If you’re looking for a scenic adventure in Yangshuo, cycling through the 10-Mile Gallery (十里画廊) and along the Yulong River (遇龙河) is an unforgettable experience. This picturesque route takes you through stunning karst landscapes, lush farmland, and charming villages, all while offering ample opportunities for photography. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a casual traveler, this cycling route provides a perfect mix of nature and culture. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best cycling route, the must-see spots along the way, and helpful tips for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
The 10-Mile Gallery & Yulong River: The Perfect Cycling Route
The 10-Mile Gallery isn’t actually a gallery but a scenic road that winds through Yangshuo’s most spectacular karst mountain landscapes. As you cycle along, you’ll feel as though you’re riding through a traditional Chinese painting, surrounded by lush mountains, peaceful rivers, and rural farmland. The 10-Mile Gallery stretches for about 17 kilometers, but the key cycling route along the Yulong River gives you the chance to explore the area’s most famous spots in a 30-kilometer loop.
Cycling Route Overview:
- Starting Point: Fengming Parking Lot / 10-Mile Gallery (North Entrance)
- Route:
- 📍 Gongnong Bridge (工农桥)
- 📍 Li Village / Moon Viewing Scenic Area (厉村/赏月景区)
- 📍 Huatianhai Yulong Legend Hotel (花田海•遇龙传说酒店)
- 📍 Yulong Shuiyun (遇龙水韵)
- 📍 Jima Dock (骥马码头)
- 📍 Chaoyangba (朝阳坝)
- 📍 Shuangliu Yidu Pavilion (双流义渡亭)
- 📍 Murakami Haruki Café (村上春树咖啡屋)
- 📍 Yichidao Café (一尺稻田咖啡)
- End Point: Guilin Qianguqing (桂林千古情)
This 30-kilometer loop takes approximately 3 to 5 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop for photos or sightseeing. The route is free to cycle, offering an easy and accessible way to explore the region’s natural beauty.
Must-See Stops Along the Cycling Route
As you ride through this breathtaking region, make sure to stop at the following popular spots, which offer beautiful landscapes and photo opportunities:
- Gongnong Bridge (工农桥): A popular spot for photographers, especially at sunset when the sky lights up in vibrant colors. Park your bike at the Gongnong Bridge dock parking lot to get the best views and snap some memorable shots.
- Li Village / Moon Viewing Scenic Area (厉村/赏月景区): After spotting the Li Village archway, take a turn into the village where you’ll find a large lawn with stunning views of Moon Hill, a perfect place for photos.
- Huatianhai Yulong Legend Hotel (花田海•遇龙传说酒店): Right across from the hotel, a small path leads down to the Yulong River, where you’ll find a famous swing and Mingjing Platform – two popular photo spots. Expect to queue for the swing, but it’s worth the wait.
- Yulong Shuiyun (遇龙水韵): Follow the signs to this picturesque spot, where you’ll encounter ancient waterwheels used for irrigation. Nearby, you’ll find fields of rapeseed flowers in spring, perfect for a photo op.
- Jima Dock (骥马码头): Known as the starting point for one of the most beautiful walking paths along the Yulong River, complete with a small train and flower gardens.
- Chaoyangba (朝阳坝): This S-bend dam is a famous spot for its mirror-like water reflections. It’s a perfect place for photos, and the dam near Liangsu Hotel offers fewer crowds.
- Shuangliu Yidu Pavilion (双流义渡亭): A popular walking path, especially beautiful in March-April when the rapeseed flowers bloom, or in summer when rice fields stretch out across the landscape.
- Murakami Haruki Café (村上春树咖啡屋): A trendy café where you can take photos and relax with a coffee after cycling through the scenic route.
- Yichidao Café (一尺稻田咖啡): A smaller café with a stunning setting and beautiful surroundings. While it’s quieter than Murakami Haruki Café, it offers a great spot for a break and some picturesque shots.
Things to Keep in Mind for Your Cycling Trip
- Nearby Attractions: Along the route, you’ll pass by a number of paid attractions such as the Totem Ancient Road Scenic Area, Butterfly Spring Scenic Area, Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area, and others. If you’re interested, you can purchase tickets to explore these sites in more depth.
- Bamboo Rafting: The Yulong River is famous for its bamboo rafting, and there are numerous docks along the river where you can embark on a bamboo raft ride. The length of the ride and the number of people per raft can vary, so you can choose a dock based on your preferences.
- Other Recommendations: If you have extra time, you can extend your journey to Fuli Bridge, which is a little farther out but offers even more beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
- Safety Tips: While cycling, be mindful of the narrow roads and the traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons. Some sections of the path can be slippery due to moss, so take care when riding. Also, make sure to wear sunscreen, as the sun can be strong even into September.
Where to Stay
For convenient access to the cycling route and a great selection of dining and entertainment options, staying near West Street (西街) is highly recommended. It’s the main hub for travelers and offers a wide range of accommodation options with great value for money. Renting a bike or electric scooter is also easy from this area, ensuring you’re all set for your cycling adventure.