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Tour Description

Southwest China - Yunnan Province 11-day Bike Tour

Dates: Contact us with the dates that work for you.

Erhai Boats

Yunnan Province 11-day Bike Tour

Route Map

Dates: Contact us with the dates that work for you.

Yunnan offers some of the best cycling in China with a diverse and colorful minority population, dramatic mountainous terrain, and a pleasant climate. This 11-day bicycle tour begins and ends in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province known as the "Spring City" and the gateway to China's largest concentration of ethnic minorities. This tour is designed as a moderate to challenging ride. Average daily cycling mileage will be about 41 miles (68 km) and will visit both well-known and little-known sights appealing to those who have cultural, social and geographical interests.

On the first day, the group will meet their guide at the airport and then transfer to the hotel via taxi. Using basic hotel rental bikes, we will take a warm-up tour of the city where we will visit the Yuantong Temple, Cuihu (Green Lake) Park and the East/West Pagodas.

The following morning, the group will fly to Shangri-La (Zhongdian). This is a predominantly Tibetan town located at about 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). We will spend the day exploring the area of grasslands and Tibetan temples. The following day we will cycle mostly downhill and visit an historic castle along the way to Qiaotao, the gateway to Tiger Leaping Gorge.

The following day we will to see the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in the world. We will visit the narrow spot of the gorge where it takes it name. It is a powerful spot with the whole of the Yangtze River confined to a 20-meter (70-foot) width. We will spend two nights in the gorge in simple cabin-like lodgings. The following day will for hiking to better explore the gorge on foot.

On the sixth day we will cycle out of the gorge and then along side the Yangtze River and view the First Bend (where the river makes a U-turn leading to the headwaters in Tibet. The next two nights will be spent in Lijiang, the center of the creative Naxi minority group, exploring this unique city with fast flowing open canals and unique architecture. We will view several temples, Black Dragon Park attend a Naxi Music Orchestra and the view the Baisha Frescoes.

On the eight day, we will cycle south to Eryuan cycling along the old Dali-Lijiang road where numerous minorities can be seen along the road in traditional dress. In Eryuan we will have an opportunity to relax in the natural hot spring pools.

On the following day we will cycle to Old Dali. This town is ideally located between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake. On the tenth day, we will visit the Three Pagodas and cycle half way around Erhai Lake, visiting several villages, temples and Jinsuo Island before returning to Dali via boat.

On the 11th day, we will return to Kunming via air concluding the bike tour.

A travelogue and photos covering portions of the route:
Cycling Yunnan Province with BikeChina Adventures
Weiss Yunnan Bike Trip Photo Gallery
Some Photos Highlights of the Tour of Yunnan

Day Location Cycling Distance Miles/KM Hotel YUNNAN PROVINCE
1 Kunming 18/30

3-Star Meet group members/Brief City Tour - Yuantong Temple, East and West Pagodas, and Cuihu City Park
2 Shangri-La (Zhongdian) 30/50 3-Star Fly to Shangri-La (Zhongdian). Explore this Tibetan town with plenty of flavor including a visit to a Tibetan Lamasery

3

Baishuitai 64/105 Guesthouse Back door to Tiger Leaping Gorge
4 Tiger Leaping Gorge 18/30 Guesthouse Cycle in one of the world's deepest gorges, and an up close look at the raw power of the Yangtze River
5 Tiger Leaping Gorge 0/0 Guesthouse Day for Hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge
6 Lijiang 74/121 3-Star First Bend of the Yangtze River
7 Lijiang 18/30 3-Star Zhiyun Temple, Old town, Baisha Frescoes
8 Eryuan 79/129 1-Star Hot Springs
9 Dali 34/55 3-Star Shapin village market
10 Dali 37/60 3-Star Erhai Lake area, Lanquan Temple, Jinsou Island and boat ride on Erhai Lake
11 Kunming 0 - Taxi to Dali Airport and fly to Kunming. End of trip.
  Total Distance 372/610    

Tour Details

Dates: Contact us with the dates that work for you.

Start location: Kunming, Yunnan Province

Finish location: Kunming, Yunnan Province

Tour type: Vehicle-supported - Support vehicle to accompany the group and carry luggage (and cyclists when necessary).

Geographical location: Southwest China

Elevation range: 6,250 feet (1,900 meters) to 11,500 feet (3,350 meters)

Terrain: Rolling and mountainous

Cycling tour level: Moderate to Challenging

Total cycling distance: Approximately 372 miles (610 km): Average distance per ride day: 41 miles (68 km)

Days: 11

Nights: 11

Cycling Days: 9

Non-cycling Days: 2

Climate: The best weather for touring is in the spring and fall. Chance of rain. For historic weather conditions, click on the link below.

Click for Kunming Forecast

Group size: 1 - 8

Rental bike: US$0, included

Accommodations will be basic Chinese hotels generally of the 1-3 star variety. One night it will be necessary to use a simple guesthouse.

The prices are for double occupancy rooms, and will vary depending on the number of people who participate.
Private room supplement: US$ Call/Email


This tour is limited to no more than eight people. This will permit more flexibility in the program and allow more spontaneity for taking photos or exploring villages along the way.

Prices include the following:

1. All hotel accommodations for 11 nights
2. Meals eaten as group (private meals, snacks and alcoholic beverages are not included)
3. All group transportation costs including two internal flights (from Kunming to Shangri-la and from Dali to Kunming), buses, and taxis
4. Support vehicle to accompany the group and carry luggage (and cyclists when necessary)
5. All group entrance fees
6. Bilingual bicycle tour guide
7. Rental bike, includes bike, helmet, gloves and raincape

This will be a vehicle-supported ride. This means that a vehicle will carry their luggage and cyclists when necessary throughout the trip.

If you decide to do something on your own, you will be responsible for those costs.

Tour Cost depends on the total number of people going on the tour and the time of year. Below are the price per person (pp) and quoted in US dollars (US$) for non-holiday periods*:

Group size:
1 person: - US$ Call/Email
2 people: - US$ Call/Email
3 people: - US$ Call/Email
4-8 people: - US$ Call/Email

An announcement of the cost of the tour will be made to the group 45-days prior to the start based on the number of registered members.

A deposit of $500 per person is required. This is fully refundable up to 45 days prior to the start of the tour. Submission of a deposit will guarantee your place on the tour. Balance is due at least 45 days prior to the beginning of the tour and payable by credit card, wire transfer, or personal check.


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