Xingping Ancient Town

Why Xingping Matters

Xingping is a small riverside village about 25 km north of Yangshuo town and 40 km south of Guilin city. It sits at the end of the most scenic stretch of the Li River — the Yangdi-to-Xingping section that appears in every photo. The exact view of the river bend with the row of karst peaks behind it, printed on the back of China's 20 RMB banknote, is a 15-minute walk from the village center. Xingping has an authenticity that Yangshuo's West Street has lost: the old street is quieter, the buildings are genuinely old (some Ming and Qing Dynasty), and the pace is slower.

What to Do

The 20 RMB Viewpoint

Walk 15 minutes along the river path heading north from the old street. There's a marked viewing platform with the exact angle matching the banknote. Bring a 20 RMB note for the photo. Go early morning (before 9 AM) for the best light and to have the platform mostly to yourself. Late afternoon light also works but there will be more people.

Laozhai Mountain

This is the view that photographers fly to China for. A steep 40-50 minute climb up 1,159 stone steps to a rocky summit that overlooks a dramatic horseshoe bend in the Li River, with karst peaks fading into the distance in every direction. The trail is well-marked but very steep in sections, with a ladder and narrow rock passages near the top. Not for anyone with vertigo or mobility issues. Start the climb 45 minutes before sunrise if you want the classic mist-on-the-river shot. Bring a headlamp for the pre-dawn climb and water — there's nothing at the top.

Old Street

A 1 km stretch of wooden buildings with tile roofs, some dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Smaller and less commercial than Yangshuo's West Street, with a few cafes, art shops, and guesthouses. The street is most atmospheric in the early morning and after dusk when the lanterns come on.

Practical Info

• Getting there: Bus from Yangshuo bus station (40 min, ~10 RMB) or taxi/Didi (30 min, ~60 RMB). You can also arrive by Li River cruise — many bamboo rafts and boats stop at Xingping pier, making it a natural next stop after the cruise.
• How long: Half a day covers the 20 RMB viewpoint, a walk on the old street, and lunch. Add 3 hours if you're climbing Laozhai Mountain. Some travelers stay overnight — guesthouses from 100 RMB — to catch the sunrise from the summit.
• Combine with: Li River bamboo raft from Yangdi — the raft trip ends near Xingping. Walk the old town, see the viewpoint, and either stay or bus back to Yangshuo.
• Food: The riverside restaurants serve fresh Li River fish and beer fish. The restaurants near the viewpoint are tourist-priced — walk back to the old street for better value.