Guiyang, Guizhou Province

The Living Landscape Scroll: A Rural Escape to Kaiyang Ten-Mile Gallery

🚙Road Trip 📸Photography 🛤️Highland Aesthetics(高原美学)

Altitude

1,150m

Best Time

🌸 ☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Free

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Kaiyang Ten-Mile Gallery, known in Chinese as Shili Hualang, is a picturesque rural tourism belt located in Kaiyang County, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province. Situated in the Hefeng Township and Nanjiang Township area, approximately 1 hour from Guiyang, this destination is not a static art gallery but a living, breathing landscape painting that stretches for over 10 kilometers (hence the name "Ten-Mile") along the Qinglong River (Blue Dragon River). With an altitude ranging between 800 and 1,200 meters, the area presents a harmonious blend of karst peaks, crystal-clear river waters, lush pastoral fields, and ancient ethnic villages, offering a serene "Utopia" away from the urban bustle,.

1.The soul of the gallery is the Qinglong: River, which winds through the valley like a jade ribbon. The river water is notably clear, shifting between shades of green and blue depending on the sunlight. Flanked by typical karst peak forests, the river creates a scene often compared to a moving watercolor painting. Visitors can stroll along the riverside paths or drive through the scenic corridor, immersing themselves in a landscape where "mountains form the canvas and water forms the ink",.

A key cultural highlight within the gallery is Ma Tou Zhai (Horse Head Village), an ancient Buyi ethnic village with a history dating back to the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Unlike many commercialized old towns, Ma Tou Zhai retains its authentic rural charm. It serves as a living museum for the "Shuidong Culture," a historical regional governance system of the indigenous people. The village preserves ancient residential architecture, historic inscriptions, and the layout of a traditional settlement that integrates defense and daily life. Walking through its stone paths, visitors can sense the weight of history amidst the peaceful village life,.

One of the most iconic visual spectacles in the area is "Shuitou Jinwan" (Water Head Golden Bowl). From a high observation deck, visitors can see the Qinglong River making a dramatic U-turn, encircling a flat, fertile piece of land that resembles a massive "Golden Bowl." This bowl changes colors with the seasons: in spring, it is filled with a sea of yellow rapeseed flowers; in summer, it turns lush green with growing rice; and in autumn, it transforms into a golden expanse of ripe paddy fields. This spot is a favorite for photographers, capturing the essence of Guizhou's agricultural beauty set against a backdrop of mountains and rivers,.

Culturally, the area is a melting pot of Buyi and Miao ethnic traditions. The local villages maintain their customs, festivals, and architectural styles. The integration of these cultural elements with the natural environment—river, fields, and mountains—creates a rich "Cultural Landscape" that goes beyond mere sightseeing. Nearby attractions like the Nanjiang Grand Canyon offer options for adventure seekers, such as drifting, adding a dynamic element to the tranquil rural experience. Whether you are looking for a scenic drive, a cultural exploration of ancient villages, or simply a quiet retreat into nature's embrace, Kaiyang Ten-Mile Gallery offers a poetic journey through the heart of the Guizhou countryside,.

✨ Why Visit Kaiyang Ten-Mile Gallery

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Qinglong River Scenery

Follow the winding "Blue Dragon River" that acts as the lifeline of the gallery, offering crystal-clear waters and stunning reflections of the surrounding karst peaks.

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Shuitou Jinwan (Golden Bowl)

Marvel at the spectacular river bend that encircles a vast field, looking like a "Golden Bowl" filled with rapeseed flowers in spring or golden rice in autumn.

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Ma Tou Ancient Village

Explore a historic Buyi ethnic village that preserves Ming Dynasty architecture and the unique "Shuidong Culture," offering a glimpse into the region's indigenous history.

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Seasonal Rural Landscapes

Witness the changing "canvas" of the countryside, from the sea of flowers in spring to the harvest scenes of autumn, perfect for photography and relaxation.

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Buyi & Miao Culture

Experience the authentic lifestyle and customs of the local ethnic minorities who have lived in harmony with this river valley for centuries.

Location & Nearby

📍 Guiyang, Guizhou Province • 🏔️ 1150m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Kaiyang Ten-Mile Gallery Travel Guide

Where is Kaiyang Ten-Mile Gallery located?

It is located in Kaiyang County, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, spanning across Hefeng and Nanjiang townships.

What is the best time to visit? Spring (March-May) is ideal for seeing rapeseed flowers. Autumn (September-November) offers beautiful golden harvest scenery. Summer (June-August) is great for water activities and escaping the heat,.

Is there an entrance fee? The Ten-Mile Gallery is an open scenic belt, so there is generally no entrance fee for the main area, though specific spots or activities like drifting nearby might have costs.

What is "Shuitou Jinwan"? It is a famous scenic spot where the river curves around a flat field, creating a shape that looks like a golden bowl, especially when crops are yellow/gold.

How much time is needed for a visit? A visit typically takes about 1 day to comfortably explore the villages, enjoy the river views, and perhaps visit nearby attractions.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Kaiyang Ten-Mile Gallery?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.