Xingping village is located in the Guangxi province approximately 27 km northeast of Yangshuo and 63 km from Guilin. From this vantage point, it offers visitors the chance to discover the architecture, landscapes and culture of southwestern Chine.

History

Founded in 265 during the period of the Three Kingdoms (220–280), Xingping was once the largest city along the Li River. A place where tranquility reigned, Xingping long remained off the beaten path for travellers. However, following the visit of the renowned Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the first president of the Republic of Chine in 1921, Xingping became a highly sought-after destination for high-ranking dignitaries. In 1998, former United States president Bill Clinton, accompanied by his wife Hillary Clinton, visited the village. Captivated by the authenticity of its landscapes and the modesty of its buildings, the former presidential couple praised Xingping's beauty.

Exploring Xingping Village

Xingping village covers a fairly expansive area extending up to 496 km². It is one of the largest villages along the Li River. A fishing village, Xingping captivates visitors with its authenticity and welcomes them with its charming old street, revealing typical and culturally rich architecture. The ancient soul of the place seems far from faded, making it a highly coveted destination for travellers seeking to discover authentic ancient Chine.

Discovering the Fishing Village

Situated approximately 2 km from Xingping, the fishing village owes its renown to the unique fishing technique native to the region. It is also celebrated for its traditional architecture and its karst landscapes dominated by mountainous terrain. Built during the Ming Dynasty in 1506, this small settlement houses several traditional buildings designed in Ming and Qing architectural styles. It contains over 48 beautifully preserved traditional residences. This hamlet presents, through the daily life of its local inhabitants, a provincial Chinese culture distinctly characteristic of northern Guangxi. The daily existence of residents centres around fishing, practised here aboard bamboo rafts. The cormorant fishing technique employed here captures the curiosity of countless tourists who sometimes attempt this rather unique activity themselves. Early in the morning, venture out with a fisherman and his cormorants on his raft for a fishing session. With a string tied around their necks, the cormorants dive into the water to catch fish, which are then retrieved in their beaks and kept in a basket. The fishing village landscape ranks among the most beautiful natural vistas in the Yangshuo region. Situated in a mountainous zone, it is surrounded by hills of peculiar shapes embodying images from traditional Chinese ink paintings. Here you'll find the Daojian hill, which resembles a knife and sword, Bijia hill, Jinwa hill or the golden tile, and Sengni hill, which resemble a monk and nun in heated dispute. It is also encircled by seven mountains, often regarded by locals as the guardians of the place.

Strolling Through Xingping's Old Street

Spanning 1 km in length, Xingping's old street is another major attraction of the village. It is a long cobblestone street lined on both sides by aged brick houses with reception rooms at their centre. It also houses the Guandi Temple, dedicated to a god of war general, and magnificent ancient banyan trees dating from the Qing Dynasty. These two venerable relics bear witness to the village's long history.

Exploring Lotus Cave

The lotus cave is situated 3 km northeast of Xingping village. Stretching over 600 metres long and 2 metres wide, it features various formations of stalactites. The "inverted lotus petals suspended" and the "two creeping dragons" are the principal attractions of this site. In total, there are some 108 small lotus pools, each harbouring several stalactites of varying sizes with diameters ranging from 20 cm to 1.5 metres.

Hiking Along the Li River

Nothing beats a pleasant walk along the banks of the Li River through magnificent countryside. The route between Xingping and Yangdi will lead you along a path through an extraordinary karst landscape where nothing but the wind and the occasional farmer will disturb the peace and serenity of your stroll. Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of walking to reach Yangdi.

From Guilin's bus station, you can take a bus to Yangshuo and then transfer to a bus heading to Xingping. At Yangshuo's bus station, regular minibuses are also available to reach the village.

Opening Hours and Admission

You will need to pay an entrance fee of 10 RMB to explore Xingping.