Daxu Ancient Town

Hours & Admission Price Peak Season
Jan.-Dec.
0:00-24:00
Free Low Season
Jan.-Dec.
0:00-24:00
Free Address & Phone Transportation Take a Li River cruise and you will see it along the river. Notes

Known as one of the four ancient towns in Guangxi, Daxu Ancient Town is a time-honored town with well preserved traditional Chinese architecture and the time-worn shiny stone-paved street.

Perched at the north bank of Li River, 18km southeast of Guilin City, Daxu Ancient Town has a long history of more than 1,000 years. It was originally built during the Western Han Dynasty (B.C 202-A.D 9) and formed as a town in the early Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1126). Once being the head of four renowned ancient towns in Guangxi, it owes the most pristine beauty.

What to See

Surrounded with green hills and clear waters, Daxu Ancient Town features stone-paved street, ancient buildings, stone bridges and the century-old dock. Popular attractions in and around the town include Longevity Bridge, Seven Star Tombs and Father and Son Rock.

The Stone-paved Street

The tome-worn street measuring 2.5 kilometers in length and 2 meters in width stretches through the town with ancient buildings lining both sides. The old street is paved with dark green quadrate limestone that have been ground and washed smooth by shoes, carts and rain. Strolling on the ancient street and looking around the elegant buildings you will taste the past prosperity of the old town.

The Well-preserved Traditional Chinese Architecture

These structures in the ancient town are outstanding for their magnificence, refinement and practicality. Along the street and the river stand many traditional buildings well preserved from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). The old residences, shops and stalls, the ancient town keep in its antique style from the past. These wooden architectures with colorfully decorated eaves, elegantly carved doors and windows are still homes of the many locals. A stroll along will afford a leisurely glimpse into the traditional courtyard where granny are sometimes seen telling story to a huddle of small kids.

Longevity Bridge (Wanshou Bridge)

Wanshou Bridge, must-see scenery in Daxu Ancient Town is built in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), the bridge is a single-arched bridge is simple and elegant located in the junction of Ma River and Li River. With the Li River at its west side, it is an excellent place to appreciate the charming scenery of the river, nearby Millstone Hill and Snail Hill across the bank. Along the river stands many traditional buildings well preserved from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Seven Stars Tombs

The Seven Stars Tombs discovered in 1990s add mystery to the ancient town. The seven tombs were arranged in the form of the Big Dipper constellation and the size of the tombs was designed according to the brightness of the stars. It has been the first case of its kind in China. And the relationship between the tomb and the Big Dipper constellation remains a mystery. The funeral objects excavated from the tombs are of great value.

The Glorious History of Commerce

Daxu Ancient Town began to flourish during the Ming Dynasty when it became the commercial premier in the area. Over the past centuries, it had been one of Li River's four most important harbors. Business was emerged in Song Dynasty (960-1279) for some guild halls were built by businessmen from all directions. It has been one of the four old towns in Guangxi since Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Other Attractions

With the long history and enchanting scenery, the area is now quite popular with many films and TV serials. Many scenes of the famous Chinese film "Liu Sanjie" were shot on location in the town. The local food, customs, entertainment and traditional culture will also leave you with a lasting impression.

Father and Son Rock

Located in the confluence of Li River and Xiangsi River, Father and Son Rock (fuziyan) is a picturesque spot in the southeast rural Daxu Ancient Town. With the height of 8 meters, there are many stalactites shaped like human statues. The one at the entrance of the cave likes a sitting kid, together with the inner bigger huge stone baldheaded old man; they are called Father and Son Rock.

How to get there from Guilin

There are shuttle buses departed to Guanyan (get off at DaxuTown) in the Guilin Long-distance Bus Station. It takes 40 minutes and CNY4.5.

>>Following is a preferred tour to Daxu Ancient Town, enjoy it!
5 Days Guilin, Li River, Yangshuo, Ling Canal & Daxu Ancient Town

Guilin Culture