Backroads to Yangshuo

Arrive in Guangzhou

On arrival you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Guangzhou before we meet in the hotel lounge at approx 6.30pm for a trip briefing with the group leader.

To Zhoaqing - Introduction cycle

This morning we transfer by coach out of hectic streets of Guangzhou to begin our cycle. We cycle for the rest of the day with ample opportunity for breaks before arriving in Zhoaqing. Throughout the entire trip there will always be the backup support of a vehicle, so for those times when you are feeling a little lethargic, or where road conditions make it difficult to cycle, you may ride in the mini bus. Approx: 60km cycling

In Zhaoqing

Today we visit Star Lake Park and the nature reserve of Mt Dinghu. We will have the opportunity to visit a 300 year old Buddhist monastery on the mountain, where we will have a vegetarian feast for lunch, before returning to Zhaoqing for the evening. Approx: 20km cycling

To Si Hui, cycle to Qing Yuan

We begin the day with a drive out of Zhaoqing to the small town of Si Hui, where we begin our cycling. We cycle to Qing Yuan, through classic rural China. The road weaves past high bamboo forests and small villages, the ubiquitous rice paddy fields and vegetable gardens. Approx: 70km cycle

Cycle to Jiu Long

From Qing Yuan we drive out of town before cycling approximately to Jiu Long. The countryside in this area is stunning with lime stone karst mountains towering over fields and villages. From Jiu Long we venture on a beautiful ride around Guan Yin Crag and back to Liu Long to complete an exhilarating day of cycling! If we want to cycle further, we need to start riding earlier. We may cycle 35 km to Jiu Long instead of 10 km. There’s a 10 km ride visiting Guan Yin Crag and an optional 25 km ride around Jiu Long area (Little Guilin). Approx: 40 - 70km cycle depending on optional rides

Cycle to Yangshan

We spend the day cycling on remote backroads to Yangshan through some of the regions most sublime karst scenery- the kind that has kept Chinese poets and painters inspired for centuries! The terrain is undulating with a few hills amongst a spectacular rural landscape. Approx: 80km cycle

Cycle to Lianshan

Today we cycle to Lianshan through a Yao (a minority group in China) area. We will have plenty of time to wander through the local markets and observe the Yao people who are set apart from the rest of the population by their culture, traditions and distinctive facial features. The Yao minority still live very traditional lives, relatively untouched by Western influences. The cycling is relatively easy but does wind through mountainous terrain. The road fluctuates between paved and dirt surfaces until we arrive at the base of three significant hills, which are usually not tackled by bike. Over these mountains is where we encounter stunning scenery as we cycle through pristine countryside. We will drive a short distance in the middle of the day as not to miss the last section of terraced rice paddies, small villages and local people go about their daily life with lush undulating mountains setting the perfect backdrop to this spectacular day. Approx: 100km cycle

Cycle to Zhongshan

After a short drive we enjoy a beautiful smooth days riding on well paved roads soaking in the relaxed ambiance of rural China as people go about their every day lives around us. We arrive in the town of Zhongshan, which like many of the small towns we visit on our cycling days are fascinating not so much for their tourist attraction but for the fact that there are likely to be no tourists at all! Approx: 80km cycle

Cycle to Yangshuo

Yangshuo is an idyllic town set amidst limestone pinnacles and rice paddies. The surrounding region is very beautiful, spotted with small villages and imposing karst rock formations. The village itself has fantastic shopping and restaurants, and lively ambiance. The cycle route to Yangshuo is along undulating roads and will take us most of the day from Zhongshan. Approx: 80km cycle

Visit Moonhill in Yangshuo

In the morning we will set off on our bikes to Moon Hill, located a short distance from town. We will spend some time walking on the top of the hill to gain a bird's eye view of the beautiful surrounding area. From here we will walk downhill, back to our bikes and continue riding in a loop on Moon Hill road through the countryside of rice paddy fields, returning back to Yangshuo by lunchtime. After lunch in Yangshuo, we will drive 2 km out of town to come to the Li River, where we board a small boat and cruise downstream to Fu Li town (approximately 2 hours). On arrival at Fu Li town we walk around before driving back to Yangshuo by late afternoon.   Approx: 30km cycle

Trip concludes in Yangshuo

After breakfast our trip concludes. Transfers can be organised to the nearest airport in Guilin (for an additional charge).

On this exquisite short cycling tour we explore southern China, as the locals do, by bike. We cycle the scenic backroads, amongst lush rice paddies shaded by limestone pinnacles. The pace of our cycling is relaxed with ample time to stop in villages or take advantage of the photographic opportunities. A mini bus accompanies us to carry our gear and provides a welcome break when you have had enough cycling for the day.