In ancient time, Xingping was the largest town along the Li River, and is 63 km from Guilin and 25 km from Yangshuo, on the east bank of the river. The town is really a beautiful place, surrounded by enthralling scenery.
In Xingping Ancient Town there are 48 traditional residences. The buildings represent a typical architectural style of Northern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the Ming and Qing dynastiesSpecial features of these residences include blue bricks and black tiles, flying eaves, horse head walls, and wood carving windows. In the past Xingping Fishing Village was an ordinary place, like many other small villages along the Li River little known by people from outside. However, in 1998 Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton paid a visit to Guilin.When taking the Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, the boat stopped at Xingping Town, and Bill Clinton and his wife visited Xingping Fishing Village. They highly praised the simple and genuine features of the village. Since then Xingping Fishing Village has become a well-known place visited by lots of tourists seeing the Li River sights
Lying on the east bank of the Li river upstream from Yangshuo, the fishing village has a history dating back more than 500 years. Founded during the Ming Dynasty in 1506, this picturesque village is infused with typical southeastern Chinese provincial culture.
Natural scenery in the area is eye-catching. A variety ofLiyu (carp), Jinwa (golden tile), Yuanbao and Jiandao (sword and blade) stand aside as if they are bodyguards protecting this small village.
Behind the village is a precipitouslysite called Tianshui Stockade. Despite its strategic place in military history, it covers an area of only three acres. Surrounded by cliffs, the area can only be traversed by walkinga narrow path.
Traveling in the Yangshuo-Xingping area, you can actually experience the life of local fishermen by going fishing with them. Their fishing techniques are unlike anything you've ever seen. They use bamboo rafts instead of wooden boats anduse cormorants to catch the fish. They do this by tying a noose around a bird's long neck to prevent it from swallowing its catch. After you finish fishing, the hospitable villagers will cookfreshwater bounty