1. Overview & History
Dating to 265 AD as the seat of Xiping County, Xingping evolved into a bustling market town under the Sui Dynasty (590 AD). Its name morphed from "Xiping" to "Xingping" over centuries. Today, it’s a 4.5-hectare heritage zone preserving Qing-era guildhalls, stone bridges, and the fishing village visited by President Clinton (1998).
2. Key Attractions
- 20 RMB Viewpoint: The Li River bend behind the 1999 banknote, framed by karst peaks like Laozaishan.
- Ancient Street: A 1km flagstone path lined with Ming-Qing guildhalls, woodcarving shops, and Songhua candy stalls.
- Guandi Temple (1739): Houses a Qing-era opera stage with wooden reliefs of legendary battles.
- Fishing Village: 48 Ming-Qing residences with horse-head walls, where Clinton savored rural Guangxi life.
3. Natural & Cultural Highlights
- Karst Wonders: Nine Horse Fresco Hill, Lotus Cave, and Tianshui Village offer hiking and photography.
- Traditions: Cormorant fishing, "Spring & Autumn Festivals", and folk opera thrive here.
- Artistic Legacy: Inspired Xu Beihong’s paintings and Ye Jianying’s poetry ("Indeed, the best scenery is in Xingping").
4. Activities
- Li River Cruise: Yangdi-Xingping rafting (4 hours) past water buffaloes and bamboo groves.
- Cycling: Explore countryside trails to Laozhai Mountain.
- Night Markets: Try beer fish and sticky rice wine under lantern-lit alleys.
5. Travel Tips
- Best Time: April–October (avoid summer heat).
- Access: 40-min bus from Yangshuo or Li River cruise drop-off.
- Fee: Free entry; ¥20 for fishing village.
6. Recognition
- UNESCO-listed (South China Karst).
- "Guilin’s Best-Preserved Ancient Town" by CCTV.
Xingping is where history floats on the Li River—a canvas of misty peaks, weathered stones, and unhurried rhythms.
