Located 20 kilometers southeast of Guilin's city center, Daxu Ancient Town sits beside the Li River and is a window to learn about traditional Chinese culture through its well-preserved old buildings, worn bluestone streets, and a local farmers' market.
Compared with the man-made ancient towns, Daxu Ancient Town is a real deal, and it's worth spending at least half a day to appreciate its beauty.
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- Top Things to Do in Daxu Ancient Town
- Best Times to Visit
- How to Travel to Daxu Ancient Town
- History of Daxu Ancient Town
Top Things to Do in Daxu Ancient Town
Explore Daxu Ancient Town for Traces Left by Time
Wanshou Bridge in Daxu Ancient Town, GuilinAs a thousand-year-old ancient town, Daxu is full of historical sites. The bluestone street stretching about 2.5 kilometers that everyone steps on was made smooth from a thousand years' worth of carts, shoes, and weather.
There are many quaint buildings on both sides of the street. Most are constructed during the Ming and Qing Dynasties from wood and stone and decorated with beautiful carvings. Among them, the Wanshou Temple (longevity) is particularly eye-catching. Local people still worship it, and at its entrance stands a stone turtle and two pillars carved with giant dragons.
A must-see is the Wanshou Bridge, which was constructed during the Ming Dynasty(about 500 years ago). It's charming to stand on this single-arch bridge, overlooking Snail Hill, while the water slowly flows under your feet.
Travel with Us
We believe a dedicated tour guide should not only show you around the attractions and landmarks, but also connect you with the land, the view, and the local lives.
In this case, we would like to take you on a home visit to learn about the history of this ancient town, how locals made for living in the past, and how to use Chinese farm tools.
Try Chinese Medicine Consultation and A Herbal Tea
Try a Chinese Medicine Consultation and A Herbal TeaChinese medicine believes that the human body also has humidity, and high humidity can cause physical fatigue, indigestion, joint pain, and skin problems.
In Daxu, you can have the chance to knock on the door and experience traditional Chinese medicine, such as cupping therapy, if you would like to. To lower your body's humidity, you could also try a fresh-boiled herbal tea, which tastes bitter with a little bit of sweetness.
Enjoying the journey itself is the most important thing, so you don't have to finish the tea to show politeness if you don't like it. It may taste funny for first-timers, and there is no need to push yourself too hard to try something new.
Watch Locals Trading in The Traditional Market
Watch Locals Trading in The Traditional MarketThanks to the convenient water transportation and thirteen docks, Daxu was formerly one of the most important markets in the area during the Ming Dynasty. The farmers' market still thrives, even if it has become smaller today.
You can enjoy browsing stalls and watching locals trade here. This market sells a variety of goods, from traditional handicrafts such as straw sandals and straw hats, to foods and ingredients including eggs, meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
If your visit day falls on the date ending in 2, 5, or 8, you could encounter larger crowds and the market due to the Fair Day. Try some local snacks to fulfill your taste buds, such as pickled fruits, glutinous rice cake, and fried dough sticks.
Embark on a Strawberry Picking Tour
Picking Strawberries in Daxu Ancient TownBesides admiring traditional Chinese architecture in Daxu Ancient Town, you could pick fresh and juicy strawberries yourself at a farm nearby from December to March, which is the strawberry season.
You will get a basket to fill with strawberries. Find your favorite ones in the field, pick them like the farmers do, and experience rural fun with your family. The price of strawberries can vary depending on the variety you pick, but they usually cost between $3 and $6 per kilo.
Best Times to Visit
The autumn season from September to November should be your best time to visit Daxu Ancient Town, having cool weather averaging 17–26°C (63–79°F) and more dry days compared to other seasons. What's more, you could appreciate golden ginkgo leaves for a 30-minute drive from Daxu, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere of autumn.
Winter and spring, from December to May, are acceptable for misty Chinese painting-like scenery and thinner crowds. On the other hand, the summer season from June to August is not recommended due to swarming crowds, worse traffic, and hot, humid weather.
To experience the busy morning market, we suggest arriving around 6 am, no later than 7 am. Locals believe that the earlier you buy the food, the fresher it will be. You could even see a larger market if your visit day falls on the date ending in 2, 5, or 8.
You may also be interested in The Best Time to Visit Guilin.
How to Travel to Daxu Ancient Town
You can reach Daxu Ancient Town by taking a 50-minute bus (No. 306) from the bus stop. Alternatively, you could grab a taxi, which takes about 40 minutes from the Guilin downtown area to get there.
However, we suggest choosing private transfers to save your time from waiting and avoid traffic jams. Your professional travel consultant will craft a time-smart itinerary for you and try their best to help avoid crowds and make the most of your day.
History of Daxu Ancient Town
The history of Daxu dates back over 2,000 years, when it was founded during the Qin Dynasty, which ruled China from 221 to 207 BC.
Centuries later, during the Ming Dynasty, Daxu thrived as a leading trade and commercial hub due to its proximity to the Li River. The thirteen docks that can still be seen in Daxu today are the remnants of this former golden age.
As industry, technology, and tourism grew and spread elsewhere in China over the next several hundred years, the ancient town of Daxu somehow managed to make time stand still and has maintained its antique architecture and traditional way of life.
Discover Daxu Ancient Town with Us
Daxu Ancient Town is a historical and cultural site, and you could use some help from a local expert who can lead you to discover more hidden gems of the town.
You may have a chance to knock on the door of the older generation, visit an old crafts workshop, and see how local people make Chinese lanterns, paint the monkey mask, or lion head.
What's more, all our tours are designed based on decades of experience and feedback from our clients. Feel free to customize the sample tour to your requirements, and we will do our best to meet your needs. Reach out to us now to start your journey.
