Over the years since its first mention in popular guide books, Yangshuo has grown increasingly more popular with tourists from both China and around the globe. This popularity is evident in the constant stream of holidaymakers arriving into town via the bus station or Li River Cruise. If you find yourself annoyed by the crowds, inflated prices or banana/Buddha peddlers, head to Xingping Village (兴坪古镇 Xīngpíng Gǔ Zhèn).

Xingping is similar to Yangshuo in many respects—karst pinnacles, old brick houses, the Li River, hotels and most everything you can see in Yangshuo—without the crowds. The Old Bridge, Ancient Ferries, Guting, the ancient stage, an 18th century temple, gnarled old trees and ancient buildings can all be found hidden around Xingping in alleys and long narrow roads. It is an excellent place to spend an afternoon exploring before enjoying local specialties such as beer fish (啤酒鱼 pí jiǔ yú) or grouper hot pot (石斑鱼火锅 shíbānyú huǒ guō)

An interesting bit of trivia: the image that appears on the RMB 20 bill is an artists rendering of a bend in the river by Xingping Village.

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Yangshuo on the China Travel Blog