Xingping Ancient Town

兴坪

A 1,700-year-old ancient town on the Li River, the spot where the Yellow Cloth Shadow on the back of the 20-yuan note was captured, with a view of the great river bend from the top of Laozhai Hill.

Xingping Town lies on the east bank of the Li River about 25 km northeast of Yangshuo County. It is the endpoint of the Li River's finest section and one of the best-preserved ancient towns along the river, with more than 1,700 years of history. Its old streets keep Ming and Qing bluestone paving, arcaded houses, and an old opera stage in the Guandi Temple. The most famous sight is the Yellow Cloth Shadow along the river outside town, the image on the back of the fifth series 20-yuan banknote. Visitors can hold a 20-yuan note up to the river and photograph the scene to match. Behind the town is Laozhai Hill, about 300 meters high. A steep stone staircase takes about 40 minutes to climb to Friendship Pavilion at the summit, which overlooks the great bend of the Li River at Xingping and the whole peak forest. It is the classic aerial viewpoint on the Li River, especially for sunrise and sunset. Suggested itinerary: take a bamboo raft downstream from Yangti to Xingping, then go ashore for lunch in the old street (Li River fish and Guilin rice noodles). In the afternoon, climb Laozhai Hill. In the evening, take a short bamboo raft round trip to the Yellow Cloth Shadow, or spend a night in a riverside guesthouse to watch the morning mist. The old town is free to enter, and bamboo rafts cost about 80–120 yuan per person. Getting there: Yangshuo Station, the high-speed rail station, is in Xingping Town. From West Street, take a city bus or coach for about 40–50 minutes. From Guilin, take the high-speed train direct. Notes: The steps up Laozhai Hill are steep with no railings, so they are dangerous in rain; wear non-slip shoes. The Yellow Cloth Shadow photo spot gets crowded, so you can walk a little further downstream. Many bamboo raft operators and sightseeing vehicles solicit business around town, so buy tickets only at the official counters.

Xingping Ancient Town

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby