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Everyone has seen the pictures. The impossibly green, jagged karst peaks piercing the morning mist, the serene Li River snaking its way through a landscape that seems more dream than reality. This is the postcard image of Yangshuo, and it draws millions to this corner of Guangxi every year. They flock to West Street, cram onto bamboo rafts, and jostle for the perfect shot at Xingping. And while that experience is magical in its own right, it often obscures the quieter, more intimate soul of this place.
Just a few kilometers from the bustling town center, there exists a different Yangshuo. A place where the journey itself is the destination, where the landscape unfolds not as a static photograph but as a living, breathing scroll painting. This is the Ten Mile Gallery, and it is, without a doubt, Yangshuo's most enchanting secret.
The name "Ten Mile Gallery" is a literal translation of its Chinese name, but to call it merely a gallery is a profound understatement. In a traditional art gallery, you walk from one framed masterpiece to the next. Here, the frames are the very mountains and fields themselves, and the masterpieces are the moments of life that unfold within them. The "art" is not static; it changes with the light, the season, and the time of day.
Imagine a flat, paved road, completely closed to most motorized traffic, winding its way through a valley flanked by those iconic karst towers. This road is your gallery hall. As you move through it, the perspective shifts constantly. A peak that looked like a crouching lion from one angle transforms into a wise old man's profile from another. In the early morning, the entire valley is bathed in a soft, golden light, with tendrils of mist clinging to the peaks. Farmers lead water buffalo into emerald-green rice paddies, their movements slow and deliberate. This is the "opening ceremony" of the gallery, a daily performance of serene, agricultural life that has continued for centuries.
The true artists of this gallery are the local people. You see them tending to their orange groves, the bright fruit a stark contrast against the dark green leaves and grey stone. You hear the rhythmic sounds of their work, the gentle chatter, the occasional laugh. An old woman selling freshly picked mandarins from a roadside stand is not just a vendor; she is part of the living exhibit. A cormorant fisherman, though sometimes staged for tourists now, represents an ancient practice that is woven into the cultural fabric of the scene. Their presence adds the human element that makes the landscape feel complete and authentic.
How you choose to explore the Ten Mile Gallery fundamentally shapes your experience. Each mode of transport offers a different pace, a different perspective, and a different kind of intimacy with the surroundings.
For families, couples, or those who simply want to relax and take it all in, the rented electric golf cart is the quintessential choice. It’s slow enough to feel immersed but requires minimal physical effort. You can stop on a whim, pull over to the side of the road, and simply absorb the view. The quiet hum of the electric motor doesn't shatter the peace, allowing you to hear the birds and the breeze. It feels like a private, open-air chauffeur through a world-class sculpture park.
This is the classic way to experience the gallery. Pedaling through the valley, you feel the sun on your skin and the wind in your hair. The slower pace allows for an even deeper connection. You can venture down smaller paths that lead into tiny villages, where you might stumble upon a hidden temple or a family compound. The smell of damp earth after a rain, the scent of blooming osmanthus trees—these are sensations reserved for the cyclist. It’s an active participation in the landscape, where every turn of the pedal brings a new discovery.
For the ultimate connection, walking is the answer. The ten-mile distance is manageable for most, and the flat terrain makes for a pleasant stroll. On foot, you notice the small details: the texture of the limestone rocks, the intricate patterns in a farmer's woven hat, the chorus of insects in the fields. You have the freedom to stop and talk, to take a hundred photos, or to just sit on a rock and do nothing at all. It’s a meditative experience, a form of moving meditation where the boundary between you and the landscape begins to dissolve.
While the entire stretch is beautiful, there are certain "landmark exhibits" within the Ten Mile Gallery that are particularly noteworthy.
No visit to the gallery is complete without a view of Moon Hill. This majestic karst peak has a large, naturally formed hole through its center, giving it the appearance of a crescent moon or a perfect circle, depending on your angle. While you can see it from the road, the more adventurous can hike up the steep path to the arch itself. The climb is strenuous, but the panoramic view of the entire Ten Mile Gallery valley from the top is the ultimate reward, putting the entire sprawling "exhibition" into breathtaking perspective.
Located near the entrance to the gallery, this massive banyan tree is said to be over 1400 years old. Its sprawling branches and aerial roots create a small forest of their own. It’s a place of cool shade and quiet reverence, a living monument that has witnessed the countless changes of this land while remaining a constant, silent observer. It serves as a powerful reminder of the deep history that underpins this beautiful scenery.
The Yulong River, or Dragon River, is often considered the quieter, more beautiful cousin of the Li River. It meanders through parts of the Ten Mile Gallery area, and a bamboo raft ride here is a far more peaceful and personal experience than on the bustling Li. The rafts are poled by local drivers, and the journey is one of pure tranquility, floating past water buffalo, bamboo groves, and ancient stone bridges. It’s like viewing a separate, liquid wing of the gallery.
The beauty of the Ten Mile Gallery is that it has evolved. It understands that the modern traveler seeks more than just a pretty picture; they seek an experience, a story to tell, and yes, the perfect photo for social media.
The area has cleverly integrated photo-worthy spots that blend with the environment. A simple swing hanging from a tree overlooking the rice fields becomes a magical prop. A bamboo platform extending into a pond creates the illusion of walking on water towards the mountains. These are not tacky intrusions but thoughtful additions that enhance the visitor's interaction with the landscape, providing those iconic shots that define a Yangshuo trip for the digital generation.
Scattered in and around the Ten Mile Gallery are a new breed of accommodations. Gone are the days when your only option was a noisy hostel on West Street. Now, you can find stunning boutique hotels and guesthouses nestled right in the heart of the countryside. Waking up to a view of karst peaks from your balcony, with only the sound of birds as your alarm clock, is an experience that redefines a visit to Yangshuo. These places often offer bicycle rentals, homemade local meals, and a deep sense of peace, making the Ten Mile Gallery not just a day trip, but a place to stay and truly live within the art.
The Ten Mile Gallery is the antidote to overtourism. It proves that even in a place as famous as Yangshuo, you can still find a path less traveled, a moment of silence, and a connection to a slower, more beautiful way of life. It’s not just a place you see; it’s a place you feel. It’s the hidden heartbeat of Yangshuo, waiting for you to slow down, listen, and explore.
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Author: Yangshuo Travel
Link: https://yangshuotravel.github.io/travel-blog/ten-mile-gallery-a-hidden-gem-in-yangshuo.htm
Source: Yangshuo Travel
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