Located midway along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo, Xingping Ancient Town is about 65 km (a 2-hour drive) from downtown Guilin and 30 km (a 1-hour drive) from Yangshuo.
Renowned for housing the most breathtaking scenery of the Li River (featured on China's 20-yuan banknote), fishing village and cormorant fishing, Xingping has surged in popularity.
Is Xingping Ancient Town Worth Visiting?
With the growth of tourism, Xingping Ancient Town has become commercialized. Like many other ancient towns in China, it has gradually transformed into a marketplace selling souvenirs and trinkets. The streets are now crowded with tourists and noisy vendors, leaving little of the town's original charm. If you're seeking an untouched ancient town experience, this might not be worth a special trip.
But in Xingping, the ancient town is just one attraction. The outdoor activities here are highly recommended. They offer access to the most stunning section of the Li River (unseen in Guilin City Center or Yangshuo; the Li River Cruise passes through here). It also provides an excellent way to explore the karst landscape and rural life of Guilin.
If you're interested, you can spare about an hour to stroll through the old streets of the ancient town. Despite its commercialization, well-preserved ancient temples, opera stages, and bridges still remain. You could get a glimpse into the town's history and culture.
Other Interesting Outdoor Activities in Xingping
Xingping's outdoor activities offer a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside and breathtaking Li River scenery. Below are some activities I've personally tried and highly recommend:
1. Bamboo Rafting on the Li River: A More Intimate Encounter
Bamboo Rafting on the Li RiverOne of Xingping's most popular activities is bamboo rafting on the Li River. It is a completely different experience from the large cruise ships. Here, you can get up close to the water, even dipping your feet into the cool, refreshing river.
The main route runs between Xingping Pier and Nine Horses Fresco Hill (round trip, ~1 hour), passing iconic sights like the 20-yuan backdrop.
For a longer, more immersive journey, opt for the Xingping-to-Yangdi route (~1.5 hours), followed by a 1-hour drive (~40 km) to Yangshuo.
Last summer, my kids were thrilled to witness cormorant fishing firsthand during our rafting trip. Watching the birds dive swiftly and resurface with fish in their beaks was unforgettable. It is our first time seeing this ancient practice.
Tips: During holidays (Chinese New Year, Labor Day, National Day) and summer break (July-August), waits exceed 40 minutes. For a quieter alternative, try stand-up paddleboarding on Yangshuo's Yulong River.
2. Climb Up Houshan to Capture Panoramic Views of Xingping
Views from Houshan MountainWhile Xingping has many Li River viewpoints, few offer a bird's-eye perspective of both the river and the ancient town. And it is easy reach (~2 km from town). Houshan Mountain (literally "Back Mountain"), nestled behind the ancient town, is one such hidden gem.
On our customized tour, our guide will lead you on a 20-minute hike to a secluded viewing platform known only to locals. Here you can take in sweeping views of Xingping Ancient Town and the iconic 20-yuan landscape.
As Houshan remains undeveloped for tourism, parts of the trail feature natural stone paths, though the ascent is generally gentle. Last National Day holiday, I successfully hiked it with my 10-year-old child.
Tips: During the rainy season (April-June), the trail can be slippery, and fog may obscure views. Sunny days are highly recommended for this adventure.
3. Hiking in Xingping - the Most Scenic Section of the Li River
Take a photo with fishing cormorant In addition to mountain climbs for panoramic river views, hiking along the Li River is another great way to explore Xingping. The scenic trail passes riverside villages and farmland.
The classic route involves hiking from Xingping to Nine Horses Fresco Hill (about 8 km, 2 hours), then taking a ferry across the river to climb Xianggong Hill. The ascent to Xianggong Hill's viewpoint takes roughly 20 minutes. Read detailed information about Xianggong Hill.
If you prefer not to climb the hill, you can also get directly from Nine Horses Fresco Hill to Yangshuo or Guilin by car.
On the opposite bank of Nine Horses Fresco Hill, there's a wide riverside beach. You can take a 5-minute walk along the shore to the best spot for capturing the full view of the hill. Last time I hiked there with friends, we saw locals leisurely picnicking and enjoying tea by the water. My friend suggested we bring snacks next time for a riverside gathering.
If you prefer a shorter hiking route in Xingping, consider the Osmanthus Trail (3km) at Liandao Bay. This trail features one of Guilin's best-preserved ancient stone paths, dating back over 400 years. For more details, visit our Guilin Hiking page.
Tips: The best time for hiking or cycling in Guilin is from late September to mid-November. Daytime temperatures are comfortable (around 26°C), and rainfall is rare. The Li River's water level is also lower during this period, exposing wider sandy banks.
4. Cycling From Xingping to Yangshuo (40km)
Biking from Xingping to Yangshuo For cycling enthusiasts, a ride along the Li River offers an unforgettable experience. The classic route starts at Xingping Pier, where you'll take a ferry to Dahebei Village on the opposite bank. From there, cycle 10km along the river to Xianggong Mountain. After hiking up for photos, continue cycling approximately 30km to Yangshuo. The entire journey takes about 4-5 hours.
Along the way, you'll pass through endless karst peaks, traditional villages, and expansive rice fields. If you visit during harvest season (October), you'll witness golden rice terraces and may even see farmers working in the fields.
You can even help the farmers harvest rice with the arrangements of our guides. It's especially rewarding for families with children to observe rural Chinese life. Every year during this season, I take my own kids to participate in rice harvesting activities, giving them hands-on experience they'll always remember.
Where to Stay in Xingping
Xingping hotelXingping offers various lodging options, but we highly recommend staying on a small island called Liandao Bay. A great choice is the Yangshuo Xingping Island Resort, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Li River right from your window. Just a 5-minute walk away, you can explore a nearby fishing village and observe local daily life.
For those planning an early sunrise hike up Xianggong Hill, we suggest staying at Xianggong Mountain Guest House at the mountain's base. While not a luxury hotel, it provides all necessary amenities.
We advise against staying inside the ancient town itself. The narrow streets are noisy, and morning traffic can be congested.
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