Xingping Ancient Street
兴坪老街 · Ming–Qing bricks
A narrow lane of old brick houses, shops, and red flags — the historic heart of the town and a pleasant stroll.
Why Xingping Ancient Town is worth your time
Xingping is where the Li River’s fame becomes literal: the bend just across the water is the one on the ¥20 note, and you can stand on the old wharf and see it. The town itself is old — founded in the Three Kingdoms era, it served as a county seat for centuries — and its laojie (老街) still has Ming- and Qing-dynasty brick houses, though now they hold teahouses and guesthouses rather than granaries.
It’s quieter and cheaper than Yangshuo, which makes it a lovely base. From here the bamboo raft to the 20-yuan view and Nine Horse Hill is the most scenic Li River section, and the sunsets over the peaks are superb from the waterfront.
Quick tip: to shoot the banknote view, cross to the opposite bank (a short boat or the hiking path) — that’s where the classic composition lines up. In town, arrive late afternoon for golden-hour rooftops and a riverside sundowner.
Top highlights
The signature sights and experiences that make Xingping Ancient Town special.
Karst Peaks above Xingping
兴坪峰丛 · The 20-yuan backdrop
The limestone towers that line the Li River near Xingping, the same peaks printed on China’s ¥20 note.
Riverside Wharf
码头 · Sunset spot
The old pier is the place to watch the sun drop behind the limestone towers — and to board rafts.
Cormorant Raft Scene
鸬鹚竹筏 · Li River heritage
Traditional cormorant fishermen still pole bamboo rafts on the Li River near Xingping — a living postcard.
Xianggong Mountain Overlook
相公山 · Sunrise panorama
A high viewpoint above the Li River catches dawn light on the karst towers around Xingping.
Which option is right for you?
Ways to experience Xingping Ancient Town, from the classic route to a quicker highlight.
Classic Raft (Xingping → 20-yuan view)
1–1.5 hours · ¥120–255
1
Board at Xingping pier 4-seat bamboo raft, life jackets provided.
2
Glide to the banknote bend The exact ¥20 view, slowed for photos.
3
On to Nine Horse Hill Count the horses on the cliff face.
4
Return by cart Electric cart back to town, included.
Town + Opposite Bank
Half day · on foot + boat
1
Walk the old street Ming–Qing brick lane, teahouses, and the old wharf.
2
Cross to the view bank Short boat or hiking path to the ¥20 composition.
3
Sunset on the wharf Riverside sundowner as the peaks glow.
Best time to visit
Apr – May
Green peaks, misty river, soft light for the banknote shot.
Sep – Nov
Clear skies and golden-hour sunsets — the most popular time.
Late afternoon
Arrive by 4 PM for golden rooftops and the riverside sunset.
Travel tips
Cross for the real view
The ¥20 composition lines up from the opposite bank, not from town. Take the small boat across.
Shoot at golden hour
The old street bricks and the peaks glow 1 hour before sunset — best light of the day.
Stay overnight
Xingping is calm and cheap; a guesthouse lets you catch dawn mist on the river.
Eat by the water
Riverside spots serve beer fish and simple noodles with the view.
Rafts pause in rain
Heavy rain stops rafting; ask locally before you go.
How to get there
1
From Yangshuo About 25 km; bus (40 min, ¥10–15) or taxi (¥60–80).
2
From Guilin Bus to Yangshuo then Xingping, or a direct tour (~2 h).
3
By Li River cruise The big cruise passes Xingping; some travelers hop off here instead of continuing to Yangshuo.
4
Tickets Town is free; raft tickets at the pier or via your hotel.
Tickets & practical info
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Town entry | Free |
| Bamboo raft (to 20-yuan view) | ¥120–255 |
| From Yangshuo | 25 km · 40 min |
| Best months | April–May · Sep–Nov |
| Best time | Late afternoon |
| Stay | 1 night recommended |
Wandering Xingping is free; only the raft is ticketed. Raft prices are reference values and rise in peak season. Rafts pause during heavy rain. Bring your passport — it may be checked at the pier.
