Daxu Ancient Town

 fond of places that are unique, antique and not commercialized, Daxu Ancient Town will be a satisfying place to visit. The town is located to the north of Millstone Hill along Li River, about 23km (14.3 miles) south of Guilin. It is a little known ancient town of primitive simplicity, with a long history and lots of traditional Chinese residences.

Rural Leisure in Daxu Town
Rural Leisure in Daxu Town
Daxu Ancient Town
 More Pictures

Daxu Ancient Town was initially founded during the early Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD), which means it has a history of over one thousand years. It was a prosperous market town at that time thanks to the convenient water transport. And during the period of the Republic of China (1911-1949), the town was in its heyday. There were eight broad commercial streets, more than ten docks, and merchants came together in crowds. It was the leader among the four best known ancient towns in Guangxi in terms of its scale. Now all that prosperity has gone, leaving the town standing quietly by Li River.

The joy of visiting Daxu Ancient Town is in strolling along the long and narrow blue flagstone paths. Houses on both sides are made of black brick and grey tile in the style of the Ming (1368-1644AD) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911AD), reflecting historical vicissitudes over past years. Walking along the old street, you will feel that you are back in time and those age-old buildings are telling you enchanting stories. Also to be found here are ancient workshops where bamboo weaving and shoe making was done, as well as old-style barber shops. Here, the elderly people would gather together to chat and drink tea or they would sit at the door, reading books. You will find that villagers lead a slow-pace and carefree life, with a soft and contented smile on their faces. Friendly inhabitants might invite you to visit their houses so you can have a close up view of these buildings.

Oddly Shaped Peaks
Oddly shaped peaks around the town
Li River Scenery
Li River Scenery

One thing you cannot miss in the Daxu Old Town is Longevity Bridge that stands at the converging point of Mahe River and Li River. As this stone arch bridge was built in the Qing Dynasty, the surface is now smooth and glossy. It is an ideal place to enjoy the Li River scenery and the hills across the river. Strolling around, you may find over ten docks, as well as a wooden mosque, where religious activities are held.

In 2001, a group of ancient tombs was discovered in Daxu Ancient Town. The seven tombs were arranged in the shape of the Plough, and is the first example of this in China. The relationship between the tombs and stars remains unclear, but cultural relics found in the tombs are of a great research value. If time permits, you can also take a ferryboat to Maozhou Islet where you can pick fresh strawberries and eat local dishes at a farm stay.

 

How to get to Daxu Ancient Town

Take a direct bus at Guilin South Bus Station to Daxu Ancient Town. The buses departure at 08:20 and 13:00 every day. The whole journey takes 30 minutes at a cost of CNY 10. From Guilin North Railway Station, passengers can take Lingchuan Bus 306 to Daxu Town, which takes 1.5 hours and CNY 3.

Entrance Fee Free of charge
Opening Hours The whole day
 

Tips

Following is a recommended one-day tour route for your reference:
Guilin Daxu Ancient Town  Crown Cave  Gudong Waterfall Scenic Area   Guilin

1. Firstly, take a bus from Guilin South Bus Station to Daxu Ancient Town, an underground karst cave that enjoys a kaleidoscope of stalactites.
2. After visiting the ancient town, you can take the Daxu-Caoping Bus to Caoping Station, and walk to visit the Crown Cave, an underground karst cave that enjoys a kaleidoscope of stalactites.
3. From Crown Cave, take Lingchuan Bus 306 Extension at Caoping Town Station to Huahai Road, then take a taxi to the Gudong Waterfall. It is the only multilevel waterfall formed by underground water. The joy of visiting Gudong Waterfall lies in exhilarating waterfall trekking experience. Recommended time for a visit is two to three hours.

4. After the visit, you can take a taxi or walk for 1.5 miles to Xiafuli Bus Station, and take Daxu-Caoping line to Daxu Town, and then transfer to Lingchuan 306 to Guilin City.

Next: Ox Gorge & Wangfu Rock
- Last updated on Mar. 04, 2024 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on Daxu Ancient Town
Asked by John Mc from U.S.A. | Dec. 28, 2019 12:39Reply
Can you take the motorized bamboo raft to Daxu town from Guilin and back?
I know about the bus. I would rather raft the river if possible.
Answers (1)
Answered by Luke from UNITED KINGDOM | Dec. 30, 2019 01:19
00Reply


To be honest, I'm not sure. Maybe you can give it a try.
Asked by KAM LEE FONG from MALAYSIA | Oct. 04, 2019 06:06Reply
Guilin-Daxu-Yangshou-Xinping-Guilin airport
Hi, it is ok if my itinerary is first to Guilin(2 nights), Daxu, take Li River cruise to Yangshou(1 night), then take a bus to Xinping(1 night), then go back to Guilin airport directly? Please advise. Thank you. Ms Kam Emily.
Answers (1)
Answered by Chris from USA | Oct. 11, 2019 19:14
00Reply


It sounds great. Have a nice trip!
Asked by james from CHINA | Apr. 06, 2015 02:27Reply
Hi - is it possible to get a boat from guilin to daxu and then on to yangshuo?
Answers (1)
Answered by Linda from RUSSIA | Apr. 06, 2015 03:03
22Reply


As I know, the cruise ship wouldn't dock during the journey. Maybe you can rent a boat or bamboo raft by yourself, and they may allow you to go ashore to the DX Town, and you should be cautious for the sake of safety.
Asked by DALE from USA | Jun. 26, 2014 09:03Reply
Is there a bus from Xingping to Daxu town? Is there a bus from the town to Yangshou?
I want to take a bus from Yanshou to Xingping,which I know I can catch easily. But then I want to go to DX in the same day and return to Yangshou in the evening.

Is there a bus from Xingping to DX town?
If so,how often does it run and how long will it take?
Where would I catch it at? Price?

Is there a bus from the town to Yangshou?
If so,how often does it run and how long will it take?
Where would I catch it at? Price?
Or would it be easier to go from Yangshou directly to DX. Then to Xingping and back to Yangshou?
Thank you for your help.
Answers (1)
Answered by Rita from SINGAPORE | Jun. 26, 2014 22:04
20Reply


Yes, there is bus service from Xingping to the ancient town, but I am not clear about the bus schedule. It is not that far between, so you can also rent a car to get there. The duration is around an hour!

To Yangshuo, I'm afraid there is no direct bus. You need take a bus back to Guilin first and then transfer to another bus to Yangshuo.

Plan B is also doable from Yangshuo, you need take a bus to Guilin and transfer to a bus to DX town. After visiting there, catch a bus to Xingping, where there are buses back to Yangshuo!
Asked by Ben from USA | Dec. 17, 2012 15:23Reply
May I know how to get to Daxu from Yangshuo? and to Xingping Town from Yangshuo?
which of these two towns is worth a visit?
Answers (1)
Answered by Billy | Dec. 17, 2012 21:17
16Reply


Hi, no direct bus can take your from Yangshuo to the ancient town. You need take a bus at the local bus station to Guilin Bus Station, where there are Guanyan Tourist Buses taking you to the ancient town.
From Yangshuo to Xingping, you can catch a direct bus at Yangshuo Bus Station.
For travel, both of the towns are worthwhile visiting. They are both characterized by the local traditional culture and native people life. However, comparatively, Xingping is more popular.
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