Xingping Ancient Town

Introduction & Historical Significance
Nestled in Yangshuo County, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Xingping Ancient Town is a 1,700-year-old cultural treasure and UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site (part of South China Karst). Established during the Three Kingdoms period (265 CE) as Shang’an County seat, it evolved through dynasties: renamed Xiping in the Jin Dynasty (265–274 CE) and later Xingping after administrative shifts. As the birthplace of the iconic 20 RMB banknote landscape (Yuanbao Mountain in Dahebei Village), it embodies the harmony of human history and natural grandeur.

Architectural Layout & Design
The 313.77km² town harmonizes Ming-Qing architecture with karst landscapes:

• Ancient Street: A 1,000-meter-long cobblestone street lined with timber-framed shops, provincial guild halls, and traditional courtyards, stretching from southeast to Rongshutan Dock.
• Cultural Landmarks: Ming-era Tengjiao Temple, Qing-style stone bridges, and the 1,500-year-old Banyan Tree Plaza. The 20 RMB observation deck offers panoramic views of karst peaks and the Li River.
• Eco-Design: Zero-carbon initiatives (e.g., Dahebei Village’s 2024 "zero-carbon village" designation) and solar-powered lighting align with sustainable tourism.

Major Attractions & Experiences

• Li River Scenic Zone: Cruise past Nine Horses Painting Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal, and Lotus Rock. Sunrise/sunset tours capture mist-shrouded peaks and mirror-like reflections.
• Historical Sites: Explore the 1,700-year-old fishing village (visited by Sun Yat-sen in 1921 and President Clinton in 1998), Ancient City gates, and Xingping Temple.
• Adventure Activities: Bamboo rafting (¥135–346/adult), electric boat tours, and hiking to Laozhai Mountain for 360° vistas of the Li River bend.
• Cultural Immersion: Participate in cormorant fishing, Bamboo weaving workshops, and local markets selling pine-flower candy, beer fish, and Guilin rice noodles.

Ticket Information & Accessibility

• General Admission: Free entry to the ancient town; bamboo rafts, boat tours, and mountain hikes require tickets (¥50–400/person).
• Opening Hours: 24/7 access; bamboo rafts operate 09:00–14:00 daily; mountain trails open dawn to dusk.
• Bundled Options: Combine with Yangshuo West Street or Longji Rice Terraces for ¥300–800.

Transportation Guide

• Public Transport: Buses from Guilin South Station (¥30, 2.5h) or Yangshuo Bus Station (¥10, 40min). High-speed trains to Yangshuo Station (¥5 shuttle to town).
• Self-Drive/Taxi: 40min from Guilin; parking at north/south gates (¥10/day). Electric scooters (¥30–50/day) for local exploration.
• Airport Access: Limousine service from Guilin Liangjiang Airport (¥150) or helicopter tours (¥2,000/group).
• Boat Transfers: Ferries to Dahebei Village (¥20) for 20 RMB photo spots; shuttle buses to Xingping Dock (¥5).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: April–June (spring blooms, misty landscapes) and September–November (golden autumn, clear skies). Avoid July–August monsoons.
• Photography: Dawn for misty river vistas; golden hour for peak reflections and village life.
• Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly in temples; respect quiet zones; avoid single-use plastics.
• Packing Essentials: Layered clothing, polarized sunglasses, reusable water bottle, and sturdy hiking shoes.
• Eco-Practices: Support local artisans; participate in river conservation initiatives.

Nearby Attractions & Itineraries

• Combined Tours:
  • Morning: Li River cruise + hike to Laozhai Mountain for sunrise.
  • Afternoon: Visit Yangshuo West Street or explore Silver Cave’s geological wonders.
  • Evening: Private performance of "Impression Sanjie Liu" or night market dining.
• Cultural Synergy: Pair with Naxi Dongba rituals in Lijiang or Tibetan medicine museums in Shangri-La.
• Extended Itineraries: 3-day tour including Li River cruise, Longji Rice Terraces helicopter ride, and cormorant fishing on Yulong River.

Xingping Ancient Town is a symphony of history and nature—where ancient stones whisper legends, and the Li River guards the wisdom of millennia. As a UNESCO-recognized sanctuary, it continues to inspire global travelers seeking both cultural depth and natural grandeur in China’s Southwest.