Xingping Ancient Town |
It was the largest town along the Li River in the ancient times and is now one of the four most famous ancient towns in Guangxi Province , and is 63 km (39 miles) from Guilin and 25 km (15.5 miles) from Yangshuo, on the east bank of the river. The town is really a beautiful place, surrounded by enthralling scenery. Both Mural Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal belong to this scenic area. The charm of the town is greatly enhanced by the surrounding hills.
Xingping Town was built over 1,000 years ago and in the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589). Xingping was the seat of Xingping County . In 590, Xingping County was incorporated into Yangshuo County . The present Xingping remains under control of Yangshuo County .
The town is located at the foot of Wuzhi (five fingers) Hill. The hills in the east are Sengni Hill that resemble a monk and a nun are bickering with each other, Chaoban Hill is said to look like the tablet held by officials in court in ancient times and Arhat Hill looks like a smiling arhat monk exposing his breast to the sun.
The hills in the south are Carp Hill and Snail Hill. The hills in the west are Bijia (pen holder) Hill and Meinv (belle) Peak. The hill in the north is Camel Hill resembling a camel crossing the river. The historic sites here can be found in Xingping Old Street and Fishing Village about 2 km (1.3 miles) from the town.
There are many cultural relics in Xingping, which are mainly located at the Xingping Ancient Street and the fishing village. Xingping Ancient Street is more than 1 kilometer long, which was laid with flagstones. It begins from the southeast part of the town and ends at the Rongshu Pool and the dock of the Li River, which makes the come-and-go of the common people and the business man much more convenient. On both sides of the street, there are the well-preserved assembly halls of every province. On the northeast part of the street, it is the Shizidan which is the relics of the Xiping County. The profile of the city walls is still obvious. And the ancient bricks and the piles can be seen everywhere. The once prosperous county is now solemn and silent. The ancient banyan tree which was planted when the county was erected is now with luxuriant foliages. The trunk is so thick that 8 people can just get their arms around.
The Guandi Temple besides the ancient street was originally built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty , with a history of 270 years. The Wannian Stage in the temple is the best preserved one in the north region of Guilin City . And it is with great importance for the research of the history and evolution of the traditional opera in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region . On the edge of the stage, there are four wooden carving pictures, the figures on which are vivid and true to life. On the left side of the stage, there is a folding wooden screen.
When the former US president Bill Clinton and his wife visited here, they highly praised the village and were deeply attracted by the residences. |
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| Xingping Ancient Town |
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| Xingping, Yangshuo |
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| Bird's-eye-view of Xingping |
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| Xingping Evening Photo |
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