Yangshuo

Ten-Mile Gallery

The Ten-Mile Gallery is Yangshuo's most scenic cycling route, a 5.5-kilometre stretch of country road between Yangshuo town and the Moon Hill. It threads through a postcard landscape of karst peaks, rice paddies, and tiny villages, and our private guide makes it effortless: bikes delivered to your hotel, a route tailored to your pace, and stops at the viewpoints most travellers miss.

Country road through Ten-Mile Gallery with cyclists and karst mountains
Country road through Ten-Mile Gallery with cyclists and karst mountains

What it is

The Ten-Mile Gallery (Shili Huagang) is not a single attraction but a scenic road that runs from Yangshuo town southwest towards the Moon Hill and beyond. It earned its poetic name because every turn reveals a new 'painting' of limestone karst towers, bamboo groves, and mirror-like rice paddies. The route is flat and paved, making it ideal for cyclists of all abilities. Along the way, you'll pass through villages like Chaolong and Gongnongqiao, where farmers still work the fields with water buffalo. The area is part of the larger Yangshuo karst landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2007 for its outstanding natural beauty.

The road is lined with independent attractions such as the Big Banyan Tree, Butterfly Spring, and the 1,000-year-old Dragon Water Cave. Many travellers combine a bike ride with a stop at Moon Hill, a natural arch that offers panoramic views of the valley. The route is also popular with hikers and electric scooters. Because it's a public road, there's no entrance fee, but individual sites charge admission. Our guides can arrange bike rentals, e-bikes, or a private car with a driver, so you can focus on the scenery. We recommend starting early to avoid both the heat and the tour groups.

Highlights

  • Moon Hill — Climb 800 steps to a natural limestone arch for a 360-degree view of the karst valley; go early to beat the crowds.
  • Big Banyan Tree — A 1,400-year-old tree with a massive canopy; a small entrance fee includes the surrounding garden and photo spots.
  • Butterfly Spring — A cave and garden complex with thousands of butterflies; ideal for families, with a short cave walk and a viewing platform.
  • Village stops — Pause in Chaolong or Gongnongqiao for fresh sugarcane juice, rice noodles, or a chat with local farmers.
  • Karst scenery — The entire route is a photographer's dream; rice paddies reflect the peaks, especially after rain or during golden hour.
Travelers renting bicycles at the entrance of Ten-Mile Gallery
Travelers renting bicycles at the entrance of Ten-Mile Gallery

How to get there

The Ten-Mile Gallery starts about 2 km south of Yangshuo town, easily reached by taxi (¥15–20) or a 20-minute bike ride from West Street. Most travellers rent bicycles (¥20–50 per day) or e-bikes (¥80–120) from shops in town. Our guides can deliver bikes to your hotel and provide a map with quiet side roads. It's a half-day trip; combine with Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree for a full day. If you prefer not to cycle, we can arrange a private car with a driver who follows the route.

Tickets & practical info

The road itself is free. Individual attractions charge: Moon Hill ¥15, Big Banyan Tree ¥20, Butterfly Spring ¥55. Opening hours vary: Moon Hill 8:00–17:30, Big Banyan Tree 8:00–18:00, Butterfly Spring 8:00–18:00. Book via WeChat mini-programs or pay cash; foreign cards are rarely accepted, so carry small notes or use Alipay/WeChat Pay linked to an international card.

Best time to visit

Visit between April and October when the rice paddies are lush and green; September to November offers golden fields and clear skies. Start by 8:00 AM to avoid tour groups and midday heat. Late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) is also beautiful for photography, with softer light and fewer cyclists. Avoid weekends and Chinese public holidays if you prefer tranquillity.

Tips from our guides

  • Rent a bike the evening before and test the brakes; our guides can recommend reputable shops that provide helmets and locks.
  • Carry small cash (¥10–20 notes) for entrance fees and roadside snacks; many stalls don't accept digital payments.
  • Wear sunscreen and a hat; the route has little shade, and the subtropical sun is strong even on cloudy days.
  • Respect local farmers: ask before photographing people or entering fields, and avoid blocking narrow village roads.
  • Download an offline map (e.g., Maps.me) as phone signal can be spotty in the countryside; our guides provide a marked route.
Bamboo raft on Yulong River with karst reflection near Ten-Mile Gallery
Bamboo raft on Yulong River with karst reflection near Ten-Mile Gallery

FAQ

Do I need a guide to cycle the Ten-Mile Gallery?

No, the route is straightforward, but a guide helps you avoid busy roads, find hidden viewpoints, and arrange bike rental. We also provide a map and emergency contact.

Is the route suitable for children?

Yes, the road is flat and traffic is light. We can provide child seats or smaller bikes. However, the climb up Moon Hill is steep and may be challenging for young children.

Can I visit the Ten-Mile Gallery on a rainy day?

Light rain can make the karst scenery more atmospheric, but heavy rain can make roads slippery. We recommend checking the forecast and bringing a poncho; e-bikes are available if you prefer not to pedal.

How long does it take to cycle the entire route?

The main stretch is 5.5 km and takes about 30–45 minutes without stops. With visits to Moon Hill, Big Banyan Tree, and lunch, plan for 4–6 hours.

Want to Customize Your Visit?

Tell us your dates, group size and preferences — a dedicated consultant will reach out within 24 hours.

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