Xingping Ancient Town in Yangshuo, Guilin: Over 1,700 Years of History, Free Admission

Yangshuo in Guilin is home to the historic Xingping Ancient Town, which served as the seat of Xiping County since the first year of the Ganlu era of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period (265 AD), located in Shizigan Village, Xingping Town, with a history of over 1,700 years. Because this place features the background scene on the 20-yuan note, many visitors come here specifically to check in.

"Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven," and the 83-kilometer essence section of the Li River in Yangshuo lies within Xingping Ancient Town. In July 1998, then U.S. President Bill Clinton toured the Li River and visited Xingping Fishing Village.

Viewed from the rooftop of a residence, Xingping Ancient Town is embraced by green mountains and clear waters, with misty clouds and rows of houses, resembling a fairyland.

Walking into the stone-paved street of Xingping Ancient Town, there is a plaque at the gateway reading "Ancient Xiping." Many visitors may wonder about this. According to historical records, in 265 AD, Xingping was called Xiping County, governing the Yangshuo area. During the Sui Dynasty, Xiping County was renamed Yangshuo County, and Xingping came under the jurisdiction of Yangshuo. The pronunciation of "Xiping" is similar to "Xingping," and it gradually came to be known as Xingping.

Xingping Ancient Town is actually quite small, mainly consisting of one old street that is not very long. The shops along the street are generally run by locals.

With a history of over 1,700 years, walking into Xingping Ancient Town, the first thing you see is a long street that largely retains original residential houses. Local residents still live here.

Songhua candy is one of Guangxi Yangshuo's traditional famous snacks with a history of over 200 years. It is purely handmade and a beloved local snack. According to legend, it originated in the 10th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty.

The Guandi Temple at No. 23 Rongtan Street in Xingping Town shows a weathered exterior.

This ancient stage in Xingping, also known as the "Wannian Stage," is located inside the Guandi Temple. It was built in the 4th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1739 AD), with a history of 268 years. The Xingping ancient stage is one of the oldest and best-preserved Qing Dynasty stages in northern Guangxi.

Visiting the Wannian Stage is free. Enter from one side, walk onto the stage, take a loop inside, and exit—about ten minutes is enough. The stage is ancient, but there are many stalls selling tourist souvenirs inside, making it feel quite commercialized.

There are five wooden carvings on the wooden railing in front of the stage. Although finely crafted, due to age, the facial expressions of the carved figures are no longer visible.

A dragon chair is placed inside the Appreciation Pavilion.

The ancient stage is set up with a scene of an honest official judging a case. In the center, the wooden screen has four carved bamboo paintings, with a couplet on both sides: "Spirit of flowers and plants, changes of wind and clouds; flowing water today, moon of past life."

Behind the stage, private collections from Xingping are displayed.

The stone-paved road on the old street has a subtle ancient charm, especially after rain, it appears even longer.

Xingping Ancient Town is worth a visit. It feels very peaceful, mainly because there are few people. Strolling on the stone-paved road gives a sense of traveling back to ancient times.

After passing through the old street, there is a wide square.

On the left side of the square is the Xingping Town Central Health Center.

A merit tablet on the square records the names of donors who contributed money to build the road.

Old-style connected buildings, each household with its own chimney, interesting architecture.

The closed Film and Television Special Effects Experience Hall.

On the old street, an elderly woman is seen drying a net and taking off the fish caught.

At 9 a.m., many shops have not yet opened, and there are few tourists on the street. The further in, the more desolate it becomes, with most shops closed.

Shops begin to open one after another.

On ordinary days, Xingping Ancient Town does not have many visitors, so there is no crowding. Walking through the alleys here truly feels like being inside an ink painting.

The oldest restaurant on this street.

Unlike other thousand-year-old towns, Xingping Ancient Town is open for free without an admission fee. Amid the dilapidated old alleys with few people, it is a perfect place to space out and relax.