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Bottom line: Xingping is a small riverside town 25 km from Yangshuo and the real-life setting of China's 20 RMB banknote. It works as a half-day photo trip, a slower overnight stop, or a natural break on the Guilin–Yangshuo scenic drive.
Quick answer
- What it is: A small riverside town 25 km northeast of Yangshuo, famous as the backdrop of China's 20 RMB banknote.
- Best for: Photography, a slower half-day escape from Yangshuo, and a classic Li River viewpoint without a long cruise.
- How to get there: 40-minute bus or car from Yangshuo; 1.5-hour drive from Guilin; Li River cruise also passes nearby.
- Top things to do: 20 RMB viewpoint, Xingping old street walk, Laozhai Mountain sunset, cormorant fisherman photo at dusk.
- Cost: Free viewpoint; cormorant photos ¥20–100; ferry ¥5–15; old street free to walk.
Overview
Xingping (兴坪 / Xīngpíng) sits on the east bank of the Li River where the water slows and karst peaks rise straight from the farmland. It is smaller and quieter than Yangshuo town, and most travelers visit for three reasons: the iconic 20 RMB bill scenery, the compact old street, and the sunset view from Laozhai Mountain.
The town works well as a half-day trip from Yangshuo, a stop on the drive between Guilin and Yangshuo, or a place to spend one night if you want sunrise over the river without the Yangshuo crowds.
How to get there
From Yangshuo
- Bus: Regular buses run from Yangshuo Bus Station to Xingping. The journey takes 40–50 minutes and costs roughly ¥10–15.
- Car / DiDi: About 25 km via the main road. Driving takes 35–45 minutes depending on traffic.
- Bicycle / e-scooter: Fit riders can cycle from Yangshuo in 1.5–2 hours. This is the route used in our Yangshuo e-scooter epic loop.
From Guilin
- Car: ~90 km, 1.5 hours. Many travelers combine Xingping with the scenic drive to Yangshuo. See our Guilin–Yangshuo scenic self-drive.
- Li River cruise: The classic Guilin-to-Yangshuo cruise passes the Xingping area. You can also take a shorter Xingping-focused cruise from Yangshuo or directly from the Xingping pier.
Navigation search terms
| Destination | Search in Amap / Gaode |
|---|---|
| Xingping Ancient Town | 兴坪古镇 / Xingping Ancient Town |
| 20 RMB Viewpoint | 二十元人民币背景 / Xingping 20 RMB Viewpoint |
| Laozhai Mountain | 老寨山 / Laozhai Mountain |
| Xingping Pier | 兴坪码头 / Xingping Pier |
What to expect
The 20 RMB viewpoint
The riverside view on China's 20 RMB note is just outside Xingping. Several spots along the bank offer the classic angle.
- Free angle: Walk along the river path near the official viewpoint. You do not need to pay to see the scenery.
- Best light: Morning for calm water reflections; late afternoon for warm sidelight on the peaks.
- Commercial photo setups: Cormorant fishermen with traditional lanterns and birds pose for photos at dusk. Prices range from ¥20 for a quick phone shot to ¥100+ for a staged scene with lighting.
Xingping old street
A short strip of old buildings, small restaurants, souvenir shops, and guesthouses. It is much smaller than Yangshuo's West Street and feels more local.
- Walking time: 30–60 minutes at a slow pace.
- Food: Local noodles, bamboo rice, fresh river fish. Prices are lower than Yangshuo center.
- Shopping: Handicrafts, postcards, and the usual tourist trinkets. Negotiate if buying.
Laozhai Mountain (老寨山 / Lǎozhài Shān)
A steep 30–40 minute hike above Xingping with one of the best sunset viewpoints over the Li River bend.
- Difficulty: Steep stone steps and rough paths. Not recommended after rain or in the dark.
- View: Panoramic view of the river, karst peaks, and town.
- Safety: The trail is unofficial in parts. Wear good shoes and take a phone with a charged battery.
Ferry to the other bank
A small ferry crosses the Li River from Xingping to the west bank, where you can walk to additional viewpoints and quieter farmland.
- Price: Around ¥5–15 one-way, depending on whether it is the local ferry or a tourist boat.
- Why go: Fewer crowds and a different angle of the river.
Cost breakdown
| Item | Price (RMB) | Approx. USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yangshuo → Xingping bus | ¥10–15 | ~US$1.50–2 | 40–50 minutes |
| 20 RMB viewpoint | Free | Free | Public riverside path |
| Cormorant fisherman photo | ¥20–100 | ~US$3–14 | Optional; more expensive at sunset |
| Laozhai Mountain hike | Free | Free | Unofficial trail; no ticket |
| River ferry | ¥5–15 | ~US$1–2 | Local ferry or small tourist boat |
| Lunch (per person) | ¥30–60 | ~US$4–8 | Local noodles or river fish |
| Xingping → Yangshuo DiDi | ¥40–70 | ~US$6–10 | Price varies with demand |
*USD estimates based on August 2026 exchange rates. Verify current prices before you go.
Tips for foreign visitors
- Payment: Small restaurants and ferry operators prefer cash or WeChat Pay/Alipay. Foreign cards are rarely accepted in Xingping. Set up mobile payment before arriving. See our digital setup guide →
- Language: English is limited outside the main photo spots. Write the Chinese names of your destinations and show them to drivers.
- Best time of day: Arrive by 8 AM to see the river in soft morning light and avoid tour groups. Sunset at Laozhai is popular but the trail can be crowded.
- Photography etiquette: The cormorant fishermen are local performers, not random fishermen. Agree on the price before taking close-up photos.
- Safety: The 20 RMB viewpoint path runs close to the river. Watch your footing, especially after rain.
- Combine with a road trip: Xingping fits naturally into a Guilin–Yangshuo driving day. Park near the official lot and walk.