Daxu Ancient Town - a Small Village That Allows You to Step Back in Time

Built over 2,000 years ago, Daxu Ancient Town is seen as a lively book of Guilin's history because it has witnessed all the changes from the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC) to today. Go there to understand more about the culture and lifestyle of Guilin.

What Is Daxu Ancient Town?

"Xu" is an ancient Chinese word, which means "bazaar". "Da" means "large". So, in ancient times, Daxu meant a large bazaar. Because Daxu was the largest market in ancient times, and in particular during the period of the Republic of China, it was renowned in the area around Guangxi Province. As past glories have faded, all that has remained in Daxu are ruins of architectural structures and crowds of tourists.

Riding in Daxu

What Should You Know about Daxu Ancient Town?

Daxu Ancient Town has a history of over 2,000 years. The most historic remains there are many ancient workshops.
Most of Daxu’s inhabitants are elderly people because they like their traditional lifestyle and don't want to move to other, more modern places.
From the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127), Daxu Ancient Town was famous for its busy market.
Along the river at Daxu, there are plenty of old houses, narrow alleys, and black stone streets just waiting for you to explore them.
What makes the ancient town popular is that Daxu has retained its traditions, culture, and history in a beautiful and artistic way. You can walk along its ancient roads and experience what it must have felt like in ancient times, almost as though you have stepped back in time.

Architectural Features of Daxu Ancient Town

The residential buildings in Daxu Ancient Town are noticeable in that the southern side is lower than the northern section.
The town is built alongside the river and mountains. Generally, the front gates of the residential buildings are facing a commercial street while the back doors have access to a wharf.
Each house has a very scientific and multipurpose design. Local people can use their houses both to live and to conduct their business in.
There is a courtyard on the second floor of each house, with many flowers and grasses planted there.

Main Attractions in Daxu Ancient Town

A few people may consider Daxu Ancient Town to be boring and shabby. The most important thing is to explore it in a different way. Here are details of the main attractions and the town’s history and stories, which you should know before visiting it.

1. Stone Roads

Stone roads are everywhere in Daxu — they were built in the early days of the People's Republic of China. There are about 15,000 black stones, which were mainly used in ancient stone roads.

Stone road

2. The Longevity Bridge

Constructed in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and then restored in 1899, Wanshou Bridge is a primitive and ancient architectural structure that you can't miss. It’s known for its single arch and original look, and is listed as an important cultural relic in Lingchuan.

Ancient bridge

3. Daxu Docks

There are 13 docks, which are made of stones and still survive in Daxu. They are 10 meters long and 3 meters wide, and seem very steady. All of the docks are accessible from the town via alleys. Walking along the ancient alleys, it's interesting to wonder what scenery to expect at the end of each road.

4. Daxu’s Ancient Tombs

Many pottery boxes and pots, bronze swords, and iron axes were excavated from Daxu’s ancient tombs. There is a mysterious and coincidental fact that the seven tombs were arranged in the same form as the Big Dipper constellation. Nobody knows the relationship between Daxu’s ancient tombs and the stars in the sky, and this needs to be explored and researched further.

Travel Tips for Daxu Ancient Town

Location: 250 Linjiang Road, Lingchuan County, Guilin, Guangxi Province
Best times: From April to October
Visiting duration: 1 to 2 hours
Transportation: Take Bus 306 from Guilin Bus Station. The journey takes 40 minutes and costs 2 yuan.
Note: Get there early or late to escape the crowds.