Cycle China 15 days
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Cycle China 15 days Overview
Tour Difficulty: 5/10 Challenging
Avg. Daily Distance: 50km
Off Road Cycling: 20%
Maximum Altitude: 820mCycle China 15 days adventure cycling holiday through the rural South East, begins in Guiyang the capital of Guizhou province. We transfer out of the city into quiet minority areas where the cycling begins. Following quiet back roads up into mountain villages we discover a world apart from the modern face of China.
As many as 30 different ethnic minorities live peacefully alongside one another in the areas we visit in Guizhou and northeast Guangxi, with a huge variety of cultures. Generally, Dong villages are set along river valleys while Miao villages are scattered on the hills. The minority communities have maintained their cultural traditions over centuries, living simple remote lives, away from modernity and full of character. We discover their world as we cycle through a landscape of rice terraces carved out of the mountain, rising up in layers towards the skyline.
The Dongs are known for their architecture, particularly the octagonal pagoda-type drum towers (Gulou), and wind and rain bridges that provide shelter for people during bad weathers. Built without a single nail, they are the symbol of Dongs and served as a gathering place for the villages to discuss and settle important matters, stage festivals or entertainments The Miao were among the first people to settle in present day China, and among the first rice farmers in China.
Having visited the remotest of settlements up in the hills, and experienced cycling in the most inspirational, breathtaking mountain scenery we bicycle down out of the rice terraces towards Guilin. From here we journey alongside the tranquil waters of the Li River and into the hilly landscape of Karst limestone peaks to Younshou where our cycling tour ends.
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Day 1) Cycle China Guiyang
Arrive Guiyang: the capital of Guizhou province. The city is situated on the Nanming River, a headstream of the Wu River, which eventually joins the Yangtze at Fuling in Sichuan. You will have a free day to explore Guiyang, you might want to visit DaNanMen the old food street downtown, known as ‘the Food Paradise of Guiyang’ and 5 minutes walk from the Jiaxiu Tower. Lots of local specialities and famous dishes can be found here. The climate here is temperate and there are a number of tourist attractions and historical landmarks.
The Red Marple Lake(Hongfeng Lake) the Flower Stream Park, and relics of the Ming and Qing dynasties: the Jiaxiu Tower, Wenchang Pavillion and Yangming Cave, More than 30 different ethnic minorities live in Guiyang, enriching the city with their colourful folk traditions and cultural activities. This evening we will have a team briefing.
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Guiyang
Meals included: BDay 2) Cycle China 15 days Guiyang / Zhou to Leishan
After an early morning transfer to Zhou we begin our cycle ride on quiet back roads. Don’t be deceived by the relatively short distance we cover today. We face 2 major climbs ascending over 850m. The start to the trip could be described as being thrown in at the deep end!
This area of china is the home to different Miao communities; a grouping of linguistically related minorities. As we cycle we pass by wooden houses, often on stilts with animals living beneath them. The Miao wear brightly coloured embroidered clothing and observe strong cultural traditions including a love of storytelling and music. They celebrate many festivals during which there is drumming dancing to the music of a lusheng (a wind instrument. Traditional crafts that can still be witnessed include weaving, batik and embroidery.
Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling distance: 41.5 km
Meals included: B, L, DDay 3) Cycle China 15 days Leishan to Yongle
Our cycling this morning begins with 9km along flat terrain before we undertake a steep 200m climb for 2km. There’s a speedy 1km drop on the other side of the peak, after another kilometer we can make a stop in the little village of Datang.
Once we’ve drawn breath here we tackle the first real challenge of the day with a 400m climb over 10km. Over the top we drop 500m downhill for the next 10km and head straight into the 300m monster climb! To end the day we’re rewarded with a well deserved 12km steep descent into Yongle.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance: 58.4 km
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 4) Cycle China 15 days Yongle to Rongjiang
Today we begin with a relatively gentle 14km of cycling. We begin to climb for the next 9km ascending 250m before a sharp drop over 8km, then it’s steady downhill ride into Rongjiang.
The villages we pass here are characterised by their wooden buildings and home to a Miao community who produce traditional indigo dyed batik fabrics. After 38 km we reach Rongjiang a bustling town located in a wide valley with a big river.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance: 75.6 km
Meals included: B, L, DDay 5) Cycle China 15 Rongjiang to Diman
Ronjiang is lively in the mornings with a busy market. Stallholders sell fruit, vegetables, local sweets ‘Jaoizi’ and bowls of steaming food such as red bean soup. We cycle on from Rongjiang towards Diman. After a flat start for 7km we tackle the first of 2 big climbs. a 13km (400m) challenge. For the next 22km the road inclines then rises again towards our second 12km (450m) of increasingly steep ascent.
We finish the day with a steep 5km drop into We enjoy fantastic views, timeless scenes, and undulating road. We may hear the sounds of traditional music wafting across the countryside from a reed flute or traditional drums. This evening is one of the highlights of the trip as we are amongst the first tourists to stay in the village of Diman. We will receive an authentic warm welcome from the community.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance: 59.3 km
Meals included: B, L, DDay 6) Cycle China 15 days Diman to Liping
Bidding farewell to our hosts we take a road out of Liping that follows the river downwards for 150m over 23km. We cycle this section of the route without vehicle support as the road is not accessible to vehicles. We rejoin our support team before starting to cycle our only long climb today. It’s a 7km (450m) steep haul before we’re over the peak for a 43km (550m) descent, taking in a few wee bumps before arriving into Liping.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance: 72.9 km
Meals included: B, L, DDay 7) Cycle China 15 days Liping to Zhaoxing
Today we cycle on towards Zhaoxing on spectacular quiet road with 2 mountain pass climbs, to begin and end the day both of which are short and steep. On the hill tops truck drivers make stops to refill with water and local women sell traditional crafts here including embroidered slippers and painted scolls. Our approach to Zhaoxing takes us through rice fields etched in the hillsides and we will see the famous Drum towers.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance: 71 km
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 8) Cycle China 15 days Zhaoxing. Rest day
Zhaoxing is famous for its five Drum Towers. According to tradition each individual Drum Tower represents one group of local Dong people. Another feature of the town are the wind and rain bridges amongst the wooden buildings. The Dong people still wear traditional clothing and speak only their native language. The town comes to life early in the morning with a market where you can sample local snacks and observe local life, it is then very quiet during the day when most people are out working in the fields.
The Dong have never had a written language of their own. Their history, tradition and philosophy have been passed on from generation to generation in the form of music with choral singing accompanied by unique wooden pipes dances and the never-ending songs. We may be treated to some traditional music while we are here. You can walk up to Tangan, another authentic Dong village via a lovely wind and rain bridge. Tangan is quite high up on the mountain slope and has a very nice gulou and also a Dong museum.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals included: BDay 9) Cycle China 15 days Zhaoxing to Dudong
We head across the border to the remote Dong village Dudong in Guangxi province, tucked away in the mountainous area bordering Guizhou,and Hunan. Our day begins with a 10km steep climb, we then journey down for 15km into a narrowing valley, passing-by unspoiled Dong villages and wind and rain bridges to reach a pass on the border between Guizhou and Guangxi.
Our scenic route passes through beautiful tea fields that characterise the valley. After a further flatter 10km we have another 10km ascent before dropping down in to Dudong for the final 7km. During 1940 Dudong was a centre for action against the Japanese . It is a small town with a modern and an old quarter. The new town is more oriented towards tourism. The recently built drum tower here is the highest in the area. In the old town you will see pigs running amuck along the narrow paths between the old traditional wooden houses. We are within walking distance of the very interesting Dong villages: Gaoding and Linlue, that have not yet been developed into tourist attractions.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance: 48.5 km
Meals included: B, L, DDay 10) Cycle China 15 days Dudong to Longsheng
This morning begins with a quick 1km climb, then the road rises and falls for 10km bringing us to another monster 11km (500m) ascent. This is followed by a fantastic 9km descent before the road flattens out. Longsheng county is famed for Longji rice terraces (Longji Titian), called Dragon Backbones by the locals where entire mountain sides have been transformed into rice fields creating a dramatic landscape like great chains, or ribbons extending from the foot to the top of the hills. This maximises use of the limited arable land and water resources in the mountainous area.
The Terraces were first started in the Yuan dynasty and finished in the Qing dynasty by the Zhuang people and look as if they were sculpted into the mountainside. The Longsheng Hot Springs, known as “a heaven of peace and happiness” and “paradise on earth,” are the centrepiece of the national park. Bubbling out from the rocks halfway up the mountain, the hot spring water is completely clear and contains many trace elements. The water is good for drinking and bathing and believed to have healing powers.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance: 104 km
Meals included: B, L, DDay 11) Cycle China 15 days Longsheng to Ping’an
Today we cycle 32km on surfaced road up along the valley towards Ping An. For the final stretch of the ride we pass through spectacular scenery of Rice Terraces cut into the mountainside over many years by local communities. We cycle a series of challenging hairpin bends that twist up toward the skyline, to reach this traditional Zhuang village high up in the mountain.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance: 32 km
Meals included: B, L, DDay 12) Cycle China 15 days PingAn – rest day
A well deserved rest day after our mountain climb yesterday. There are ten different minorities including Zhuang, Yao, Hui, Miao, Tong in the village The women still wear unique traditional dress and are famed for having their hair so long that it touches the ground. Many folk festivals take place during the year.
You can sample the local speciality rice, cooked with peanuts, beans or other ingredients baked in bamboo tubes on the open fire. You can walk around the village and a short climb up out of the village will take you to two famous vantage points: the Nine Dragons and Five Tigers, and the Seven Stars with the Moon, where you will be rewarded by breath taking views. These are considered as the highlights of the village.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals included: B
Day 13) Cycle China 15 days PingAn to Mishaidi
Today we cycle down out of PingAn following twisting mountain road for 20 km. With a few ups and downs we then have an 18km climb followed by a steep 8km drop. The next 20km are a series of ups and downs into Mishaidi We are likely to experience bending roads, tiny bridges and and completely blind turns.The landscape begins to change as we travel towards Guilin, becoming characterised by karst mountains and rivers lined with bamboo by contrast with the hilly rice terraces we’ve become accustomed to over the last few days.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance: 59 km
Meals included: B, L, DDay 14) Cycle China 15 days Mishaidi to Guilin
We drop down out of Mishaidi for 10km then cycling along relatively flat road for 20km. We then climb for another 10km followed by another steep drop for 10 km. The remainder of the route into Guilin is a gentle drop for 43 km passing the Seven stars Park The park was given this name because of its seven peaks ( four peaks of Putuo Mountain and three of Crescent Mountain) that resemble the form of the Big Dipper constellation.The mountains and waters around Guilin are said to be the best under heaven with limestone Karst formations riddled with caves, and lush greenery. Weaving through the cliffs and rocks are calm rivers and streams irrigating the farms and villages.
Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling distance: 72 km
Meals included: B, LDay 15) Cycle China 15 days Home/Guilin
We bid goodbye today to some of our group who will be transferred to the airport for their flight home.
Guilin is surrounded by the landscape of traditional rural China. The area is characterised by rice fields, orchards, and vegetable plots, as well as reservoirs and farmyards full of chickens. A stunning view of Karst peaks along the skyline completes the landscape. Guilin is a lively modern city, popular with tourists. You can take advantage of the opportunities to pick up clothing and other bargains today if you are inclined. Attractions include the Central Square, Jingjiang Prince City (once the home of a local princess and now a museum) and the Li River Folk Museum. There are many buses and taxis out of the city into the beautiful surrounding countryside.Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: B, LDay 16) Cycle China 19 days Guilin to Xingping
We cycle from the lively busy streets of Guilin out into a countryside dominated by Karst peak formations towards Xingping. The first 30km are on flat terrain following the Li River and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. We pass through Daxu a picturesque village with cobbled streets that dates back to the Ming dynasty. Next we cycle a steep downhill of around 3km into Cao Ping, a perfect spot to make our stop for lunch.
This afternoon our route takes away from the river and we begin a steep 10km climb, followed by a further 1km push up to the peak, then it’s a drop of 6km. Over the next 10 km we have 2 further climbs and a speedy drop. The final 10kms of the day take us over 2 more gentle peaks into historic Xingping where once again we’re alongside the Li River. The 20 Yuan note features a scene of the Li against mountain peaks at Xingping. The Bird’s View Pavillion sits on one particularly dramatic peak overlooking Xingping. If you have a head for heights you can climb up here to enjoy the view. If you prefer to say at ground level you have the option to take a scenic river trip in a small boat.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance: 63 km
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 17) Cycle China 19 days Xingping to Yonshou
We begin the day cycling along the river and then head into the mountains on rural roads passing villages, tea plantations and farmland. After 10 km of flat terrain we climb a dramatic 5km to our first peak there’s a brief respite before a further 4km of tough terrain uphill. We drop down over the peak for 3km then it’s uphill again for the next few km. The rest of the day we’ll be heading downhill with a few brief climbs for an enjoyable 60km through the beautiful karst scenery. Along the way we’ll make a stop for lunch in a rural market town, and pass through Jiu Xian village with ancient ‘folk’ houses it is known as the ‘soul’ of the Youlong area. Our final stretch of the day into Yongshou is along surfaced road. Youngshou is a popular destination and noticeably more touristy than Xingping.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance: 82 km
Meals included: B, LDay 18) Cycle China 19 days Yongshou – Rest Day
You can take it easy today and enjoy exploring the town. There are plenty of opportunities to pick up a few souvenirs and all manner of goods in the town market on West Street. If you still have the urge to stretch your legs after all the cycling it is worth walking up the mountain to enjoy the view of the town in its beautiful riverside setting. Tonight we will celebrate the end of our cycling with a final meal together. A perfect finish to our South West China Adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: BDay 19) Cycle China 19 days departure day
Sadly you say farewell to your new found freinds and to Yongshou as you are transferred to the airport which is 90 minutes away for your onward travel arrangements
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Cycle India 15 days Prices and Inclusions:
Cycling support and grading
Cycle China 15 days: All of the time you will have the security of a back-up vehicle; either a jeep or a bus. The vehicle will carry our entire luggage (we transport your main baggage by support vehicle from each overnight stop to the next) and yourself if you want. The back up van will be with us throughout the day stopping around every 12 miles (20 km) . Our leaders carry a good tool kit and will help to fix any bike problems so all you normally need to carry is a daypack, for your camera etc, however, we cannot guarantee that we will be equipped for all repairs, so you must ensure that your bike is in good working order before the tour. If in doubt, have it fully serviced by a bike shop before you travel.
Baggage allowances and your bike
Your bike must be carried as a part of your luggage allowance and, to this end, we do ask you to make every effort to keep your total check-in baggage to an absolute minimum. The baggage allowance for most airlines for an economy-class ticket is 20kg per person; although a degree of flexibility is usually extended to groups and the check in staff may accept up to 26kg per person without imposing excess baggage charges.Your bike (in its cardboard box) will weigh 15 to 18kg. So, that means you will have a small allowance for clothing, etc. You should carry small heavy items in your day pack / pannier which you can take onto the plane as hand luggage.
Your hand luggage is not included as a part of your overall allowance, as it is not weighed. Please inform your airline that you will be taking your bike on the flight, and attempt to make every effort to secure from the airline an additional baggage allowance – but this is not always granted. Although we cannot guarantee that there will not be excess baggage charges, this is something, which very rarely happens.
Getting there and away
Cycle China 15 days & 19 days starts in Guiyang on Saturday. We appreciate that people join from all over the world and therefore no matter what time you arrive at the airport a representative will pick you up so that you and your luggage can be transferred to your hotel. Please bear in mind that if you arrive before midday you may have to wait for your room to be made available. If you decide to arrive before this date Discovery Travel can assist you in booking your accommodation and will organise a free transfer to your hotel. Our holiday price does not include your international flight.Equipment and bike stuff
Cycle China 15 days & 19 days cycle tour is only suitable for mountain bikes. We hire new 2013 Giant ATX 790 ultra light mountain bikes. With shimmano components and lock out front suspension. If you’re not hiring from us you need to ensure that you bike is in good working order before you leave on tour. If you are not the most mechanically minded we suggest that you get your bike looked at by a professional bike mechanic. In particularly we would suggest looking and adjusting all wheel spokes, greasing all your bearings, checking your brakes/gears cable, tighten all nuts and bolts, check chain, quick release clamps, tires and put in new inner tubes and check wheel rims are not worn. In addition make sure the bike is well serviced and ride it with as much care and attention as possible.We would also advise the following tools to accompany you on your tour: multi-tool, tyre levers, pump, 2 spare inner tube, spare spokes of the correct length to fit your wheels – check with a bike shop, brake pads, a few spare links for your chain, spares for any unique or high-tech items on your bike, e.g. fluid and bleed kit for hydraulic brakes.
what to bring!
If you are bringing your own bike you must bring spare parts specific to it. A detailed equipment list of what to bring with you will be provided on booking. Dark glasses, small day sack or pannier (assuming you have a rack to attach it to) to carry clothing, camera and valuables, a couple of spare passport photos, photocopies of key documents e.g. passport (data and visa pages), travel insurance policy, airline tickets, camera, photos of your family and postcards of your town to show the locals.In terms of clothing this is clearly up to you and we can only supply a rough guide as to what to take. This guide is entirely flexible and should be tailored to your specific needs. Sunglasses, lightweight trekking boots/shoes — cycling footwear, Lightweight socks (3 pairs) — Underwear (4 pairs) — lightweight long johns, Lightweight, long-sleeved shirt — lightweight trekking shorts, Padded cycling shorts (2 pairs) — shorts, T-shirts (2) — long-sleeved shirt, Fleece jacket/pullover, Biking jacket — waterproof (breathable fabric), Fingerless biking gloves — sunglasses, Toiletries — basic first aid kit, to include: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, broad spectrum anti biotics, painkillers, plasters and blister treatment and re-hydration salts (Dioralite) Lip Balm, Sun cream – Towel (small). If you have any questions about this list please feel free to contact us.
What’s included and what’s not
All accommodation will be on a twin share basis; If you are traveling on your own, single rooms are available at extra cost. We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than luxury.Most food is provided on tour, except in Zhaoxing, PingAn, Guilin and Yonshou, where you will need to pay for your lunch and dinner.
All transportation and local guides within China are provided. When you arrive in Guiyang (on the first day of the tour) you will be met and transferred to our hotel.
Spending money depends on your taste for souvenirs, drinks etc. We estimate that $350/$450 will be more than enough to cover the 15/19-day tour. Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. $40 for the guide and team at the end of the tour is recommended.
Spares
We would advise the following: a multi-tool, tyre levers, pump, 2 spare inner tube, spare spokes of the correct length to fit your wheels – check with a bike shop, brake pads, a few spare links for your chain, spares for any unique or high-tech items on your bike, e.g. fluid and bleed kit for hydraulic brakes.Rates vary often due to currency fluctuations, please ask for latest best prices and departure dates
Inclusions: As per day by day itinerary
Cycle China 15 days & 19 days optional extras
Single supplement: Please ask for details
Bike Hire from Local: From $300 or BYO
Prices are per person twin share, single supplement applies, please inquire for further details. Prices subject to change and availability and currency fluctuations.
