Nestled along the winding Li River in Guangxi, Xingping Ancient Town is a living postcard from China’s vibrant past. With its cobblestone streets, weathered stone houses, and iconic mountain vistas, Xingping captures the spirit of traditional southern Chinese life. Famous both for its breathtaking scenery and as a centuries-old trading center, this charming riverside town has inspired poets, painters, and travelers for generations. In this article, we’ll explore Xingping’s rich history, cultural significance, and what makes it a must-see destination.
Read on to uncover the stories behind its timeless beauty and enduring allure.
Xingping Ancient Town: The Timeless Jewel of the Li River
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Nestled between forested limestone peaks and the tranquil waters of the Li River, Xingping Ancient Town stands as a living testament to China’s past and a shining example of its enduring scenic beauty. Combining more than a millennium of history with some of the most breathtaking vistas in southern China, Xingping has become a beloved destination for travelers seeking both cultural depth and natural wonder. Let’s explore what makes Xingping so unique in the story of Chinese culture.
Origins and History of Xingping Ancient Town
An Ancient Town with Deep Roots
Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇) sits about 25 kilometers northeast of Yangshuo in Guangxi Province. Its history stretches back over 1,300 years, tracing its earliest roots to the Qin and Han dynasties, though most of its preserved relics date to the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) periods. Once the largest market town along the Li River, Xingping thrived as a bustling center for trade, especially given its strategic riverside location.
Over the centuries, Xingping endured wars, upheavals, and waves of social change. Remarkably, its core survived: cobblestone streets, age-old residences, and slow-paced village rhythms still echo through its lanes. This makes Xingping not just a charming travel destination, but a living museum of southern Chinese life.
Xingping’s Role in History
Beyond trade, Xingping also held military and administrative significance. Ruins of fortifications and county seats from the Southern and Northern Dynasties era can still be found, hinting at its former status as a local stronghold. The town is sometimes called the “President Fishing Village” due to visits by leaders such as Sun Yat-sen (founder of modern China) and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, both of whom came to appreciate its scenery and cultural heritage.
The Unique Culture and Symbolism of Xingping
Traditional Architecture
Strolling through Xingping’s narrow alleys, you’ll notice rows of traditional houses with blue bricks, black roof tiles, elegant wooden windows, and distinctive upturned eaves. These well-preserved residences, particularly visible in the old fishing village area, showcase Northern Guangxi’s Ming and Qing architectural styles. Carved lintels, flying eaves, and “horse-head walls” (high, flame-shaped sidewalls at building ends) are characteristic flourishes.
This blend of architecture isn’t just about beauty—it reflects the craftsmanship, aesthetic ideals, and social values of the communities that built and cherished these homes over the centuries.
A Landscape Steeped in Legend
Xingping’s beauty is legendary. The Li River here bends and curves through a series of iconic karst mountains, creating vistas so spectacular that the view near Xingping was chosen for the back of China’s 20-yuan banknote. Local folklore endows the peaks with lively names and stories: Pretty Woman Looking in the Mirror, General Drawing His Sword, Nine Horses Fresco Hill, and Carp Drinking from the River. Each formation tells a tale or embodies a traditional value—loyalty, wisdom, perseverance—reflecting how nature and culture intertwine in Chinese thought.
Cormorant Fishing: An Enduring Tradition
One of Xingping’s most captivating cultural practices is cormorant fishing. At dawn or dusk, fishermen glide along the Li River in slender bamboo rafts, their loyal cormorants perched atop. With centuries-old skill, these birds are trained to catch fish and return them to their handlers. This practice, now a cherished symbol of the region, offers a glimpse into harmonious relationships between humans and nature, and remains an enduring image of rural Chinese ingenuity.
Role in Traditions, Festivals, and Daily Life
Festivals and Local Customs
While Xingping hosts a range of traditional Chinese festivals, such as Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, its local customs particularly revolve around river life. On festival days, the river becomes animated with dragon boats, music, and lanterns, as villagers honor their ancestors and pray for prosperity. The Lantern Festival and fishing-themed rituals bring the community together and illuminate the interplay between daily labor and celebration.
Handcrafts and Culinary Heritage
Artisans in Xingping continue to produce local crafts—bamboo wares, carved wooden figurines, and handmade paper—often sold along Ancient Street. Food lovers will discover specialties shaped by river and mountain: fresh fish, river snails, and signature “beer fish” cooked in local brews. Street-side stalls offer tangy rice noodles and savory snacks, making a stroll through the old town a rich sensory experience.
Iconic Landmarks and Scenic Wonders
The “Twenty Yuan View” and Li River Cruises
Standing at the riverbank near Xingping’s ferry terminal, you’re treated to the very view immortalized on the 20-yuan Chinese note: a tranquil Li River winding amidst emerald peaks. Morning mist and golden sunsets bathe the panorama in dreamlike hues. This spot is one of the most photographed scenes in China, drawing artists and photographers from around the world.
River cruises, often by bamboo raft or small boat, offer the best way to immerse yourself in the landscape. Along the way, you’ll spot other famous formations like Nine Horse Fresco Hill (whose patterns legend says resemble nine horses in motion) and Yellow Cloth Shoal—a wide, mirrored sheet of water favored by poets and painters.
Ancient Streets and the Old Fishing Village
Xingping’s ancient street is lined with Ming- and Qing-era shopfronts, stone archways, and timeworn teahouses. The old fishing village, just across the river, preserves about forty-eight traditional houses. Wandering here you can feel the rhythms of country life—sun-dried fish hanging by doorways, children playing in alleys, elders weaving fishing nets.
Myths, Anecdotes, and Artistic Inspiration
Legends in the Landscapes
Many hills and peaks are wrapped in myth. The famous Nine Horses Fresco Hill is said to have formed when nine heavenly horses descended to earth as a blessing, their outlines forever etched into the rock face. Tales like “Pretty Woman Looking in the Mirror” and “General Drawing His Sword” are told to children, reminding listeners of ancient virtues.
Literary and Artistic Influence
Over centuries, poets, painters, and scholars traveled to Xingping to seek inspiration. Numerous classical verses describe its scenery; Chinese brush paintings often feature the same misty mountains and mirrored water still visible today. The town’s tranquil elegance and historic structures have long symbolized the “idyllic retreat” so prized in Chinese art and philosophy.
Presidential Visits
Xingping’s fame grew internationally after visits from major statesmen. When President Bill Clinton visited in 1998, he toured the old fishing village and met with cormorant fishermen. The event was celebrated locally, and a “President Fishing Village” plaque now commemorates the occasion.
Modern Relevance and Sustainable Tourism
Rediscovery as a Travel Destination
While Xingping was once overshadowed by nearby Yangshuo, in recent years it has emerged as a peaceful alternative for travelers seeking authenticity over crowds. Eco-friendly hostels, boutique guesthouses, and artist retreats cater to visitors without overwhelming the local way of life.
The slow-paced mornings and quiet evenings—when day-trippers have left—reveal a side of China often missed in busy cities. Xingping encourages mindful travel, offering both relaxation and immersive culture.
Conservation and Living Heritage
Local efforts to preserve traditional architecture and customs are robust. Many older homes have been carefully restored. Cormorant fishing is now as much a symbolic practice as an economic one—performed for cultural preservation and demonstration rather than for livelihood. Artisans and elders teach young people about local history, ensuring that legends, skills, and stories are passed on.
Interesting Facts and Stories
- The 20-Yuan Note: The reverse side of China’s 20-yuan bill features the iconic river bend at Xingping, a point of pride for locals.
- No Entry Fee: The old town itself doesn’t charge admission, welcoming all visitors, though certain scenic spots may have small fees.
- Mountains with Personalities: Each peak is named for what it resembles—if you use your imagination, you’ll spot horses, monks, carps, officials, and even an arhat (enlightened Buddhist sage) among the hills.
- The Best Times to Visit: Early morning is magical, with mist on the river and fishermen at work, while sunset transforms the town’s ancient stones and waters into gold.
- Local Delicacies: River fish seasoned with wild herbs and “beer fish,” a tangy dish cooked in local brew, are must-try specialties.
Conclusion
Xingping Ancient Town offers much more than charming scenery—it’s an immersive journey into the essence of southern Chinese culture. With a tapestry woven from ancient history, captivating legends, folk traditions, and majestic natural landscapes, Xingping remains a timeless jewel on the Li River. Whether you’re wandering its silent old streets, gliding by misty peaks on a bamboo raft, or savoring the flavors of river life, you’ll find yourself stepping into a living story that continues to inspire all who visit.
FAQ
What is Xingping Ancient Town famous for?
Xingping Ancient Town is best known for its stunning karst landscapes along the Li River, its beautifully preserved Ming and Qing dynasty streets and houses, and as the site featured on China’s 20-yuan banknote. It’s also famous for cormorant fishing and as a peaceful, historic alternative to busier nearby towns like Yangshuo.
How old is Xingping Ancient Town?
The town’s history stretches over 1,300 years, with its earliest records in the imperial era. Most of the preserved buildings and artifacts date from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
What is the best way to experience Xingping’s scenic beauty?
Take a bamboo raft or small boat cruise on the Li River, especially at sunrise or sunset. The view near the ferry terminal—dubbed the “20-yuan view”—is particularly iconic.
Can I see cormorant fishing in Xingping?
Yes, cormorant fishing demonstrations are regularly held, especially at dawn or dusk. While once an everyday practice, today it is mostly performed for visitors as a way of preserving and showcasing local traditions.
What are some must-see spots in Xingping?
Highlights include the Ancient Street, the old Fishing Village, Nine Horse Fresco Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal, the “Pretty Woman Looking in the Mirror” rock formation, and the famous “20-yuan note” viewpoint by the river.
Is Xingping suitable for overnight stays, or just day trips?
While many visit on day trips from Yangshuo or Guilin, staying overnight is highly recommended. Once daytime crowds depart, the town becomes tranquil and magical, perfect for exploring or simply relaxing.
How do you get to Xingping Ancient Town?
Most visitors reach Xingping by bus, taxi, or bike from Yangshuo (about 25 km away) or Guilin (about 63 km away). You can also arrive by boat as part of a Li River cruise.
What type of traditional architecture will I find in Xingping?
Expect to see narrow stone lanes, blue brick houses with sweeping black tiled roofs, ornate wooden doors and windows, “horse-head” flame-shaped side walls, and intricate woodwork, all characteristic of Ming and Qing southern Chinese styles.
Are there any local festivals or special events in Xingping?
Yes. In addition to national holidays, Xingping celebrates river-themed festivals, the Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and local temple fairs, often featuring performances, boat races, and communal feasts.
Is Xingping Ancient Town family-friendly for travelers with kids?
Absolutely. Kids love the riverside boat rides, wandering old streets, watching cormorant fishing, and exploring the hills. Just be mindful of riverbanks and uneven cobblestone paths when walking with young children.
