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Visit the stunning Yelang Valley, hike along the picturesque trails, explore the unique karst landscape, and enjoy the rich natural scenery. Boating and photography are also highly recommended here.
Yelang Valley in Huaxi, located in the Yelang Valley Karst Ecological Park in Dangwu Township, Huaxi District, Guiyang City, is a unique and mysterious valley among Guiyang's developed scenic areas. The entire eco-park, nestled within the canyon and covering 600 square meters, faces Doupeng Mountain, which is said to have once been the residence of Jinzhusi, the successor to the King of Yelang. The ruins of an ancient Yelang fortress still remain on the mountaintop, giving rise to the name Yelang Valley.
The story of " Yelang arrogance " is a household name. The ancient state of Yelang, which emerged over 2,000 years ago during the Qin and Han dynasties, enjoyed a period of prosperity and fame, rivaling the ancient states of Loulan and Qielan. Traversing the mysteries of history, Yelang culture remains captivating.
Yelang Valley in Guizhou embodies the modern imagination of ancient Yelang. Resembling a primeval forest, mountains, and water, it resembles a dream kingdom built of stone, and is a unique tourist destination in Guiyang.
In summer and autumn, you can swim, play, drift, and appreciate the art and culture of the ancient Yelang Kingdom in the Siya River during the day; at night, you can stay in a small bluestone house, play with some clay, learn to make some art, and have Song Peilun carve a few Zen-filled messages on the house, so that visitors can have their own Yelang in their hearts.
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
20 yuan, half price for students
No admission fee after 21:00
All day
Huaxi Yelang Valley is renowned for its picturesque karst topography and rich biodiversity. The valley also holds cultural significance, with ties to the ancient Yelang kingdom that existed in the region.
Located in Tongren City, Guizhou Province, Yelang Valley is accessible by taxi or private car from Tongren. You can also take a bus from central Tongren to nearby areas.
The valley is open year-round, with the best time to visit during spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant. It operates from 8 AM to 5 PM daily.
The entrance fee is generally around 50-80 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or via local online platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but recommended during peak seasons like public holidays. Booking a few days ahead is advisable during these times.
To fully explore Yelang Valley, you’ll need about 3 to 4 hours to walk through the trails, enjoy the views, and take photos. Longer if you plan to hike or boat around the valley.
The main highlights include the valley’s unique karst formations, lush greenery, serene rivers, and the scenic viewpoint overlooking the entire valley.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in other languages may not be readily available, so it's best to check ahead if you need one.
The best viewpoints are from the top of the valley’s hills, offering panoramic views of the karst landscape and river. The walking paths and riverbanks are also excellent for photography.
Start with a leisurely walk around the valley, then hike up to the viewpoint for a panoramic view. You can also take a boat ride through the valley if available.
Night visits and light shows are not available. However, the valley is beautiful during daylight, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.
The valley can get crowded during weekends and holidays. For a quieter experience, visit during weekdays, preferably in the mornings or late afternoons.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets, rest areas, and food stalls. For a larger selection of food and supplies, consider visiting Tongren City before heading to the valley.
The valley is relatively accessible, with some paved paths suitable for children and elderly visitors. However, the hiking trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, but it’s also a good idea to carry cash, especially for small purchases.
There are a few local restaurants and food stalls near the entrance, offering simple dishes. For a larger variety of food, you may need to travel to Tongren city.
Vegetarian food options are available, but vegan and halal options may be limited. It’s recommended to ask the restaurant staff for specific dietary requirements.
There are basic guesthouses near the valley. For more upscale accommodations, you may need to stay in Tongren City, which has a variety of hotels.
Nearby attractions include Fanjing Mountain, which is a UNESCO Global Geopark, and the Wujiang River. Both can be explored as part of a day trip from Yelang Valley.
There are small souvenir shops selling local handicrafts, such as ethnic-style clothing, accessories, and tea.
You can take a taxi or bus back to Tongren City or continue your journey to other nearby attractions like Fanjing Mountain by private transport.
