Why is Xingping famous?

The Li River bend at Xingping is the scene printed on the back of the old 20-yuan banknote. It is also the easiest place to catch the classic karst-and-fisherman view without the long cruise.

How do I reach Xingping from Yangshuo?

Buses run from Yangshuo to Xingping in about 40 minutes. You can also take a motor boat up the river, or a bike ride along the riverside path in good weather.

Is Xingping free to enter?

Yes, the old town and the riverside walk are free. A small ferry or a short climb to the hill viewpoint may cost a few yuan, but wandering costs nothing.

Xingping Ancient Town 2026: The 20-Yuan View & How to Get There

Xingping Ancient Town is a riverside village on the Li River whose bend appears on the old 20-yuan note. Learn how to reach it, the best photo spot and the riverside walk.

A busy street market in Xingping ancient town — Photo: Willian Justen · Pexels License · source page · author

Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇) sits on a bend of the Li River about 85 km from Guilin, and that bend is the one printed on the back of the old 20-yuan note. It is the shortcut to the classic Guilin view without riding the full cruise.

Intro: why go

Xingping keeps a real village feel: a tangle of old lanes, a riverside market and fishers mending nets. The draw is the river horizon — karst towers stacked to the horizon, with cormorant boats posing for the same shot everyone wants. Come for sunrise or late afternoon when the light turns the water gold.

Tickets & booking

The old town and the riverside walk are free to enter. A short ferry across to the opposite bank, or the small climb to Laozhai Hill for the panorama, may cost a few yuan each. There is no gate ticket, and no reservation is needed. Arrive early if you want the unobstructed 20-yuan viewpoint before the tour buses.

How to get there & in-site route

From Yangshuo, buses reach Xingping in about 40 minutes; from Guilin, train to Yangshuo then bus is fastest. Once in Xingping, walk down to the wharf, cross or follow the path to the bend, and shoot toward the far peaks. Allow two to three hours for the lanes, the river and a coffee.

Facilities

The town has guesthouses, noodle shops, cafes and ATMs. The riverside has a few stalls selling drinks and the famous note replica. Toilets are basic. Alipay and WeChat are accepted in most shops; carry some cash.

Best season & seasonal pros and cons

Spring and autumn give clear reflections and warm light. Summer is lush and humid, with afternoon storms. Winter is cold and misty, which can hide the peaks but makes moody photos. Avoid the October holiday for a calm visit.

Tips & scams

The cormorant fishermen charge a fee to pose; agree the price before you shoot. Ignore touts offering “private viewpoint” access. Wear grippy shoes on the wet riverside rocks, and keep the note shot for the open bend, not the crowded pier.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Xingping famous?: The Li River bend at Xingping is the scene printed on the back of the old 20-yuan banknote. It is also the easiest place to catch the classic karst-and-fisherman view without the long cruise.
How do I reach Xingping from Yangshuo?: Buses run from Yangshuo to Xingping in about 40 minutes. You can also take a motor boat up the river, or a bike ride along the riverside path in good weather.
Is Xingping free to enter?: Yes, the old town and the riverside walk are free. A small ferry or a short climb to the hill viewpoint may cost a few yuan, but wandering costs nothing.

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18. Ticket seasons and crowd seasons are different things — this page states both where they differ.