Create meetup in Xingyichevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
explore Xingyi Guides
Things to Do in Xingyi (2026)
Begin your trip at Wanfenglin Scenic Area, a vast karst landscape dotted with thousands of peaks. Rent a bike or take the sightseeing bus to explore the valley, and don't miβ¦ ποΈ Start at Wanfenglin
Begin your trip at Wanfenglin Scenic Area, a vast karst landscape dotted with thousands of peaks. Rent a bike or take the sightseeing bus to explore the valley, and don't miss the viewpoint at the top of the mountain for a panoramic sunrise. Entry is about 80 yuan, and the park opens daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
π£ Raft the Maling River
For an active adventure, head to Maling River Canyon for a thrilling rafting experience. The canyon features dramatic waterfalls and limestone cliffs, with a 2-hour rafting trip costing around 150 yuan per person. Wear quick-dry clothing and bring a waterproof phone case, as you will get wet. The site is about 40 minutes from downtown Xingyi by taxi.
ποΈ Explore Buyi Villages
Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the Buyi ethnic villages scattered around the countryside. Nalong Village is a favorite for its traditional stone houses and friendly locals who often invite visitors for tea. Many villages are free to enter, but a small donation or purchasing local handicrafts is appreciated. Reach them by local bus or a hired driver from the city center.
π Hike the Eighteen Waterfalls
The Eighteen Waterfalls trail, located within the Maling River Scenic Area, offers a moderate hike with stunning views. The path winds through lush forest and passes several cascades, with the tallest dropping over 100 meters. The hike takes about 3 hours round trip, and the entrance fee is included in the Maling River ticket. Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water.
π Taste Local Noodles
Xingyi is famous for its 'Xingyi noodles', a spicy and sour rice noodle dish topped with minced pork and pickled vegetables. Try a bowl at the bustling Laojie Snack Street, where vendors serve it for around 10 yuan. For a heartier meal, pair it with 'aiwo', a sweet glutinous rice cake, available at morning markets. The street comes alive in the evening, so go hungry.
π Getting Around
Public buses connect major sights, but for flexibility, consider hiring a private driver for the day, which costs about 300 yuan. Didi (Chinese Uber) is also available and affordable for short hops within the city. If you plan to visit multiple rural spots, renting a scooter is a fun option, though you'll need an international driver's permit. Always negotiate taxi fares in advance if not using the meter.
π Evening Stroll at Wanfeng Lake
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk around Wanfeng Lake, a serene reservoir on the edge of town. The lakeside promenade is lit with soft lanterns, and locals gather for evening tai chi or fishing. You can also rent a paddleboat for 30 yuan per hour to enjoy the calm waters. It's a peaceful way to end a day of sightseeing.
ποΈ Shop at the Night Market
For souvenirs, head to the Xingyi Night Market near the city center, open from 6 PM to midnight. You'll find handmade batik fabrics, silver jewelry, and local snacks like grilled skewers and roasted chestnuts. Bargaining is expected, so start at half the asking price. The market is a great place to mingle with locals and pick up unique gifts.
agree with the rafting tip, that grilled corn guy is a legend. but for the Buyi villages, skip Nalong if you only have time for one, it's become a bit touristy. go to Basha Village instead, it's about 20 minutes further out, no entrance fee, and the stone houses are actually still lived in. an old lady there showed me how they weave the indigo fabric, bought a scarf for 15 yuan, way better than the market stuff.
also for the night market, the batik is hit or miss. the real gem is the silver guy at the far end, second row from the back. he does custom engraving on the spot, watched him put my initials on a bracelet in like five minutes. cost 40 yuan, still wear it. just go before 9pm, he packs up early.
honestly the Wanfeng Lake evening walk is underrated but you gotta time it right. the lanterns come on around 7:30 and the reflection on the water is insane, but the paddleboats stop at 8 so if you want one, go early. also there's a little tea stall near the north end of the promenade, old guy sells jasmine tea for 5 yuan a cup, way better than anything in the city.
for the eighteen waterfalls, bring a spare pair of socks. the trail gets muddy after any rain and you'll be squelching for the last hour. saw a guy slip near the third cascade, he was fine but his shoes were done. also the entrance is technically included in the Maling ticket but they sometimes check at the trailhead, so keep your stub handy.
wanfenglin is worth the 80 yuan but the real hack is going on a weekday, the weekend crowds get insane and the sightseeing bus queues are brutal. also if you're into photography, the rice terraces near the entrance catch the morning mist way better than the main viewpoint, just follow the dirt path past the ticket gate.
for the night market, skip the grilled skewers, they're fine but the roasted chestnuts from the old lady near the south entrance are the move, she's been there for years and her pricing is fair, 5 yuan for a decent handful. also the silver guy the other comment mentioned, he's legit, but bring cash, he doesn't take wechat pay for some reason.
one thing nobody mentioned: the weather in xingyi can flip fast, especially in summer. pack a light rain jacket even if the forecast says clear, i got caught in a downpour at maling river and the trail turns into a slip hazard real quick. also the local buses stop running around 7pm, so if you're out at the villages late, budget for a didi back or you're walking.
3 Days in Xingyi: Itinerary 2026
Start your trip at Wanfenglin Scenic Area, about 30 minutes from downtown by taxi or bus. Spend the morning hiking the Bagua Field viewpoint, then take the sightseeing train tβ¦ πΊοΈ Day 1: Wanfenglin
Start your trip at Wanfenglin Scenic Area, about 30 minutes from downtown by taxi or bus. Spend the morning hiking the Bagua Field viewpoint, then take the sightseeing train through the valley. For lunch, try local corn chicken at a farmhouse restaurant near the entrance. In the afternoon, visit the Buyi ethnic village of Nahui to see traditional stilt houses and weaving.
π Day 2: Malinghe Canyon
Dedicate the second day to Malinghe Canyon, a 45-minute drive from the city center. Walk the 7-kilometer gorge trail that winds past waterfalls and limestone cliffs, and don't miss the Rainbow Waterfall. The canyon is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and the entrance fee is 80 RMB. Afterward, relax at Wanfeng Lake, a short drive away, where you can take a boat ride among karst peaks.
ποΈ Day 3: Wanfeng Lake
On your final day, explore Wanfeng Lake in the morning, renting a bicycle to circle the lake at your own pace. The lake is 20 kilometers around, and the flat path offers stunning views of rice paddies and distant mountains. Stop at the Guihua Village for a snack of rice noodles, then visit the nearby Wanfenglin Museum to learn about local geology. In the afternoon, head back to the city for some souvenir shopping at the Xingyi Old Street market.
π Getting Around
Public buses connect most attractions, but they run infrequently, so consider hiring a private driver for the day, which costs around 300 RMB. Taxis are metered and start at 6 RMB, but you'll need to negotiate for longer trips. Ride-hailing apps like Didi are widely used and reliable in Xingyi. Always carry cash or a mobile payment app, as many small vendors don't accept cards.
π Where to Eat
For authentic local flavors, head to the Xingyi Night Market on Zhongshan Road, open from 6 PM to midnight. Try the sour fish hotpot at Laojie Sour Fish Restaurant, a local favorite. For breakfast, grab a bowl of beef noodles at the small stalls near the East Gate of the old city. Vegetarians will find plenty of options, including stir-fried wild mushrooms and bamboo shoots.
π¨ Where to Stay
Stay near the city center for easy access to restaurants and transport, with mid-range hotels like the Xingyi International Hotel offering rooms from 250 RMB per night. For a more scenic stay, book a guesthouse in the Wanfenglin area, such as the Valley View Lodge, where rooms start at 180 RMB. Book ahead during the October Golden Week, as prices can double. Most hotels provide free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
π‘ Practical Tips
The best time to visit is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is mild and the rice terraces are green or golden. Bring comfortable walking shoes, as many trails are uneven, and pack rain gear for sudden showers. English is not widely spoken, so download a translation app and have your hotel write down key destinations in Chinese. Carry a power bank, as charging points are scarce in rural areas.
fwiw the prices in the guide are a bit optimistic, i paid 350 for a private driver last spring and that was with a friend who haggled in mandarin. if you don't speak the language expect closer to 400. also the "wanfenglin museum" is kinda dry, it's mostly panels and rocks, but the gift shop there sells these little ceramic karst models that make good souvenirs, like 15 RMB each.
for the old street market, go in the late morning, not the afternoon, the vendors start packing up around 2 and the good stuff goes fast. and if you see dried chili strings hanging anywhere, buy one, they're like 10 RMB and way better than anything you'll find in the city supermarkets. the night market tip about the sour fish is solid but the beef noodles at east gate are honestly mid, there's a better stall two streets over on the corner of jiefang road, just follow the smell of star anise.
The itinerary's solid, but I'd add one thing: skip the sightseeing train at Wanfenglin and rent an electric bike instead. The train stops at the big viewpoints only, but the bike lets you duck into the smaller paths between the peaks, which is where the best photos are. It's about 50 RMB for a few hours, and the farmhouses along the way sell fresh sugarcane juice that hits different after a morning of hiking.
For Day 3, the museum's worth a quick look, but don't spend more than an hour there. The real gem is the old rice mill just past Guihua Village, it's been converted into a tiny cafe where the owner roasts local beans. Grab a seat on the terrace, the view over the paddies toward the lake is better than any of the paid viewpoints.
One thing the guide didn't mention: the night market gets loud, really loud, especially on weekends. If you want a quieter meal, walk to the alley behind the East Gate, there's a family-run place that does a killer dry-fried beef with wild pepper. No sign in English, just look for the red lanterns and the old guy grilling outside. The beef noodles at the East Gate stalls are good, but this place is a level above.
yeah the guide's pretty spot on but one thing i'd add is bring cash for the farmhouses near wanfenglin, the card reader's always "broken" there and the atm's a ways off. also if u're up early, the sunrise over the bagua field around 6:30 is unreal, way better than the midday hike, just gotta bribe the gate guy a bit or go through the village path