Yelang Valley, Guiyang: One Man's Stone Kingdom

 The Name "Yelang": Reimagining a Lost Kingdom

The name draws inspiration from the ancient, semi-mythical Yelang Kingdom. Local artist Song Peilun, captivated by the raw power of local Nuo opera masks and minority totems, decided to create his own interpretation. In his 50s, he embarked on a mission to build his personal vision of "Yelang"—a kingdom of primitive vitality and unrestrained imagination, not a historical replica.

The Creation: An Epic of Persistence

This is a story of personal idealism, not commercial tourism:

The Start (1996): At age 56, Song leased a deserted, rocky river valley.

Handmade Growth (1996-2017): With no formal blueprint, he and local villagers worked for over two decades. They stacked found stones, embedded discarded pottery shards into sculptures, and let the art grow organically with the land. Bridges were made from tree roots, paths from stones.

Quiet Fame (2017-Present): Discovered via social media, the valley now attracts visitors. Revenue supports its upkeep, allowing it to remain a true, evolving work of art rather than a commercial park.

Discover More: Explore unique artistic villages across China>>Wangxian Valley

The Natural Stage

The art here doesn't fight the landscape—it collaborates with it.

The Siya River: The gentle stream winds through the gorge, adding life and sound to the silent stone figures.

Karst Foundation: Natural stone pillars, cliffs, and caves form the perfect raw materials and dramatic backdrop for the sculptures.

Living Green: Over decades, vines and trees have embraced the stonework, making the entire valley feel ancient and alive. The scenery changes subtly with the seasons.

The Artistic Heart

Every corner reflects the artist's hand and vision.

Stone Castles & Totems: Towers, arches, and walls built from irregular stones possess a crude, powerful beauty. Tall totem poles with pottery-shard eyes watch over the valley like ancient guardians.

A Thousand Faces: The most iconic feature. Thousands of expressive "masks" made from pottery fragments and recycled materials cover surfaces, creating a mesmerizing, gallery-like effect.

Whimsical Structures: Discover cave rooms, twisting towers, and bridges that feel born from fairy tales, encouraging playful exploration.

Creative Details: From mosaic patterns to clever repurposing of everyday objects, a spirit of "everything is art" shines in the details.

Photography Guide:

Panorama: Shoot from the high trail at the entrance for a grand view.

Portraits with Art: Pose before the giant totems or walls of faces for striking scale.

Details: Capture textures—stone, pottery, weaving vines.

Light: Late afternoon sun creates beautiful shadows and highlights.

Five Essential Activities

Become an Explorer: Wander without a strict plan. Get "lost," peek through arches, and let the place spark your own stories.

Meet the Faces: Seek out the ceramic masks. Each has a unique "expression"—find one that speaks to you.

Feel the Craft: Look closely at how stones are stacked and shards are arranged. Appreciate the years of manual labor infused into the site.

Enjoy the Peace: Sit by the river. The combination of gentle nature and raw art is deeply calming.

Try a Handmade Craft: If available, join a simple pottery or painting session to connect with the creative spirit.

Suggested Itinerary

The Perfect Half-Day Visit (3-4 hours):
Start at the entrance high point for an overview → Descend into the main valley to explore the castles and mask walls freely → Rest by the river or at the teahouse → Take a different path back up to see more hidden spots → Browse the small art shop on your way out.
IntoTravelChina Tip: Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes as paths are natural and uneven. Let curiosity guide your pace.

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina can provide you with a private custom itinerary, including a dedicated guide, transportation, and activity arrangements, for a truly in-depth and hassle-free experience. >> Consult for Customization Now

Getting There

Location: In Huaxi District, about 40 minutes drive from downtown Guiyang.

Best Options: Taxi or rideshare is most convenient (navigate to "Yelang Valley"). Some public buses go near, requiring a final 20-minute walk.

Ticket: A small entry fee is required (around 20 RMB).

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather and beautiful scenery.

Best (Mar-May, Sep-Nov): Pleasant temperatures, lush or colorful foliage.

Summer (Jun-Aug): Lush and green, but can be rainy and slippery.

Winter (Dec-Feb): Quiet and atmospheric, with a stark beauty, though can be chilly.

Helpful Tips

Set Expectations: Appreciate it as a rustic, evolving art project, not a manicured tourist attraction.

Wear Good Shoes: Essential for safety on the natural paths.

Combine Your Trip: It pairs perfectly with a visit to the nearby Qingyan Ancient Town for a full day of culture.

IntoTravelChina Can Help: We design seamless trips that combine Yelang Valley with Guiyang's other highlights. >> Click to Contact an IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant

Huaxi Day Trip: Pair Yelang Valley (artistic wonder) with the historic Qingyan Ancient Town in one day. >>Qingyan Ancient Town

Classic Guizhou Route: Add Yelang Valley to a tour featuring Guiyang, the mighty Huangguoshu Waterfall, and other karst wonders.>>Huangguoshu Waterfall

Art & Culture Focus: Deepen your exploration of Guizhou's folk heritage by visiting traditional villages and craft centers. >>Guizhou 4-Day Tour

Yelang Valley is a testament to one man's dream and the transformative power of art. At IntoTravelChina, we craft journeys that connect you deeply with such unique stories. We handle all details—custom itineraries, tickets, guides, and special access—so you can fully immerse in the experience.

Start Your Adventure
Contact us for a personalized travel plan and quote.  >> Click to Contact an IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant