Xingping is a well-preserved Qing Dynasty river town whose surrounding karst scenery, viewed from the nearby Nine Horses Fresco Hill viewpoint, appears on the reverse of China's 20-yuan banknote. The town itself has cobblestone streets, an old pier, and easy access to short bamboo raft rides on the Li River.
Xingping sits about 85km from Guilin and 25km from Yangshuo in Guangxi's Yangshuo County, reached in roughly 1.5 hours from Guilin or 30-40 minutes from Yangshuo by bus (¥15-20), or by joining a Li River cruise that terminates at the Xingping pier. The town preserves Qing Dynasty cobblestone streets and an old riverside pier, and it sits beneath the Nine Horses Fresco Hill viewpoint, whose karst backdrop appears on the reverse of China's 20-yuan banknote. A day here typically begins with the morning bus or cruise into Xingping, followed by a walk through the old town's stone-paved lanes to browse shops and see Qing-era buildings, then a short walk or boat ride to the 20-yuan-note viewpoint for the classic karst panorama, best seen in mid-morning to early afternoon light. Lunch options include riverside noodle stalls and small restaurants near the old pier serving Guilin-style rice noodles and river fish. In the afternoon, visitors can take a short bamboo raft ride along this stretch of the Li River before the return bus or cruise back to Guilin or Yangshuo. The town suits a visit in any season, but the clearest river views and most comfortable walking conditions fall between March and November; arriving in the morning avoids the afternoon tour-boat crowds that gather at the main pier.
| Distance | 85km from Guilin; 25km from Yangshuo |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5 hours from Guilin; 30-40 minutes from Yangshuo |
| Getting there | Bus from Guilin or Yangshuo to Xingping (¥15-20, ~$2.24-2.99) or combine with a Li River cruise that terminates at Xingping pier |
| Cost | $20-35 total (transport + optional raft ride) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Xingping Town, Yangshuo County, Guilin, Guangxi |
Location
Xingping Town, Yangshuo County, Guilin, Guangxi
Highlights
- 20-yuan-note viewpoint of the Li River karst scenery
- Nine Horses Fresco Hill
- Xingping's Qing Dynasty old town streets
- Short Li River bamboo raft rides
Tips for visiting
- Take the bus from Yangshuo rather than Guilin for the shortest travel time, at 30-40 minutes
- Combine the trip with a Li River cruise segment that terminates at Xingping pier for a scenic one-way approach
- Visit the 20-yuan-note viewpoint in mid-morning for the best light and to avoid afternoon tour-boat crowds
- Skip a formal bamboo raft booking and negotiate directly with raft operators at the pier for short rides
- Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets in the old town, which can be uneven
When to visit
March through November for clear river views; visit the 20-yuan-note viewpoint in mid-morning before afternoon tour-boat crowds arrive.
Frequently asked questions
Is Xingping better reached from Guilin or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo is closer, at 25km and 30-40 minutes by bus, making it the faster departure point if staying in Yangshuo.
What is the 20-yuan-note viewpoint?
It is a hillside vantage point near Xingping, at Nine Horses Fresco Hill, that shows the karst river scene printed on the back of China's 20-yuan banknote.
Can Xingping be combined with a Li River cruise?
Yes, many Li River cruises from Guilin terminate at Xingping pier, allowing a scenic river approach followed by time in the old town.
How long is needed to see Xingping properly?
A half day covers the old town and viewpoint, while a full day allows time for a bamboo raft ride and a slower pace through the streets.