Looking for where to stay in Xingping? You’ve come to the right place. We traveled to Xingping right after Guilin, during our second trip around the world, on a 14-day itinerary through China. After the fast pace of big cities, this village seemed like the perfect refuge to slow down and explore some of the country’s most iconic landscapes.
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Why Xingping is special
Xingping is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a traditional Chinese painting. The karst mountains surrounding the Li River create a scenery that seems straight out of a movie – in fact, this is where the image on the 20 yuan note comes from! But beyond its natural beauty, Xingping has a tranquil atmosphere, very different from the hustle and bustle of Chinese cities.
For us, it was the perfect balance: a small, authentic place, but with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned in China, it’s that choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference in the experience.
Best areas to stay in Xingping
Xingping isn’t a big town, but there are some areas that stand out depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.
Xingping Center – Convenience and historic charm
Staying in the center means being just steps away from the local market, restaurants, and the dock where boats depart for Li River cruises. It’s a good choice for those who want convenience without sacrificing authenticity.
This Old Place International Youth Hostel
Autumn Inn
Rosewood Hotel Yangshuo Xingping
- Budget: This Old Place International Youth Hostel – A simple and popular option among backpackers, with private rooms and dorms. It has a terrace with an incredible view of the river.
- Mid-range: Autumn Inn – This is where we stayed, and we highly recommend it! A small and cozy accommodation with a peaceful atmosphere, great style, and friendly hosts. It has a unique view of the mountains. Perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
- Luxury: Rosewood Hotel Yangshuo Xingping – For those looking for a bit more comfort, this boutique hotel offers spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the karst landscape.
Li River Riverside – Stunning views and close to nature
If you want to wake up to river views and be surrounded by nature, this is the best choice. Options here are more limited, but they’re worth it.
- Budget: Yangshuo Village Inn – Offers a charming experience in the heart of nature, with rooms featuring private balconies and stunning mountain views.
- Mid-range: Secret Garden Boutique Hotel – A boutique hotel hidden in a restored traditional building. The atmosphere is intimate and romantic, ideal for couples.
- Luxury: Yangshuo River Lodge – Although a bit more remote, this hotel offers a luxury experience in the midst of nature. The rooms have balconies with incredible views of the river.
Tips for traveling in Xingping
- How many days to stay? At least one night to enjoy the tranquility after visiting the Li River. But if you want to explore at a leisurely pace and go hiking, two to three days are ideal.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are greener. Summer can be very hot and humid.
- Travel insurance: Heymondo covers medical expenses, cancellations, and activities like hiking and rafting.
- Payments: Most places accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, but few accept foreign cards. During our stay, we didn’t use cash at all.
- Connectivity: A Holafly eSIM makes life easier, as it avoids the hassle of buying a local SIM card and, in the case of China, avoids the need for a VPN.
- Transportation: Getting to Xingping is easy by train from Guilin, followed by a short bus or taxi ride. Within the village, you can walk everywhere.
- Didi: The Chinese equivalent of Uber works well, but the main app can be tricky without a Chinese number. We used the mini-app within Alipay, and it worked perfectly.
Xingping was one of our favorite surprises in China – a place where nature and authenticity still dominate. If you’re looking for a base to explore the Li River and karst landscapes, this village is definitely worth including in your itinerary!
