Xingping → Yangshuo → Pingle County → Huangyao Town

This Old Place Li-River Inn is a fantastic choice—it’s one of the most iconic spots in Xingping, known for its rooftop views and its proximity to the best hiking trails.

Since you have 3 nights, you have the luxury of beating the crowds (who usually only visit for a few hours). Here are my top suggestions for your stay:

1. The “Must-See” Classics

• The 20 RMB Note View (Yellow Cloth Reflection): * This is a short walk from your Inn. Don’t just go to the crowded viewing platform; walk along the riverbank path toward the 20 Yuan Observation Deck.

  • Tip: Go at sunrise. The water is calm, the mist is rising, and the tourist buses from Yangshuo won’t arrive until 10:00 AM.

• Laozhai Mountain (The Sunset Hike):

  • The trailhead is literally right behind your accommodation. It’s a steep, 30–45 minute scramble up stone steps and a few ladders.

  • Why: It offers the single best panoramic view of the Li River’s “Big Bend.” It is spectacular at sunset, but bring a headlamp for the way down!

• Li River Rafting (Xingping to Nine Horse Fresco Hill):

  • Take a 4-person motorized raft from the Xingping pier. The stretch between Xingping and Nine Horse Fresco Hill is considered the “crown jewel” of the river.

2. Authentic Experiences

• The Cormorant Fisherman: * You’ll see the famous elderly fishermen with their birds and lanterns. Note: Most are now “models” for photographers. You can usually arrange a private photo session through the front desk at This Old Place for around 200–300 RMB. It makes for an incredible 5-year memory (and a great Instagram post).

• Xianggong Hill (Sunrise Spot):

  • This is on the opposite side of the river. You’ll need to take a small ferry across the river and then a local van (about 30-40 mins).

  • Why: While Laozhai is best for sunset, Xianggong Hill is the undisputed king of sunrises. The hotel can help you book a driver for a 4:30 AM departure.

3. A Sample 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

  • Check-in and grab a coffee or pizza at the Inn (they are famous for their wood-fired pizza).

  • Wander through Xingping Ancient Town. It’s over 1,700 years old. Look for the ancient opera stage and the quiet back alleys.

• Day 2: Peaks and Rivers

  • Morning: Early morning raft trip on the Li River.

  • Afternoon: Rent an e-bike (scooter) and ride along the river toward Dahebei Village.

  • Late Afternoon: Hike up Laozhai Mountain for sunset.

• Day 3: The Photographer’s Dream

  • Early Morning: Trip to Xianggong Hill for the sunrise.

  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Fishing Village (accessible by boat), which was famously visited by Bill Clinton in the 90s.

  • Evening: Enjoy a “Beer Fish” (local specialty) dinner by the river.

Pro-Tips for Xingping

• The “Old Place” Vibe: Your Inn is legendary for its social atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet other travelers and find people to split the cost of a van to Xianggong Hill.

• Safety: The Laozhai Mountain path is unofficial and can be slippery. Wear shoes with good grip—no flip-flops!

• Cash/Apps: While WeChat/Alipay are king, keep some cash for the small ferry crossings to the other side of the river.

May is a fantastic time to visit Yangshuo, as the weather is warm and the vegetation is exceptionally lush. Since you’ll be there for four days, you can perfectly balance “active” days with more relaxed cultural experiences.

Here is a curated 4-day guide for your trip from 18 May to 21 May:

Day 1: The Iconic Waterways

• Morning: Li River Cruise or Xingping: If you are coming from Guilin, take the 4-hour cruise to Yangshuo. If already in town, head to Xingping Ancient Town (45 mins away) to see the famous landscape featured on the 20 RMB note.

• Afternoon: Hike Laozhai Mountain: Located in Xingping, this is a steep 30-minute climb but offers arguably the best panoramic view of the Li River’s “U-bend.”

• Evening: West Street (Xi Jie): Wander through the bustling town center for street food (try the Beer Fish), souvenir shopping, and a lively bar scene.

Day 2: Countryside & Bamboo Rafting

• Morning: Yulong River Bamboo Rafting: Unlike the motorized Li River boats, these are hand-paddled. The Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian section is highly recommended for its quiet beauty and “water weirs” (mini drops).

• Afternoon: Cycle the Ten-Mile Gallery: Rent a bike or e-scooter. This route passes through the most famous karst formations. Key stops include Moon Hill (climb the 800 steps for a view through the arch) and the Big Banyan Tree.

• Evening: Impression Sanjie Liu: Watch this massive outdoor light and dance show. It uses the actual Li River as a stage and the karst mountains as a backdrop.

Day 3: Adventure & Hidden Gems

• Morning: Sunrise at Xianggong Hill: A short but steep hike that rewards you with a world-class view of the Li River winding through the peaks. You’ll need to book a driver for a 4:30 AM start.

• Afternoon: Rock Climbing or Caving: Yangshuo is China’s rock climbing mecca. If you prefer staying “under” the mountains, visit Silver Cave or the Gold Water Cave (where you can take a therapeutic mud bath).

• Alternative: Visit Fuli Bridge, a 600-year-old stone bridge that is much quieter and more “Instagrammable” than the main tourist spots.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion

• Morning: Traditional Cooking Class: Several schools (like the Yangshuo Cooking School) take you to a local market to buy ingredients before teaching you how to cook 3–5 classic dishes in a farmhouse setting.

• Afternoon: Tai Chi or Calligraphy: Spend your last afternoon at a local school learning the slow, meditative movements of Tai Chi with a view of the mountains.

• Departure: Use this time for a final riverside walk or to pick up last-minute local tea and snacks.

Travel Tips for May:

• Weather: May is the start of the rainy season. Expect humidity and occasional heavy downpours. Pack a lightweight raincoat and waterproof shoes.

• Transport: Didi (the Chinese version of Uber) works well here, but renting an e-scooter is the most flexible and fun way to see the countryside.

• Booking: For the Impression Sanjie Liu show and bamboo rafting, ask your hotel to book tickets a day in advance to ensure you get a good time slot.

🥢 Must-Try Local Specialties

The prices for these iconic dishes are very reasonable:

• Huangyao Stuffed Tofu (黄姚豆腐): This is the town’s most famous dish. Tofu pieces are stuffed with minced pork and stewed with their signature black beans. Expect to pay about ¥30–¥45 for a generous plate.

• Fermented Black Bean Powder (豆豉粉): A savory, salty noodle dish that usually costs around ¥10–¥15 per bowl.

• Oil Tea (You Cha): A specialty of the region (more common in the morning or as a snack), usually served with small fried crackers for about ¥5–¥10.

💡 Budget Tips

• Eat Outside the Scenic Area: If you want to save money, eat at the restaurants just outside the main gate of the ancient town. Prices inside the “old walls” are slightly marked up for tourists.

• The “Home-Style” Rule: Look for signs saying “Private Home Cuisine” (私房菜). These are often family-run and offer the best quality-to-price ratio.

• Drink Prices: A local beer will cost about ¥10–¥15, while specialty “flower wines” (osmanthus or plum) sold in ceramic jars can vary from ¥20 to ¥60 depending on the size and quality.

Getting from Hong Kong to Xingping

is a smooth trip by high-speed rail, taking roughly 4 to 5 hours in total. While Xingping doesn’t have its own “Xingping Station,” it is served by Yangshuo Railway Station, which is actually located right in Xingping—making it the perfect arrival point.

🚆 Step 1: High-Speed Train from Hong Kong

There are no direct trains from Hong Kong to Yangshuo Station. You have two main transfer options:

Option A: Via Guangzhou South (Best Frequency)

This is the most flexible route with the most daily connections.

• Leg 1: Hong Kong West Kowloon → Guangzhou South (Approx. 45–60 mins).

• Leg 2: Guangzhou South → Yangshuo Station (Approx. 2–2.5 hours).

• Total Cost: ~¥340–¥380 ($47–$53 USD) for Second Class.

Option B: Via Shenzhen North (Often Faster)

Since Shenzhen is closer to Hong Kong, this can sometimes be the quickest route if your connection times align.

• Leg 1: Hong Kong West Kowloon → Shenzhen North (15–20 mins).

• Leg 2: Shenzhen North → Yangshuo Station (Approx. 2.5–3 hours).

• Total Cost: ~¥310–¥340 ($43–$47 USD) for Second Class.

🚌 Step 2: Getting to Xingping Town

Once you arrive at Yangshuo Railway Station, you are only about 8km from the center of Xingping.

• Shuttle Bus: The easiest and cheapest way. Exit the station and look for the ticket office on the left. The “High-Speed Line 2” bus to Xingping Bus Station costs ¥5 and takes about 10–15 minutes.

• Taxi/Didi: If you have heavy luggage, a taxi or Didi will take about 10 minutes and cost roughly ¥30–¥50.

💡 Important Travel Tips for 2026

• Booking: Use the 12306 official app or Trip.com. Tickets open 15 days in advance. In 2026, many routes use e-tickets, so your passport is your ticket; just scan it at the gates.

• Immigration: You will clear both Hong Kong and Mainland China customs at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. Arrive at least 90 minutes before your departure to ensure you have enough time.

• Station Confusion: Make sure you book tickets to Yangshuo Station (阳朔站), NOT Guilin Station. While Guilin is the major city, Yangshuo Station is the one physically located in Xingping.

Would you like me to check the current train schedules for a specific time of day?