The 20 RMB Banknote Viewpoint (20元观景台)

The landscape printed on China's 20 yuan banknote is not a painting—it's the real view from Xingping along the Li River. This specific angle shows a dramatic curve of the river flanked by five perfectly-shaped karst peaks, creating what many consider the most beautiful river scenery in China.

Why This View Matters

In 1999, China's central bank chose this exact Xingping vista for the new 20 yuan note design. Since then, it has become a pilgrimage site for Chinese tourists who want to hold up a 20 yuan note and photograph themselves with the matching real-life backdrop. For international visitors, it represents the quintessential "Chinese painting come to life" experience.

Unlike the Li River cruise which passes by this view from the water, the viewing platform allows you to photograph it from the elevated vantage point used in the banknote design—creating that signature perspective with the river bend and mountain silhouettes.

How to Reach the Viewpoint

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Arrive in Xingping - Get to Xingping Ancient Town by bus, car, or boat (see transport section below)
2. Navigate to the river - From the main street, walk toward the Li River waterfront
3. Find the entrance - Look for signs reading "20元观景台" (20 Yuan Viewing Platform) or "Xingping Scenic Spot"
4. Pay entrance fee - ¥20 ($3) at the gatehouse. Cash or WeChat Pay/Alipay accepted
5. Climb the steps - 15-20 minute stone stairway climb (moderate difficulty). About 300 steps total
6. Reach the platform - You'll know you're at the right spot when you see the river bend with five karst peaks

Best Times for Photography

Sunrise (6:00-8:00 AM)

Lighting: Soft, misty, ethereal atmosphere

Pros: Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, magical mist on river

Cons: Need to wake early, lighting less dramatic than sunset

Golden Hour (4:00-6:00 PM)

Lighting: Warm, golden, dramatic side-lighting on peaks

Pros: Best colors, mountain textures enhanced, stunning sunsets

Cons: More crowded, hot in summer, may need to queue for best spots

Insider Photography Tip

The free alternative is Laozhai Mountain (老寨山), a 40-minute hike behind Xingping that offers an even more spectacular panoramic view of the same landscape—without the crowds or entrance fee. Serious photographers prefer this spot. Start the hike before 6:30 AM for sunrise, or 4:00 PM for sunset.

How to Get to Xingping from Yangshuo

Xingping is located 27 kilometers northeast of Yangshuo town. You have three main transport options, each with different cost, time, and experience trade-offs:

Option	Cost	Duration	Best For
Public Bus From Yangshuo Bus Station	¥12 ($1.70)	40 minutes	Budget travelers, flexible schedule
Private Car/Didi Door-to-door service	¥80-100 ($11-14)	30 minutes	Convenience, groups, early morning trips
Li River Bamboo Raft Yangdi to Xingping section	¥118 ($17)	1 hour (scenic)	Photographers, romantics, Li River experience

Option 1: Public Bus (Recommended for Budget)

Where to catch it: Yangshuo Bus Station (阳朔汽车站), located on Pantao Road about 1km north of West Street. Look for buses marked "兴坪" (Xingping).

Schedule: Buses run approximately every 20-30 minutes from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. First bus at 7:00 AM (perfect for sunrise), last bus around 6:00 PM.

Return journey: Buses from Xingping back to Yangshuo run until about 6:30 PM. The last bus gets crowded, so don't cut it too close.

Option 2: Private Car/Didi (Recommended for Convenience)

How to book: Use the Didi app (Chinese Uber) and set destination to "兴坪古镇" (Xingping Ancient Town). Alternatively, ask your hotel to arrange a private car.

Pricing: Expect ¥80-100 one-way, or ¥200-250 for round-trip with 3-hour waiting time. For groups of 3-4 people, this becomes cost-effective.

Best for: Early morning sunrise trips (6:00 AM departure), when public buses aren't running, or if traveling with elderly/children.

Option 3: Li River Bamboo Raft (Most Scenic)

The route: This is the Yangdi (杨堤) to Xingping section of the Li River—widely considered the most beautiful stretch. The raft passes the 20 RMB view from water level before arriving at Xingping pier.

How it works: Take a bus from Yangshuo to Yangdi pier (¥15, 30 mins), then board a bamboo raft to Xingping (¥118 per person). The raft journey takes about 1 hour, passing stunning karst mountains and riverside villages.

Pro tip: This is a one-way journey. After exploring Xingping, you'll need to take a bus or car back to Yangshuo (see Option 1 or 2 above).

What to See & Do in Xingping

While the 20 RMB viewpoint is the main draw, Xingping Ancient Town itself deserves exploration. This 1,700-year-old settlement offers a glimpse into southern China's river town culture, minus the tourist circus of Yangshuo's West Street.

1. Explore the Ancient Town Streets

Xingping's old quarter features traditional Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, with weathered stone pathways, wooden shopfronts, and riverside cafes. Unlike heavily commercialized West Street in Yangshuo, Xingping retains an authentic, lived-in atmosphere where locals still outnumber tourists.

Highlights: Old Theatre (古戏台), fishing village near the pier, morning market (best before 9:00 AM), riverside promenade with Li River views.

2. Climb Laozhai Mountain (老寨山)

Laozhai Mountain offers the absolute best panoramic view of the Li River and karst peaks—many photographers actually prefer it to the official 20 RMB viewpoint.

Laozhai Mountain Quick Facts:

Entry fee: Free
Hike duration: 40-50 minutes to summit
Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections, requires decent fitness)
Best time: Sunrise (6:30 AM start) or sunset (4:00 PM start)
Trail condition: Well-marked stone steps, some scrambling near top

3. Li River Waterfront

The riverfront promenade in Xingping is perfect for leisurely strolls, watching fishermen at work, and photography. You'll see cormorant fishing demonstrations (traditional method using trained birds), bamboo rafts preparing for trips, and locals washing vegetables in the river.

Photography Tips for the 20 RMB View

Camera Settings & Equipment

Recommended Gear:

Lens: Wide angle (16-35mm) for panoramic shots, or standard zoom (24-70mm) for versatility
Tripod: Essential for sunrise/sunset long exposures and mist photography
Filters: Polarizing filter to reduce river glare and enhance sky, neutral density filter for daytime long exposures
Smartphone: Absolutely fine for the "20 RMB note comparison shot"—this is Instagram, not National Geographic

Camera Settings for Best Results:

Sunrise/Sunset: ISO 100-400, f/8-f/11, shutter 1/60-1/250s (or use tripod for longer exposures)
Midday: ISO 100, f/11-f/16, shutter 1/250s+ (avoid harsh light if possible)
Mist/fog: Slight underexposure (-0.3 to -0.7 EV) to preserve ethereal atmosphere

Best Angles & Compositions

The Classic Banknote Shot: Stand at the center of the viewing platform, frame horizontally to capture the river bend with all five peaks. Include the foreground river in the bottom third for depth.

The Comparison Shot: Hold a 20 yuan note in your hand at foreground level, positioned to align with the real mountains behind it. This is the most shared photo on Chinese social media.

Alternative Angles: Move to the left or right side of the platform for different compositions emphasizing specific peaks or the river's S-curve.

Practical Tips & What to Bring

What to Bring

✅ Water (bring 1L+, limited options on mountain)
✅ Snacks (energy bars, fruit)
✅ Cash (¥100-200 for entrance, food, souvenirs)
✅ Comfortable walking shoes (steps can be slippery)
✅ Sunscreen & hat (no shade on viewpoint)
✅ Camera/phone fully charged
✅ WeChat/Alipay loaded (many vendors cashless)

What to Wear

✅ Breathable athletic wear (humid, sweaty climb)
✅ Good grip shoes (200+ stone steps)
✅ Light jacket (early morning can be cool)
✅ Avoid: Flip-flops, heels, restrictive clothing
✅ Summer: Light colors, sun protection
✅ Winter: Layers (mornings cold, midday warm)

Safety & Accessibility

Accessibility: The 20 RMB viewpoint requires climbing 200+ stone steps and is not wheelchair accessible. Elderly visitors with mobility issues may find Laozhai Mountain too strenuous (40+ minute steep hike).

Safety: The viewpoint and Laozhai Mountain are generally safe. Stairs have handrails in most sections. Avoid visiting during heavy rain (slippery conditions). Stay hydrated in summer heat.

Complete Cost Breakdown

Item	RMB	USD
Bus to Xingping (roundtrip)	¥24	$3.40
20 RMB Viewpoint entrance	¥20	$3.00
Lunch in Xingping	¥40-60	$6-9
Snacks & drinks	¥20-30	$3-4
Souvenirs (optional)	¥30-50	$4-7
TOTAL (budget visit)	¥104-134	$15-19

*Prices current as of 2026. Add ¥56-76 ($8-11) if taking private car instead of bus. Add ¥118 ($17) if taking Li River bamboo raft.

Insider Tips: What Locals Won't Tell You

1. Skip the Crowds: Choose Laozhai Mountain Over the Paid Viewpoint

The ¥20 official viewpoint gets absolutely mobbed, especially 4:00-6:00 PM and all day on weekends. Laozhai Mountain, a free 40-minute hike, offers an even better panoramic view with 10% of the tourists. Serious photographers know this secret. Start hiking before 6:30 AM for sunrise or 4:00 PM for sunset.

2. Visit on Weekdays, Especially Tuesday-Thursday

Chinese tour groups descend on Xingping every weekend and Monday/Friday (popular for 3-day trips). Tuesday through Thursday mornings are blissfully quiet. You'll have the viewpoint nearly to yourself if you arrive before 8:00 AM on a weekday.

3. Don't Buy Water at the Top—Bring Your Own

The vendors at the viewpoint charge ¥10 ($1.50) for a bottle of water, 3x the normal price. There's a Family Mart convenience store in Xingping town center where water costs ¥3. Stock up before starting your climb.

4. Combine Xingping with Yulong River in One Day

Perfect itinerary: Catch the 7:00 AM bus to Xingping, photograph sunrise at the viewpoint (7:30-9:00 AM), explore the town, return to Yangshuo by 11:00 AM. In the afternoon, follow our Yulong River bamboo rafting guide (2:00-5:00 PM). This combines Yangshuo's two best photo opportunities in one day.

5. Avoid Chinese National Holidays at All Costs

During Golden Week (October 1-7) and Spring Festival (late Jan/early Feb), Xingping becomes a human zoo. The viewpoint can have 500+ people queuing, making photography nearly impossible. If you must visit during holidays, arrive before 6:00 AM or skip the paid viewpoint entirely and hike Laozhai instead.

6. The Best Cafes Are Hidden Behind the Main Street

Tourist trap cafes line the river, charging ¥30-40 for coffee. Walk one block inland from the waterfront to find local places serving amazing Guilin rice noodles (桂林米粉) for ¥12 and fresh coffee for ¥15. Ask locals to point you to "本地人吃的地方" (where locals eat).

7. Bring a Physical 20 Yuan Note for the Iconic Photo

Before leaving Yangshuo, get a crisp 20 yuan note from an ATM or hotel (ask for "一张20元新钞" - one new 20 yuan note). This is essential for the comparison photo that everyone wants. Locals at the viewpoint will offer to sell you notes at markup—avoid this by bringing your own.

When to Visit Xingping: Seasonal Guide

APR-MAY

Spring: Best Overall Season

Weather: 18-25°C (64-77°F), occasional rain creating dramatic mist

Crowds: Moderate, manageable except May 1 holiday

Photography: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect-misty mornings, lush green mountains, comfortable temperatures

JUN-AUG

Summer: Hot & Crowded

Weather: 28-35°C (82-95°F), humid, frequent afternoon thunderstorms

Crowds: High (school holidays, domestic tourism peak)

Photography: ⭐⭐ Harsh midday light, hazy conditions, dramatic storm clouds if you're lucky

SEP-NOV

Autumn: Peak Photography Season

Weather: 20-28°C (68-82°F), dry, clear skies, golden light

Crowds: Very high during October 1-7 (avoid!), otherwise moderate

Photography: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best light quality, minimal haze, dramatic sunsets

DEC-MAR

Winter: Fewer Crowds, Cooler Weather

Weather: 8-18°C (46-64°F), dry, occasional misty mornings

Crowds: Low except Spring Festival week (late Jan/early Feb)

Photography: ⭐⭐⭐ Good light, winter mist creates "Chinese painting" atmosphere

Related Yangshuo Guides

Li River Cruise Guide

The classic Guilin to Yangshuo cruise passes by the 20 RMB view from water level

Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Guide

Peaceful hand-poled bamboo raft experience with scenic mountain views

Cycling Routes from Yangshuo

Combine Xingping with a cycling adventure through the countryside

Yangshuo Travel Guide Home

Your complete modern eco-luxury travel guide to Yangshuo, China

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Yangshuo to Xingping?

Xingping is 27km northeast of Yangshuo. The cheapest option is the public bus from Yangshuo Bus Station (¥12, about 40 minutes, departing every 20-30 minutes from 7:00 AM). For convenience, a private car or DiDi costs ¥80-100 and takes about 30 minutes. The most scenic option is a Li River bamboo raft from Yangdi to Xingping (¥118, around 1 hour), which passes the 20 Yuan viewpoint from the water.

What is the 20 Yuan viewpoint in Xingping?

The 20 Yuan viewpoint is the exact stretch of the Li River near Xingping that appears on the back of China's 20 yuan banknote, showing a curve of the river framed by karst peaks. Since 1999, when the bank chose this vista for the note, it has become one of China's most photographed landscapes. The official viewing platform (20元观景台) charges ¥20 entry, while the free Laozhai Mountain hike offers a similar panorama with fewer crowds.

How do I get to the 20 RMB banknote view in Xingping?

The 20 RMB view is accessed from Xingping Ancient Town. From the town center, walk toward the Li River and look for signs to "20元观景台" (20 Yuan Viewing Platform). The climb takes 15-20 minutes up stone steps. Entry fee is ¥20 ($3). For the best photos, arrive before 7:00 AM or after 4:00 PM for golden hour lighting.

Is Xingping Ancient Town worth visiting?

Yes, Xingping is absolutely worth visiting for several reasons: (1) It's home to the famous 20 RMB banknote viewpoint, one of China's most iconic landscapes, (2) The ancient town is less touristy than Yangshuo's West Street, (3) It offers authentic riverside village atmosphere, (4) It's a photographer's paradise with multiple scenic spots. Budget 2-4 hours for a visit.

How long do I need in Xingping Ancient Town?

Plan 2-4 hours for Xingping. A quick visit (2 hours) covers the 20 RMB viewpoint and main town streets. A fuller experience (4 hours) includes the viewpoint, exploring the ancient town, lunch at a riverside cafe, and possibly climbing Laozhai Mountain for an alternative panoramic view. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting for photography.

Can I visit Xingping and do a Li River cruise on the same day?

Yes! You have two options: (1) Take a morning Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo which passes by Xingping's 20 RMB view around midday, then visit Xingping town afterward, or (2) Visit Xingping early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) for the viewpoint, then take a bamboo raft from Yangdi to Xingping (shorter river section) in the afternoon. The second option gives you better photo opportunities at the viewpoint.

Is the 20 RMB viewpoint free to access?

No, the official viewing platform charges ¥20 ($3) entrance fee. However, there's a free alternative: Laozhai Mountain (老寨山) offers an even better panoramic view of the same landscape for free, though it requires a 40-minute hike. The paid viewpoint is easier to access (15-minute climb) and has the exact angle featured on China's 20 yuan banknote.

Xingping Ancient Town Guide 2026: The Iconic 20 RMB Banknote View

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Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇)

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