Location & Accessibility

Li River Ancient Yue is nestled in the heart of Yangshuo’s Ten-Mile Gallery, one of Guilin’s most iconic scenic areas. You’ll find it inside the Tuteng Ancient Road Scenic Area, located at Diecui Road near the entrance of Yangshuo Park. Getting there is easy: if you’re arriving by bus or car, drive to Yangshuo County and follow signs for Ten-Mile Gallery. Free parking is available near the visitor center, and local tour buses also stop here regularly. For a more immersive experience, consider renting a bike to explore the surrounding countryside before reaching the show.

Natural Wonders

The setting of Li River Ancient Yue is nothing short of magical. Surrounded by karst mountains and the winding Li River, the theater uses the real landscape as its stage. Imagine towering limestone peaks lit by sunset, with rice paddies and bamboo groves framing the performance. This isn’t just a show—it’s a living painting where the natural beauty of Guilin becomes part of the story. Keep an eye out for wild monkeys and birds that sometimes join the act!

Cultural Immersion

Li River Ancient Yue isn’t just a performance—it’s a journey into Guangxi’s ethnic heritage. The show highlights the Zhuang, Yao, and Miao cultures through dance, music, and rituals. You’ll see stunning displays of bronze gong culture (those massive gongs!), embroidered ball traditions, and mountain folk songs. The highlight? A fire-walking ceremony that leaves the audience in awe. Even if you don’t know Chinese, the vibrant costumes, energetic drumming, and emotional storytelling make it deeply moving.

Practical Details

The venue is family-friendly, with clear signage in English. Arrive early to explore the gift shop selling handmade Zhuang textiles and batik art, or grab a snack at the local food stalls offering oil-tea rice and soybean milk. Restrooms and seating are clean and well-maintained. Tickets can be booked online (check for discounts!) or purchased on-site. Be sure to charge your phone—you’ll want to snap photos of the panoramic views before the show starts.

The Experience

From the moment you step into Li River Ancient Yue, you’re transported. The open-air theater feels like a secret hidden in the hills. As the sun sets, colorful lights illuminate the peaks, and performers emerge from the crowd, blending ancient traditions with modern flair. Personally, I loved how they involved the audience—we even got to try Zhuang dance steps! It’s the perfect mix of adventure, art, and culture. Afterward, stick around for a night bike ride along the gallery—the same mountains look totally different under the stars.

If you’re visiting Guilin, Li River Ancient Yue is a must. It’s more than a show—it’s a portal into the soul of Guangxi’s ethnic tribes. Trust me, you’ll leave saying, “Now I understand why they call this the heart of Zhuang culture!”