Perhaps you’ve seen the iconic image. It’s featured on the back of the Chinese 20-yuan banknote. That stunning view is found right here in Xingping Ancient Town.
Xingping Ancient Town sits on the Li River’s bank. It is north of Yangshuo. This town boasts a history stretching back over 1700 years. Ancient streets and temples still stand. They whisper tales of bygone eras.
Once the largest town along the Li River, Xingping is now a treasure. It lies 63 kilometers from Guilin and 25 kilometers from Yangshuo. Its beauty is enhanced by hills. Wuzhi or Five Fingers Hill watches over the town.
Look east to see Sengni Hill. Locals say it resembles a monk arguing with a nun. Nearby, Chaoban Hill looks like a tablet. Officials held these in ancient courts. Arhat Hill completes the scene. It appears as a smiling monk basking in the sun.
To the south stand Carp Hill and Snail Hill. Bijia or Pen Holder Hill and Meinv or Belle Peak rise to the west. Camel Hill lies to the north. It looks like a camel crossing the river. These hills surround and protect Xingping.
Let’s wander along Xingping Old Street. This kilometer-long stone street is lined with old brick buildings. They once served as assembly halls for different provinces. An ancient banyan tree stands tall. It needs eight people to encircle its trunk. Nearby, the Guandi Temple built during the Qing Dynasty echoes Xingping’s history.
Just a short distance away lies Xingping Fishing Village. Its history spans nearly 500 years. The village showcases northern Guangxi architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Houses feature horse head walls and carved windows.
In 1998, former US President Bill Clinton and his wife visited this village. They admired its genuine features. Imagine them walking these same streets.
Fishermen here still use traditional methods. They fish with cormorants from bamboo rafts. A noose around the bird’s neck prevents it from swallowing the catch.
Three kilometers northeast of Xingping lies the newly opened Lotus Cave. This cave stretches over 600 meters. Inside, you’ll find striking stalactites. They form shapes like ‘Lotus Petals Suspended Upside Down’. You might also spot ‘Two Dragons Creeping out the Cave’. The 108 ‘Lotus Pods’ are a sight to behold. Small stones inside look like real seeds.
For a panoramic view, hike up Laozhai Mountain or Xianggong Mountain. On a clear day, the sunset is magnificent. If you are lucky, you can go to the top of the building in the morning to see the clouds and mist.
Xingping Ancient Town offers a range of tasty dishes. Beer Fish and hot pot are popular choices. Liu Jie’s Beer Fish is a must-try local delicacy. It is cooked in a secret sauce and simmered in beer. The tender fish is unforgettable.
As the day ends, Xingping transforms. It belongs to the locals. The calm Li River creates a peaceful scene. It is a perfect way to end your visit to Xingping Ancient Town, where history and nature blend seamlessly.