Cycling in a limestone karst landscape, Yangshou

Enjoying Yangshuo

Incense sticks at village temple | Marion Wheeler

Cyclists on the old Xian city wall. | Alana Johnstone

Terracotta Warriors in Xian | Peter Walton

The Great Wall winding through Northern China, Hebei province | Su Zhi Wei

Updated

China Bike and Hike

Cycle through rural southern China and walk remote sections of the Great Wall.

China

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5 reviews

14 Days from

$3890 USD

Trip Code: CBR

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

E-Bike Upgrade

$250 USD

Single Supplement

$560 USD

Duration

14 Days

Activities

6 day cycle
2 day walks

Accommodation

11 nights hotel
2 nights guesthouse

Meals

10 Dinners
12 Lunches
13 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint

62kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(867kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Cycle through rural southern China, passing villages, rice paddies and farmland
Ride among limestone karst landscapes in Fengkai and Yangshuo
Experience the famous Terracotta Warriors, depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China
Discover Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in Beijing
Cycle through traditional hutong neighbourhoods in Beijing
Walk remote, unrestored sections of the Great Wall at Gubeikou
Savour a traditional Peking Duck dinner in Beijing

Overview

This journey combines cycling through southern China’s rural landscapes with cultural exploration in Xi’an and Beijing, culminating in walks along quieter sections of the Great Wall. Beginning in Guangdong and Guangxi, the route follows village roads, rice paddies and limestone karst formations around Fengkai and Yangshuo, with opportunities to experience daily life in the countryside. The itinerary then shifts to Xi’an, where visits to the Terracotta Warriors and Mt Lishan provide insight into China’s imperial history, before continuing to Beijing. Here, explore major sites including the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, alongside cycling through traditional hutong neighbourhoods. The journey concludes with walks on the Great Wall at Gubeikou and Jinshanling, where restored and unrestored sections offer a more remote and varied perspective of this iconic structure. Supported throughout by local guides and vehicle backup, the trip balances active travel with cultural depth across some of China’s most diverse regions.

Itinerary

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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. Overnight: Landmark Hotel Canton or similar

Meals: D

This morning we transfer by coach out of hectic streets of Guangzhou to begin our cycle along a trail of the West River to Mt Dinghu. On arrival we take a walking tour of this UNESCO designated nature reserve, which is home to ancient forest, waterfalls and diverse birdlife, along with a 300 year old Buddhist temple. Late afternoon we transfer by road to 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. Accommodation: White Swan Guest Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we transfer by road out of the city to commence our cycle. Today’ s ride follows country roads, with very little traffic, to Fengkai. On the ride we will pass through quite a few villages, rice paddies and have the opportunity to engage with the locals. The afternoon ride enters more undulating terrain with forested hills. The region is known for its limestone karst formations, earning the name “Little Guilin.” Accommodation: Fengkai Lingnan Oriental Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Todays ride takes us through spectacular scenery with karst hills dotting the landscape, carp farms and small villages as we make our way to Huaiji. Today’s terrain is mostly flat and is easier than yesterday. Accommodation: Huaicheng Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Transfer by road to Zhongshan before cycling through peaceful countryside toward Gongcheng. The route includes a few climbs and follows quiet roads through karst landscapes and river valleys. We arrive in Gongcheng, a region characterised by traditional rural life of the Yao minoirty, the UNESCO-recognized "Yao Oil Tea Customs," well-preserved Ming dynasty architecture and vibrant persimmon orchards. Accommodation: Ji Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cycle through the countryside toward Yangshuo, passing rice paddies, small villages and river crossings. The route offers frequent views of karst hills reflected in waterways. This region remains largely agricultural, with farming communities forming the backbone of daily life. The ride provides continual opportunities to observe rural China. Accommodation: New West Street Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

We cycle through the Yangshuo countryside to Moon Hill and the village of Jinbao. The route passes through rice fields and rural communities with views of surrounding limestone formations. Moon Hill and the nearby village of Jinbao offer iconic Yangshuo scenery featuring a massive natural limestone arch that changes shape (crescent to full moon) from different angles. In the afternoon, we take a bamboo raft journey along the Li River surrounded by mountains and farmland before returning to Yangshuo. Accommodation: New West Street Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

The morning is free for independent exploration in Yangshuo. In the afternoon, transfer to Guilin Airport for a flight to Xi’an. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in this historic city, the traditional starting point of the Silk Road. In the afternoon there is a bike ride on the old city wall which was built in the 14th-century Ming Dynasty over earlier structures and is a 13.7km (8.5mi) circuit. Accommodation: Manxin Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

An early start to get to the Terracotta Warriors by 8.30am. The thousands of Terracotta Warriors, who stand outside the tomb of Qin Shihuang, were uncovered in 1974 by peasants digging a well. Each warrior stands over 6 feet tall and has different features and characteristics. Some stand in a vanguard with crossbow and longbow bearers; others hold spears, daggers and axes at the ready. They are accompanied by dozens of horse-drawn carriages and enormous terracotta horses. The sight of the warriors arising from their muddy grave, some intact, others still submerged in the ground, is an extraordinary one. Afterwards we take a short hike on Mt. Lishan to get a birds eye view of China's first emperor's tomb. In the afternoon, we return to Xi’an and visit the Muslim Quarter and the Wild Goose Pagoda, a historic Buddhist structure linked to the Silk Road. Accommodation: Manxin Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

In the morning we travel by high-speed train from Xi’an to Beijing, (4.5 hours). On arrival, transfer to the hotel before heading out to explore the city’s historic hutong districts by bicycle. Hutong's are fascinating narrow, grey-brick alleyways dating back over 700 years (Yuan Dynasty) that connect traditional siheyuan (courtyard homes), forming the "living fossil" of old Beijing life. They now feature trendy cafes, boutique hotels, and rooftop bars blending seamlessly with traditional dwellings. Dinner is at a local restaurant, offering an introduction to Beijing’s regional cuisine. Accommodation: Dong Fang Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we visit Tiananmen Square, Mao's Mausoleum, and the Forbidden City followed by a bike ride in the Hutong area. The Forbidden City is a masterpiece of 5000 years of Chinese civilisation and still vividly displays the power and prestige of the former dynasties. Sprawling over acres, the City is a magnificent group of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and deep terracotta walls. Ornately furnished palace rooms, priceless artworks and treasures are all now open to the public after 500 years of seclusion. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Beijing. *Please note that Mao’s Mausoleum in the Forbidden City opens from 8:00am-12:00pm Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays. Should this day fall on a Monday, we will endeavour to fit it in on another day. Accommodation: Beijing Dong Fang Hotel or similar.

Meals: B,L,D

We transfer to the Great Wall at Gubeikou and follow remote and largely unrestored sections set within rugged mountain terrain. This quieter route avoids the main visitor areas, offering a more isolated walking experience. A short detour through a nearby village is required when passing a restricted military zone, providing a glimpse into rural daily life. The walk then returns to the Wall as it approaches Jinshanling, where restored sections highlight the scale and original design of the structure. Accommodation: Jianxia Guesthouse or similar

Meals: B,L

This section of the Wall is known for its rugged and less-visited character, often described as a highlight for hikers and photographers. The route includes a mix of steep, unrestored and partially restored sections, with expansive views across the surrounding landscape. Along the way, pass a dense concentration of watchtowers, over 67 structures built between 1368 and 1644, eflecting the strategic importance of this section. We have lunch in a local farmer's house and afterwards we transfer back to Beijing for our Peking Duck farewll dinner. Accommodation: Beijing Dong Fang Hotel or similar.

Meals: B,L

After breakfast our trip concludes in Beijing.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

13 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners
Twin-share accommodation in hotels and guesthouses
Domestic flight (Guilin to Xi’an)
Train travel (Xi’an to Beijing)
Private air-conditioned vehicles
Support vehicles while cycling
Sightseeing and entry fees as per itinerary
27 speed touring bikes
Expert bilingual guides throughout. For smaller groups of 2 - 5 passengers we employ expert local guides only in each location.
Group medical kit

Not included

International airfares and departure taxes
Visa costs
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Personal expenses (e.g. drinks, laundry, phone)
Tips and gratitudes
Bike Helmet (compulsory)
Airport transfers (day 1 & day 14)
E-Bike rental upgrade