Ten-mile Gallery

Introduction & Historical Significance
Nestled 2km south of Yangshuo County in Guilin, Guangxi, the Ten-Mile Gallery is a 30km² UNESCO-recognized karst landscape belt along G321 National Road. Dating to the Tang-Song Dynasty, it integrates 81 geological monuments like Moon Hill, Big Banyan Tree, and Butterfly spring. Historically, U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s 1998 bike tour catalyzed the construction of a 10km bike path, dubbed "Carter Scenic Road" by locals. The gallery embodies harmony between nature and human settlement, with 25 villages preserving Guibei traditional architecture and ethnic culture, while serving as a vital economic hub through sustainable tourism.

Architectural Layout & Design
The gallery harmonizes karst topography with human-engineered access:

• Carter Bike Path: A 10km asphalt trail with observation decks and rest pavilions, flanked by peach-shaped peaks, dolphin-shaped rock formations, and ancient volcanic rock landscapes.
• Iconic Landmarks: Moon Hill’s 50m-wide lunar arch, Big Banyan Tree (1,400 years old, 7m trunk circumference), and Poly Dragon Pond’s underground river system with holographic light shows.
• Cultural Integration: Stone-paved lanes, bamboo fences, and rainwater systems blend tradition with eco-innovation. Traditional Zhuang stilt houses feature carved sun/moon motifs and gray-slate roofs.
• Eco-Resorts: Clifftop hotels with ice-spring spas and water-view lodges offering affordable stays.

Major Attractions

• Moon Hill: A 500m peak with a moon-shaped arch revealing changing lunar phases at different angles.
• Big Banyan Tree Park: A 1400-year-old tree with a 28m canopy, featuring a love legend between Liu Sanjie and her lover.
• Butterfly Spring: A karst cave with butterfly-shaped stalactites and a "Rainbow Falls" visible during sunset.
• Gongnong Bridge: A historic stone arch bridge offering panoramic views of rice terraces and river bends.
• Tuteng Ancient Road: A 3km trail through minority villages with batik workshops and traditional medicine gardens.

Ticket Information

• Gallery Access: Free 24/7; specific sites require tickets (Big Banyan: ¥20; Moon Hill: ¥35).
• Combined Tickets: ¥80-150 for multi-site passes including Poly Dragon Pond and Butterfly Spring.
• Guided Tours: ¥100-200 for eco-tours covering geology, culture, and local history.
• Bike/E-Scooter Rental: ¥20-30/day for bikes; ¥50/day for e-scooters.

Transportation Guide

• Public Transit: Bus from Guilin North Station to Yangshuo (¥25, 2.5h); shuttle to gallery entrance (¥10).
• Self-Drive: 1.5h from Guilin via G321; parking at gallery entrance (¥10/day).
• Local Access: Electric shuttles (¥5/ride) and shared bikes for village lanes; horseback tours available.
• Maritime Access: Boat tours from Guilin to Yangshuo (¥180-200, 4h), then shuttle to gallery.

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: March-May for rice planting; September-November for harvest vistas. Avoid July-August monsoons.
• Photography: Dawn for misty karst peaks; sunset for golden-hour lighting. Use polarizing filters for color saturation.
• Cultural Etiquette: Respect Zhuang customs during Festivals like "Singing Fair" (August).
• Packing: Polarized sunglasses, layered clothing (15-25°C), reusable water bottles, and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Safety: Acclimatize to altitude; avoid unmarked trails. Carry emergency contacts and oxygen tanks (¥30).

Nearby Attractions & Itineraries

• Combined Tours:
  • Morning: Bike tour to Moon Hill + Big Banyan Tree + rice terraces.
  • Afternoon: Butterfly Spring cave exploration + Tute Ancient Road hike.
  • Evening: Yangshuo West Street night markets or "Impression Liu Sanjie" outdoor show.
• Multi-Day Routes:
  • 3-Day: Guilin → Yangshuo → Ten-Mile Gallery → Longji Terraces → Li River Cruise.
  • 5-Day: Nanning → Guilin → Yangshuo → Longji → Dragon’s Back Terraces.

Ten-Mile Gallery epitomizes the convergence of karst grandeur, ethnic culture, and sustainable tourism. As a UNESCO gem, it invites global travelers to witness Earth’s raw beauty while honoring the resilient spirit of Guangxi’s minority communities—a true sanctuary of China’s southern karst landscapes.