonders near Xingping is the Lotus Cave, a world-class karst formation that adds to the area’s allure. Throughout history, the serene and beautiful mountains and rivers of Xingping have inspired countless poets, painters, and scholars who have been captivated by its charm.
Travel Information about Xingping Ancient Town
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets: Entrance to Lotus Flower Cave is 40 RMB, while visiting the fishing village is free.
Opening Hours: The area is open all day.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal time to visit is from April to November, during the Li River’s high water season. During this period, the river is full, enhancing the beauty of the landscape.
Getting to the Area
Location: Xingping Ancient Town, Yangshuo County, Guilin City.
Transportation: Buses are available from both Guilin and Yangshuo bus stations. You can also take a bamboo raft to enjoy the scenic journey to the town.
Scenic Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Relaxation: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
- Cultural Experience: ★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
Highlights of Xingping Anciet Town
Xingping Ancient Street
Located in the heart of Xingping Town, the 1,000-meter-long Xingping Ancient Street is a charming stone-paved street that offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history. The street is lined with historical buildings, many of which were originally guild halls representing various provinces. These ancient brick and tile structures are still largely intact, with the contours of the old city walls and scattered fragments of ancient ceramics adding to the historical ambiance. Although the once bustling county town, where “people and carriages thronged the streets,” has faded away, the street now exudes a peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by lush mountains and a few quiet village houses.
Wannian Stage
Located beside Xingping Ancient Street, the Guandi Temple boasts a history of over 280 years. Within the temple is the Wannian Stage, one of the oldest and best-preserved Qing Dynasty stages in the northern Guangxi region. This historic stage holds significant value for studying the history and evolution of opera in Guangxi. Today, the temple has been converted into a museum, displaying artifacts unearthed from the surrounding areas, offering visitors a deeper insight into the local cultural heritage.
Fishing Village
In addition to its ancient streets, Xingping Ancient Town is home to numerous historical relics, many of which are concentrated in the Xingping Ancient Street and the Fishing Village, located about 2 kilometers from the town center.
The houses in the Fishing Village share a similar architectural style with those in the ancient town. Featuring green bricks, black tiles, sloped roofs, horse-head walls, flying eaves, painted beams, and intricately carved windows, the village’s structures exhibit the distinctive characteristics of northern Guangxi residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Despite being nearly 500 years old, the village is remarkably well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and architectural heritage of the region.
Laozhai Mountain
Laozhai Mountain is located at the entrance of Xingping Ancient Town, near the Rongshu Tan dock along the Lijiang River. It is the best spot to admire the stunning landscapes of Xingping and is a popular destination for photographers. Standing over 200 meters tall, Laozhai Mountain has a stone path that leads to the summit, which was carefully restored for ease of access.
Upon reaching the top, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and rivers, with the entire scenic beauty of Xingping unfolding before their eyes. One of the highlights from the summit is the sight of the Lijiang River making a dramatic 180-degree turn, a view that is simply unforgettable.
Dahebei Village
Dahebei Village is located across from the Xingping Town dock, situated on a small, verdant peninsula that is surrounded by water on three sides and backed by mountains. The land on this small island is flat and fertile, with the village itself shaped like the shell of a turtle, which is how it got its name. The village’s ecology is remarkably well-preserved, offering a pristine natural environment.
Surrounded by bamboo groves and orchards, Dahebei Village is framed by the picturesque Camel Peak and Tianluo Peak at its back. As you wander through the village, you’ll encounter scenes of pelicans swimming and fish darting through the water, with green fields and trees all around. It’s like stepping into a 360-degree panoramic view of the beautiful Lijiang River landscape.
Yellow Cloth Reflection
The saying goes, “The beauty of the Lijiang River lies in its reflections, and the most enchanting of all is the Yellow Cloth Reflection.” This spot along the river is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, so transparent that you can see the riverbed clearly. On the riverbed lies a large, pale yellow stone slab, several meters long and wide, resembling a piece of yellow cloth spread out on the riverbed. This is how the area earned its name, Yellow Cloth Beach.
On either side of the beach stand seven peaks of varying sizes, which are said to resemble seven fairy maidens emerging from the water. On calm, windless days, their reflections in the water are so vivid that it’s hard to distinguish between the mountains above and their mirror images below, creating the stunning “Yellow Cloth Reflection” scene. This iconic landscape is so famous that it is featured on the back of the 20 RMB banknote.
Nine Horses Fresco Hill
Located about four kilometers upstream from Xingping, the Nine Horses Fresco Hill is a striking sight. The hill consists of five peaks that stretch along the river, with a cliff face adorned in hues of green, yellow, and white. These colors, mingling in varying intensities, create the illusion of nine horses depicted in a majestic fresco, which is how the hill earned its name, Nine Horses Fresco Hill, often simply called “Fresco Hill.” The nine horses appear lifelike, each with a unique expression and posture. Some stand, some lie down, some seem to be galloping, others appear to be leaping, drinking from the river, or neighing toward the sky.
In addition to marveling at this natural artwork, visitors can also enjoy thrilling activities such as rafting in the gorge below. The Nine Horses Fresco Hill Gorge Rafting Area is the only location in the Yangshuo scenic area that combines rafting, creek tracing, camping, hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor adventures. This comprehensive leisure tourism spot offers some of the most spectacular views along the Lijiang River, making it a perfect destination for exploration on foot or by bicycle.
Things to do at Nine Horses Fresco Hill:
- Rafting at Nine Horses Fresco Hill: The rugged and unique karst landscape of the Nine Horses Fresco Hill Gorge offers an exhilarating rafting experience, characterized by sharp twists, turns, and dramatic mountain scenery. The rafting route begins at the Yun Yong Baxian (Eight Immortals Crossing Clouds) scenic spot and stretches for about 3.5 kilometers. With a total drop of 180 meters, the river winds through the gorge like a jade ribbon when viewed from above. The entire journey takes approximately one and a half hours, providing a thrilling yet safe adventure that keeps your heart racing.
- Camping and Adventure: Camping near Nine Horses Fresco Hill is an excellent choice for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the Lijiang River. The picturesque landscape provides an ideal setting for pitching tents, especially at the foot of the hill. Visitors can enjoy a true outdoor experience with activities such as barbecuing and wild cooking, making it a perfect spot for adventurers to embrace the wilderness.
- Photography: The village of Lengfengdu, located below the Nine Horses Fresco Hill, is both expansive and lively. A large, flat grassland area near the village, which can accommodate up to 100 tents, serves as the perfect location for photographing the hill. The sweeping views from this spot offer a fantastic opportunity to capture the beauty of Nine Horses Fresco Hill, making it a popular destination for photographers.
Lotus Flower Cave
Lotus Flower Cave is located on the eastern side of Baidi Village in Xingping Town. The cave derives its name from the unique stone formations resembling chemical sedimentary lotus flowers (also known as “cloud basins”) found within. The cave’s structure is bottle-shaped, being wider inside and narrower outside, with a small opening that requires crawling to enter, which is why it is also referred to as Crawling Cave.
Inside Lotus Flower Cave, the most captivating feature is the “Lotus Pond Wonder.” This pond contains over a hundred cloud basins, the largest of which has a diameter exceeding one meter, resembling a round table. During the spring and summer months, the pond fills with water, leaving only the flat surfaces of the basins visible, resembling floating lotus leaves on the water’s surface. This breathtaking sight has earned it the title “Lotus Pond Wonder,” making it a rare karst landscape and the essence of the beauty found within Lotus Flower Cave.
Origin of Lotus Flower Cave:
In April 1964, a research team visited Lotus Flower Cave for investigation. During their exploration, they discovered that the cave was filled with water, causing the stone basins to appear as if they were floating on the water’s surface, resembling lotus leaves. One of the professors in the team noticed that the small, rounded stones within these basins looked like lotus seeds. As a result, he named the formations “Lotus Basins” and referred to this scenic area as “Lotus Pond.”
Recognizing the cave’s significant value, the professor dubbed this unique landscape “Lotus Pond.” This designation quickly gained popularity, and as people discussed this remarkable feature, they began calling the cloud basins “Lotus Basins.” Over time, the cave became widely known as “Lotus Flower Cave,” and the name “Crawling Cave” faded from use.
Xianggong Mountain
Xianggong Mountain, located in Xingping Town, Yangshuo County, is one of the highest peaks in the area. From its summit, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the orderly array of mountains and the meandering Li River below. This stunning landscape makes it an ideal spot for photography year-round.
The mountain is especially popular for capturing the mesmerizing sea of clouds, sunrise, and colorful sunset skies, attracting countless photographers and enthusiasts. To witness the sunrise and the magical cloud sea, it is common for hikers to begin their ascent before dawn. Safety is paramount during the climb, so bringing a flashlight for illumination is highly recommended.
Tengjiao Temple
Tengjiao Temple is located on Luosi Mountain in Xingping Town, nestled within the unique formations of Luosi Rock. Although the temple itself is small, its entrance proudly displays the three bold characters “Tengjiao An” in traditional calligraphy.
The surrounding area features an intriguing landscape of bizarre rock formations, with legends of dragons drawing water and divine turtles resting, creating a vivid and lifelike scene. Inside the cave, the stone walls are home to a natural statue of Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin), resembling a remarkable masterpiece of nature. This cave is often referred to as a natural Guanyin temple, yet only a few are aware of its existence and significance.
The Origin of Tengjiao Temple:
According to legend, He Tengjiao, a resident of Gupizhai in Xingping Town, was on his way to the capital to take an examination when he encountered a fierce storm with strong winds and relentless rain. Seeking refuge, he docked his boat in front of the temple and went inside to pay his respects. He made a vow, saying, “I am heading to the capital to take an exam; I hope the divine will calm the winds and help me on my journey. If I succeed in the examination, I promise to rebuild this temple and restore the golden statue to promote Buddhism and enlighten sentient beings.”
After his prayer, the storm subsided, and he continued his journey. Upon reaching the capital, He Tengjiao passed the exam with flying colors, ranking second among the successful candidates. After being appointed as the Governor of Huguang, he fulfilled his vow and renovated the temple. This is how Tengjiao Temple got its name, serving as a symbol of faith and gratitude.
Dayuan Forest Farm National Forest Park
Dayuan Forest Farm National Forest Park is located approximately 5 kilometers southeast of Xingping Ancient Town. The park features a breathtaking landscape of layered peaks and deep, tranquil valleys, resembling a paradise on Earth. It is home to numerous nationally protected plant and animal species, showcasing diverse ecological beauty.
Visitors can enjoy stunning natural phenomena, including the cloud mist over Longshan Mountain, verdant ridges at dawn, colorful sunsets, and frosty snow scenes. For thrill-seekers, the park offers an exciting rafting area. The rafting route spans about 4 kilometers and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete, with a vertical drop of 220 meters. Adventurers can ride the rapids as they flow downstream, creating an exhilarating experience filled with splashes and excitement.
Visitor Guide for Xingping Ancient Town
Accommodation in Xingping Town
Xingping Town offers a variety of accommodation options, including unique guesthouses that cater to different types of travelers. Prices vary significantly depending on the tourism season.
Old Place International Youth Hostel (老地方国际青年旅舍)
Description: This hostel provides stunning views of the iconic karst peaks featured on the 20 yuan RMB note, the winding Li River, and a cozy, comfortable common area ideal for socializing, making it perfect for young travelers.
Location: No. 9 Rongtan Street, Xingping Town.
Yangshuo Misty Blue Bay Scenic Resort Hotel (阳朔烟雨蓝湾观景度假酒店)
Description: Situated close to attractions like Xingping Ancient Street, Huangbu Reflection, and Camel Crossing River, this hotel boasts full glass walls and large windows for a spectacular viewing experience. The top floor features Aegean Sea-inspired design with a scenic terrace and sky pool, making it great for family trips and romantic getaways.
Location: Riverside in Xingping Town, directly opposite the iconic mountain on the 20 yuan RMB note.
Yangshuo Xingping Li River Scenic Guesthouse (阳朔兴坪漓江山水居客栈)
Description: Located along the water route from Guilin to Yangshuo, near the cultural ancient town of Xingping and Dahuabei Village, this guesthouse offers nine guest rooms. Built against the mountains and facing the Li River, it provides excellent views, allowing guests to admire one of the five main scenic spots on the 20 yuan RMB note from their rooms.
Location: No. 130 Dahuabei Village, Xingping Town.
Local Delicacies in Xingping Town
Rice Candy (米花糖): This traditional rice candy is handmade by local residents in Xingping Town. It’s sweet and crunchy, making it a delightful treat that’s definitely worth a try.
Liu Jie Beer Fish (刘姐啤酒鱼): Known for its fresh fish, which is caught and cooked on the spot, this dish features tender, succulent fish paired with fresh vegetables. It’s highly praised and popular among both locals and visitors.