Why not take a spontaneous trip?
by DAVID RHODES
Jan 17, 2024
Located just five kilometers from Huaxi Station, a short taxi ride will take you to this artistic haven. Guizhou artist Song Peilun spent 20 years quietly crafting this stone paradise, utilizing the natural karst terrain and materials of Guizhou. As I strolled among the stone statues and sculptures, I imagined the solitary artist chiseling, sculpting, and assembling each piece to create this imagined Yelang world.
Today, this place has evolved into a marketplace for artists to gather. Studios along the river are bustling with creative minds wielding their brushes and carving tools to pursue their dreams. Yelang Valley is not only the dream kingdom built by Mr. Song Peilun but also a starting point for younger generations to embark on their artistic journeys. Explore the diverse handmade artworks displayed at the "Ugly Things Market" and find a destined piece to take home.
Take a moment to sit under the shade of the tea shop, sip a cup of Guizhou tea, and observe the sculptures and the myriad visitors—each with their own story. May more artists, like Mr. Song Peilun, begin their journey here, boldly showcasing the most mysterious spaces within their hearts.
📍Address: Yelang Valley Karst Ecological Park, Huaxi District, Guiyang
📍Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Huaxi South Station, then a taxi for convenience and affordability.
💰Tickets: Adult ticket: 20 RMB, Student ticket: 10 RMB
🗓️Itinerary:
Feel free to wander among the large sculptures and various handmade artworks—every photo you take will be unique. You can also rent ethnic costumes for even more striking photos. Additionally, there are daily intangible cultural heritage theater performances at noon and 3:30 PM, which are free to watch.
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