China Biking
- Experience traditional life in rural villages and modern life in new cities
- The Terracotta Warriors, Tiananmen Square and more
- Marvelous biking by expansive rice paddies and the dramatic karst pinnacles of Yangshou
- The Great Wall, far from throngs of tourists
- Ride Chinese cruiser bikes to the Forbidden City
Ancient Treasures & Modern Icons in Beijing, Xian & the South
Maybe it's the bike. It's disarming. Friendly. It shows you China in a way you can't see by any other means. Ride by a group of school girls or a farmer in his rice paddy, and it instantly changes China. It's no longer about walls you can see from space or newspaper images of students in front of tanks. It's closer than that. It's real. The foods are richer. The language is spoken with your eyes. Yes, this journey somehow shows you everything from Beijing to Canton and the rural places in between. But what this journey really does is show you the real China face-to-face.
Days 1-3 Experience traditional life in rural villages and modern life in new cities 
By river and bicycle, travel past remote hamlets and expansive fields of rice and sugarcane to the bustling cities of ancient Zhaoqing and Wuzhou Relax over lunch at an authentic Yu Nan noodle shop Enthusiastic youngsters rush out to greet you; they don't often see Westerners, especially on bikes! Unwind with a foot massage.
Days 4-5 Marvelous biking by winding rivers, lush paddies and the dramatic karst pinnacles of Yangshuo Immerse yourself in stunning scenery on a private Li River boat cruise You'll find embroidered silk, stone carvings, hilltribe crafts and more - plus terrific people-watching - at the night markets.
Days 6-7 The Terracotta Warriors: more than 6,000 life-sized funerary statues stand at attention at the awe-inspiring mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, a World Heritage site Pedal the 500-year-old city walls of Xian, China's imperial capital for 12 dynasties.
Days 8-9 The Great Wall, far from throngs of tourists - the world's most scenic StairMaster is even more incredible with breathing room Ride through Beijing on Chinese-style bikes, exploring Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City Indulge in delectable Peking duck and other Chinese specialties.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
In my opinion, Backroads is the only way to really see and experience China. We loved the routes through rural areas that were not used to seeing North Americans! And in contrast, riding through Beijing with 7 million fellow cyclists was quite a rush! I feel that I really experienced all that China has to offer! Although the days were very full of activity, it was necessary in order to pack it all in. An outstanding itinerary!!!! Thank you Backroads, once again!- Toronto, ON
We had a wonderful time in China and thoroughly enjoyed the Backroads experience. The mix of active biking and hiking combined with cultural activities, such as a visit to Terra Cotta warriors, Forbidden City, Tai Chi lesson, a visit to a Chinese calligrapher, Chinese massage, acrobatics show, etc. enabled us to have a rich and memorable experience.- Toronto, ON
A truly memorable experience Backroads enabled a valuable and unique perspective on China and its people. What a challenging environment in which to operate. It is only after traveling on an unguided basis in China that one can truly appreciate the skills of Backroads' guides. They enable their guests to have a smooth and hassle-free experience, while still getting the flavor of this intense, culturally rich nation.- Toronto, ON
Premiere Inns*
OYC Hotel
Zhaoqing (1 night) A modern resort with every conceivable amenity and scenic lake views. (pool, spa, tennis)
Cui Ran Ju Hotel
Deqing (1 night) The most charming and comfortable lodging that quiet Deqing has to offer.
* Casual Inn
Wuzhou Riverside International Hotel
Wuzhou (1 night) A simple hotel centrally located in lively Wuzhou, close to restaurants, shops and other attractions. (pool, tennis)
* Casual Inn
Green Lotus Hotel
Yangshuo (2 nights) Set on the banks of the Li River, this new hotel offers a level of luxury not seen before in Yangshuo. (pool, spa)
Hilton Xian
Xian (1 night) A sleek modern hotel ideally situated within the ancient walls of historic Xian. (pool, spa)
The Peninsula Beijing
Beijing (2 nights) The choice of foreign dignitaries, this luxurious five-star Travel + Leisure World's Best Award-winning hotel has scores of amenities and a location in central Beijing. (pool, spa)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 24 miles
- 100 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 33, 56 miles
- 400 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 45, 59 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 19 miles
- 50 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 2 Route Options Available
- 26, 30 miles
- 400 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 6 miles
- no elevation gain
Day 7
- Guided Walk of Terracotta Warriors
Day 8
- Guided Walk on Great Wall of China 3 miles
Day 9
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 5 miles
- no elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the China tour experts. See our award-winning Asia & the Pacific biking tours, Asia & the Pacific walking and hiking tours and Asia & the Pacific multisport tours.
