Xingping

兴坪

This ancient riverside village on the Li River downstream from Yangshuo preserves Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and serves as the perfect base for exploring the middle section of the Li River. Xingping is less touristy than Yangshuo but equally scenic, with excellent views of karst peaks.

Things to do

• Li River bamboo rafting — Drift downstream on traditional bamboo rafts with cormorant fishermen at dawn or dusk, a practice dating back centuries.
• Xingping ancient town walk — Stroll through narrow Ming and Qing dynasty alleyways lined with stone-fronted shops, ancestral halls, and traditional wooden buildings.
• Nine-horse fresco mountain viewing — Hike to elevated viewpoints overlooking the iconic karst ridge with nine distinct horse-shaped peaks reflected in the river below.
• Riverside sunrise photography — Position yourself on the riverbank before dawn to capture mist rising over karst mountains and bamboo rafts silhouetted against the morning light.
• Old wharf exploration — Visit the ancient stone dock where merchant ships once traded, now a quiet spot revealing the village's former importance on the Li River trade route.
• Local market visit — Browse the early morning produce and fish market where villagers sell fresh vegetables, river snails, and caught fish.

Food to try

• Li River snails (螺蛳粉 base ingredients) — Foraged freshwater snails from the Li River prepared in spicy broth with bamboo shoots, a regional delicacy.
• Oil tea (油茶) — A savory Guangxi breakfast of roasted flour mixed with oil, salt, and herbs, traditionally served with crispy fried dough and peanuts.
• Bamboo shoot dishes — Fresh bamboo shoots harvested locally and prepared stir-fried, in soups, or pickled, reflecting the surrounding landscape.
• River fish steamed with ginger — Freshly caught Li River fish steamed whole with ginger and scallions, highlighting the purity of local ingredients.
• Glutinous rice flour pastries (汤圆) — Sweet rice dumplings filled with sesame or peanut served in light syrup, a comfort food available at local teahouses.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive early for cormorant fishing — Cormorant fishermen traditionally work at dusk and dawn; arrive by 5:30 AM or 6:00 PM to witness this UNESCO-recognized practice before tour crowds gather.
• Respect photography customs — Always ask permission before photographing local residents or cormorant fishermen, as they may request a small fee or prefer privacy.
• Wear sturdy shoes for uneven lanes — The ancient town's stone streets and paths are worn smooth and slippery when wet; proper footwear prevents falls on the historic alleyways.
• Learn basic Mandarin greetings — As a less touristy village, English is rarely spoken; simple phrases like 'nihao' and 'xièxiè' greatly improve interactions with local shop owners and fishermen.