China by Bike Tour

Today you will arrive in Guangzhou, the starting point for your Chinese adventure. You will meet your guide at the hotel, where you will have an early evening meeting to get to know your guide and ask any questions that you might have. After the meeting, you will enjoy a welcome dinner with the group before settling down for a good night’s rest at your hotel.

Prepare yourself for your first day of cycling as you take the journey to Zhaoqing by bike. In the afternoon you will explore the gorgeous Mt. Dinghu nature reserve, a UNESCO site that buzzes with the sound of birds and crashing water. After admiring the lake, mountains and rare plant species you will head to your hotel where you will spend the night.

After transferring out of the town by coach, you will arrive in the peaceful countryside where you will set off for an 80km cycle to Guangning. You will pass through sleepy villages, some of them now abandoned due to the rapid urbanisation that is unfolding all around you. Arriving in the small town of Guangning, you will check in to a lovely hotel right in the heart of the friendly community.

You will continue to cycle through charming rural landscapes as you head out for Mingjing. You will stop along the way to explore a local cave by boat, resting your legs as you listen to the soothing sound of water lapping against the hull. Afterwards, you will get back on your bike to finish your journey to Huang Hua Gu Guesthouse.

Today you will cycle to Yangshan, covering a further 80km. Your legs will be adjusting to the long distances by now and the group that you are travelling with are sure to feel like old friends already. Soak up the lovely Chinese countryside as you sail along the quiet roads to reach your hotel in Yangshan.

You will have the opportunity to experience authentic Chinese culture as you visit a couple of Yao mountain villages on todays bike ride. The Yao people are subsistence farmers who often live in bamboo houses and continue to uphold their ancient traditions. After learning more about their lives, you will check in to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

After breakfast you will walk through the mountains to visit a traditional Yao village and soak up some magnificent views. Afterwards, you will cycle to Lianshan where you will stay in charming accommodation nestled right between a lake and mountain. Settling down after your first week of cycling, you are sure to sleep soundly tonight.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will head out on the country roads to Zhongshan. You will cover a further 80km today, as you wind through the peaceful rural roads and explore the landscapes of China with an intimacy that most tourists completely miss.

You will transfer the 150km journey to Yangshuo. After checking in to your hotel you will stretch your legs by taking a laid-back cycle around the local area, covering about 30km of nice and easy terrain with plenty of picturesque views for you to enjoy.

You will stay in the same hotel again tonight, giving you the chance to explore the wonderful local surroundings. First you will cycle to Moonhill, which you are welcome to climb to enjoy some breathtaking views of the local area. Later you will take part in a relaxing cruise on the Li River before heading back to the hotel to unwind.

There is some free time set aside this morning so you can explore the local area at your own pace or enjoy some down time. Later, you will transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Xian. You will be welcomed at the airport and transfer to your hotel for the evening.

You will begin the day with a guided walk on Lishan mountain, where you will catch a glimpse of the emperor’s tomb below. After your hike you will take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors. Each of these 6,000 incredible soldiers were hand sculpted by clay to protect the emperor in the after life, each with individual facial features, battle armour and even different heights. Afterwards you will have a chance to explore the ancient Muslim quarter of Xian and enjoy some Islamic cuisine in the city.

Today you will explore the ancient city of Xi’an, the historical ending point of the Great Silk Road. You will visit the Shaanxi Historical Museum in the morning before checking out the Wild Goose Pagoda and the impressive city wall with its deep moat. You will spend the night on the soft sleeper train to Beijing.

Having spent a surprisingly comfortable night on the soft sleeper train, you will arrive in the vibrant capital city. After freshening up and taking your breakfast in the hotel you will set out to explore Beijing, starting with a visit to Mao’s Mausoleum and the iconic Tiananmen Square. You will also look around the gorgeous Forbidden City and take a relaxing bike ride through the historical Hutong area.

Today you will visit one of the most spectacular sites in China. You will spend the whole day touring the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Admire the weathered watchtowers perching proudly along the wall as you walk through mountainous landscapes, high above the lush foliage. You will return to Beijing in the evening where you will spend your final night of the holiday.

It’s time to say goodbye to your group and guide as your amazing cycling and culture trip has sadly come to a close. After enjoying one final breakfast at your hotel in Beijing you will prepare to head out for your onward journey.