Xingping Fishing Village Li River - Image 1
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Xingping Fishing Village Li River

4.5
·8 reviews·Gui Lin Shi, China

Xingping's Li River offers a surreal landscape of karst peaks, famously featured on China's 20 yuan note. Experience its beauty via bamboo raft.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, soft light

CrowdLow
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Xingping Fishing Village Li River - Image 1

Xingping Fishing Village Li River

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, soft light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Xingping's Li River offers a surreal landscape of karst peaks, famously featured on China's 20 yuan note. Experience its beauty via bamboo raft.

4.5
(8 reviews)

"Very beautiful place!!! Chinese landmark!!! Appears on the twenty yuan banknote!!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the 20 Yuan View

Find the viewpoint that matches the 20 RMB note for an iconic photo. Look for the specific rock formations!

🛶 Choose Your River Ride

Bamboo rafts offer an intimate experience, while larger boats are more stable. Book in advance if possible.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Li River Karst Peaks

Li River Karst Peaks

Along the Li River

Majestic, otherworldly karst mountains rise dramatically from the riverbanks. A true natural wonder.

20 RMB Banknote Viewpoint

20 RMB Banknote Viewpoint

Xingping Town

Spot the exact scenery featured on China's 20 yuan banknote. A must-see for a unique photo op.

Bamboo Rafting Adventure

Bamboo Rafting Adventure

Li River

Glide peacefully on a bamboo raft, getting up close to the stunning natural formations. An unforgettable experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit during daylight hours for the best views of the karst mountains. Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for a more serene experience. Consider the season for comfortable weather.

Embrace the Scenery

The iconic karst landscape is the main draw. Whether you choose a bamboo raft or a larger boat, the journey along the Li River offers unparalleled vistas. Don't forget your camera to capture the beauty.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, soft light
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Maling River in #Guizhou is known for its exhilarating #rafting. Let’s enjoy this 13.8km thrilling water ride with our Joe! #Outdoors #nature #chinatravel
@localpanda
30.1K likes • 537.2K views

📸 Capture the 20 Yuan View

Find the viewpoint that matches the 20 RMB note for an iconic photo. Look for the specific rock formations! Reddit

🛶 Choose Your River Ride

Bamboo rafts offer an intimate experience, while larger boats are more stable. Book in advance if possible. TikTok

🚶 Explore Xingping Town

Wander through the charming old streets of Xingping after your river tour. Discover local life. Reddit

☀️ Avoid Midday Sun

The sun can be intense. Go early or late to avoid the heat and enjoy better light for photos. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the 20 Yuan View

Find the viewpoint that matches the 20 RMB note for an iconic photo. Look for the specific rock formations! Reddit

🛶 Choose Your River Ride

Bamboo rafts offer an intimate experience, while larger boats are more stable. Book in advance if possible. TikTok

🚶 Explore Xingping Town

Wander through the charming old streets of Xingping after your river tour. Discover local life. Reddit

☀️ Avoid Midday Sun

The sun can be intense. Go early or late to avoid the heat and enjoy better light for photos. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(8 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking karst scenery of the Li River, often calling it a 'must-see' and highlighting its appearance on the 20 yuan banknote. The boat excursions are described as unforgettable, offering stunning views. Some find the town itself charming, though the primary draw remains the natural landscape.

"P.R. China 20 RMB Bank Note. very Scenic Spot."

Andreas Wethli

"Very beautiful place!!! Chinese landmark!!! Appears on the twenty yuan banknote!!! Boat excursion is an unforgettable sight!!! You go along the river and around you are giant mountains!!!"

Nikolay Palamar

""

Emin İslam Tatlı

What People Like

Spectacular karst mountains
Iconic 20 RMB view
Scenic boat excursions

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Commercialization

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is to take a bus from Yangshuo Bus Station to Xingping. The journey takes about 40-60 minutes. Alternatively, you can hire a private car or taxi. Some visitors also opt for a scenic boat trip from Guilin to Yangshuo, which often stops near Xingping. Reddit

Once in Xingping, the Li River is easily accessible. You can walk to the ferry terminal or hire a local tricycle taxi. The main embarkation points for boat tours are clearly marked. Reddit

Yes, you can drive to Xingping, but parking can be challenging, especially during peak season. It's often recommended to park outside the main village area and walk in. Reddit

You can take a bus from Guilin to Yangshuo and then another bus to Xingping, or take a direct bus from Guilin to Xingping if available. Another popular option is the high-speed train from Guilin to Yangshuo, followed by a bus or taxi to Xingping. Reddit

Yes, you can find local taxis and tricycle taxis in Xingping. They are useful for short distances within the town or to nearby attractions. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There isn't a specific entrance fee for Xingping Fishing Village itself, but you will need to pay for boat tours on the Li River. The cost varies depending on the type of boat and duration. Reddit

Prices for bamboo raft rides can vary, but expect to pay around 100-200 RMB per person for a shorter trip. It's advisable to confirm the current prices with the operators. Reddit

Yes, you can choose between traditional bamboo rafts for a more intimate experience or larger tourist boats that offer more amenities and cover longer distances. TikTokReddit

While you can often book tours on the spot, booking in advance, especially during peak season, can secure your spot and potentially a better price. Check with local tour operators or your accommodation. Reddit

Boat tours typically operate during daylight hours, from morning until late afternoon. It's best to check the specific operating times with the boat companies on the day of your visit. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The most famous viewpoint is located near the Xingping ferry terminal. Look for the distinctive peaks that match the design on the 20 yuan note. It's a popular spot for photos. Reddit

A half-day to a full day is usually sufficient to enjoy a boat tour, explore the village, and capture the iconic views. If you plan to hike in the surrounding areas, allow more time. Reddit

You can explore the charming old streets of Xingping, visit local markets, and enjoy the rural atmosphere. Hiking in the surrounding hills offers panoramic views of the karst landscape. Reddit

Absolutely! Xingping is a photographer's paradise, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light is soft and dramatic. The karst formations offer endless photographic opportunities. TikTok

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the sun can be strong. A light jacket might be useful in cooler months. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find local Guangxi cuisine, often featuring fresh river fish, local vegetables, and rice dishes. Many restaurants offer simple, authentic meals. Reddit

Xingping has a good selection of restaurants and eateries, particularly along the main streets and near the river. You can find everything from casual snack stalls to sit-down restaurants. Reddit

While meat dishes are common, most restaurants can prepare vegetarian options upon request. Specify your dietary needs clearly. Reddit

Look for dishes like Li River fish, stir-fried local greens, and various rice noodle preparations. Trying the local beer is also a good idea. Reddit

Some of the larger tourist boats may offer basic snacks or drinks for purchase, but it's generally recommended to eat before or after your boat trip in Xingping town. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast karst landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific peaks. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and water. TikTok

The most famous spot is near the Xingping ferry. You'll see the distinctive peaks that are on the 20 yuan note. It's a popular photo location. Reddit

Drone usage is often restricted in scenic areas and national parks in China. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

Beyond the main karst views, look for reflections in the river, local fishermen, and the charming architecture of Xingping town. The changing light on the mountains is always a subject. TikTok

Xingping Fishing Village Li River (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide