
China Biking
The history, culture and scenic riches of China have long intrigued the Western world, enticing travelers with its grand monuments, serene countryside and centuries-old traditions. On this biking adventure, you’ll see many different faces of this vast and fascinating country that most travelers to China would rarely see. Our decades-long relationships and unrivaled ability for finding authentic experiences uncover China’s complex diversity. A visit to southern China reveals a compelling - and often contradictory - tableau as you ride past the rice paddies, pagodas, and bustling villages and cities that exist in the midst of dynamic modern development. Then head to regal and contemporary Xian and marvel at the 2,000-year-old terra-cotta warriors. And, in newly cosmopolitan Beijing, explore the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Day 1 zhaoqing
Meet in Hong Kong
Ferry up the Xi River and disembark to pedal to the ancient yet bustling city of Zhaoqing.
Day 2 deqing
Ride on peaceful country lanes, passing small farming hamlets on the outskirts of vibrant new cities
Experience the allure of rural China as you spin past expansive fields of rice and sugarcane.
Day 3 wuzhou
Follow the course of the great West River, through new towns and remote villages, for a memorable day of biking
Join a local farming family in their rural home for a taste of daily life
Enter bustling Wuzhou.
Days 4-5 yangshuo
Travel to Yangshuo through a landscape of green hills and lush rice fields
Pedal past lakes, towering karst formations (limestone pinnacles) and traditional villages
Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery on a private boat cruise on the Li River
Visit the night markets to people-watch and search for beautiful crafts.
Day 6 xian
Fly to Xian and bike along the old city walls
Take a walking tour of the awe-inspiring World Heritage site of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, home to more than 6,000 life-sized terra-cotta warriors.
Days 7-9 beijing
Fly to Beijing
Spend the day hiking a remote section of the Great Wall
Indulge in Peking duck and other Chinese specialties
Pedal through the city on Chinese-style bikes
Explore sprawling Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
TOWN & COUNTRY COMFORT: Premiere Inns
OYC Hotel (1 night): A modern resort with every conceivable amenity and scenic lake views.
Cui Ran Ju Hotel (1 night): Currently the most charming and comfortable lodging that quiet Deqing has to offer.
Wuzhou Riverside International Hotel (1 night): A casual hotel centrally located in lively Wuzhou, close to restaurants, shops and other attractions.
Paradise Yangshuo Resort (2 nights): A small comfortable hotel in the center of town with a beautiful swimming pool and great shopping nearby.
Hyatt Regency Xian (1 night): A sleek modern hotel ideally situated within the ancient walls of historic Xian.
Peninsula Beijing (2 nights): The choice of foreign dignitaries, this luxurious five-star hotel has scores of amenities and a great location in central Beijing.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Ferry to Gao Ming 3.5 hours
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 19 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 2 to 5
2 Route Options Available
- 30, 60 miles
- 500 - 900 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Bus to Yangshuo 7 hours
- Level 1
1 Route Options Available
- 14 miles
- 0 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 17 miles
- 100 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Fly to Xian
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 6 miles
- no elevation gain
Day 7
- Walking Tour 1 hour
- Fly to Beijing
Day 8
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Walking 3 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 5 miles
- no elevation gain
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 | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/17-25Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $400
- 9/15-23Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $400
- 10/12-20Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $400
2011 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 4/10-18Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
- 5/15-23Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
- 9/25-10/3Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
- 10/23-31Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
Guest Trip Reviews
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

Absolutely the best vacation I have ever taken. Backroads sets the standard that others aspire too. The logistics and support were flawless.- Williamsburg, VA

This was trip of a lifetime given the amount of China we saw (and conquered). For me this trip had special significance because I had been to China in 1983 and wanted to see how it had changed and because I celebrated my 50th birthday hiking on the Great Wall, staying at the Peninsula Palace in Beijing, and enjoying a fabulous dinner (with a great birthday cake to boot). Not a bad way to celebrate if you ask me.- Bethesda, MD

I had high expectations and they were met. The food, the participants, and the guides were wonderful. The places we visited are all worth the trip. One of my favorite world trips ever.- Ormond Beach, FL

This was the best vacation I have ever had! What an incredible balance of culture and exercise. I learned so much of the history of China, and the local guides made it so personal by sharing their own experiences, thoughts and backgrounds. And to be able to have lunch at a local's home, to see the inside of a country home and understand a bit of what it's like to live there, were experiences that I know I could only have gotten through Backroads. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing China through all the "back roads," without the hoards of other tourists. The paths that we took were varied and scenic, whether through the streets of Beijing or along the rice paddies. Photo ops were a constant. Laughter was a constant. I think the types of people you attract are just my type of people; we all got along so wellÂ…I could go on forever, and I have been telling everyone I know about how fantastic this trip was. I can't wait for the next one!- New York, NY

This was an outstanding trip in every respect. We learned so much about China in eleven days. The days were varied; some challenging with lots of biking, some more focused on culture. The extra events, such as visiting a calligrapher in Xian, visiting a kindergarten class, having lunch in the hutangs of Beijing and attending an acrobatic show, were all wonderful extras.- Davidson, NC

Overall the trip was fabulous -- very well organized and executed. Hotels were good, the food was great, and the extra activities lots of fun (especially loved the foot massage and tai chi sessions.) Loved having the local guides. Backroads has really figured out how to do a bike trip in China with the support of local resources.- Boston, MA

This was absolutely an awesome, eye opening, culture-laden trip to remember. What a phenomenal value. I honestly don't see how Backroads makes a decent profit, to be honest! The hotels were better than my expectations and the food was way beyond expectations.- Boston, MA
