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Taking in the backroads to Yangshou - Cycle Backroads to Yangshuo, China
Taking in the backroads to Yangshou
Aerial view of Karst Peaks, Yangshou - Cycle Backroads to Yangshuo, China
Aerial view of Karst Peaks, Yangshou
Spectacular scenery around Yangshou - Cycle Backroads to Yangshuo, China
Spectacular scenery around Yangshou
Traditional farmers and buffalo in rural province of china - Cycle Backroads to Yangshuo, China
Traditional farmers and buffalo in rural province of china
Wandering the streets of Yangshuo - Cycle Backroads to Yangshuo, China
Wandering the streets of Yangshuo  | Alana Johnstone
Updated

Cycle Backroads to Yangshuo

Cycle through southern China’s rural landscapes from Guangzhou to Yangshuo

China
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 2 reviews

8 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: CGB
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 8 Days
Activities
  • 6 day cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights hotel
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

67kg of CO2-e PP per day

(599kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Cycle along the West River from Guangzhou toward Mt Dinghu
  • Experience limestone karst scenery in Fengkai "Little Guilin"
  • Cycle quiet country roads through Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces
  • Ride through Yao minority regions around Gongcheng
  • Explore Yangshuo's karst landscapes by bike
  • Visit Moon Hill and surrounding countryside

Overview

This cycling journey explores the rural landscapes of southern China, travelling from Guangzhou through Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces to the karst region of Yangshuo. The route follows quieter country roads, passing rice paddies, small villages and river valleys, offering a close-up view of everyday life in the countryside.

Riding alongside waterways such as the West River and through regions like Fengkai, known for its limestone formations, the itinerary showcases the varied scenery of southern China. As the journey progresses, the landscape becomes increasingly defined by dramatic karst peaks and agricultural plains.

The trip concludes in Yangshuo, known for its dramatic karst scenery, where cycling continues through rural backroads, complemented by a Li River boat journey. Supported by a vehicle throughout, the itinerary balances active riding with flexibility and comfort.

Itinerary

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On arrival in Guangzhou, make your own way to the group hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace before meeting in the hotel lounge at approximately 6:30pm for a trip briefing with the group leader. Accommodation: Hotel Landmark Canton or similar

Meals: D

Leave the busy streets of Guangzhou behind with a morning transfer before starting the ride along a scenic trail beside the West River toward Mt Dinghu. On arrival, explore this UNESCO-listed nature reserve on foot, known for its ancient forest, waterfalls and diverse birdlife, as well as a 300-year-old Buddhist temple. Later in the afternoon, transfer by road to Zhaoqing. A support vehicle accompanies the group throughout the journey, providing assistance or the option to rest when needed. Accommodation: White Swan Guest Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Transferring out of Zhaoqing before beginning today’s ride along quiet rural roads toward Fengkai. The route passes through villages and rice paddies, offering regular opportunities to observe daily life and interact with local communities. As the day progresses, the terrain becomes more undulating with sections through forested hills. The region’s limestone karst formations give rise to its nickname, “Little Guilin.” Distance: 50km / 31mi Accommodation: Fengkai Lingnan Oriental Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Setting out on the ride to Huaiji the route passes through rural scenery dotted with limestone formations, small settlements and carp farms. With mostly flat terrain, today’s ride is more relaxed, allowing time to take in the surrounding landscapes. Distance: 70km / 43mi Accommodation: Huaicheng Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After a transfer to Zhongshan, we begin cycling through quiet countryside toward Gongcheng. The route includes a few gentle climbs and follows peaceful roads through karst landscapes and river valleys. Gongcheng is known for its strong cultural identity, including the traditions of the Yao minority, as well as preserved Ming Dynasty architecture and productive persimmon orchards. Distance: 60km / 37mi Accommodation: Ji Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Ride through rural countryside toward Yangshuo, passing rice paddies, rivers and small villages along the way. Reflections of limestone karst hills in the waterways are a constant feature of the landscape. The region remains predominantly agricultural, offering insight into everyday rural life and farming practices across southern China. Distance: 56km / 35mi Accommodation: New West Street Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cycle through the Yangshuo countryside to Moon Hill and the village of Jinbao, passing through rice paddies and rural settlements framed by karst peaks. Moon Hill is a distinctive natural limestone arch that appears to change shape from different viewpoints, making it one of the region’s most photographed landmarks. In the afternoon, we take a bamboo raft journey along the Li River, travelling between steep limestone formations and farmland before returning to Yangshuo. Distance: 60km / 37mi Accommodation: New West Street Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

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

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

15 scheduled departures between 11 Oct 2026 and 19 Dec 2027.

  • Departs 11 Oct 2026 – ends 18 Oct 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 8 Nov 2026 – ends 15 Nov 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 22 Nov 2026 – ends 29 Nov 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 6 Dec 2026 – ends 13 Dec 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 20 Dec 2026 – ends 27 Dec 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 28 Feb 2027 – ends 7 Mar 2027 (8 days)
  • … and 9 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Twin-share accommodation in hotels
  • 27 speed touring bikes
  • Private transport and support vehicle
  • Sightseeing and entry fees as per itinerary
  • Expert bilingual guides throughout. For smaller groups of 2–5 passengers we employ expert local guides only in each location.
  • 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)
  • Optional activities and those not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Bike Helmet (compulsory)
  • Airport transfers (day 1 & day 8)
  • E-Bike upgrade
  • Any items not listed as included

Reviews (2)

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Thank you very much for what was an absolutely fabulous holiday in China. Not only was the bike ride part excellent, but the extension that we did afterwards was also fantastic. Everything went to plan. Our guides, and drivers, in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing were excellent, knowledgeable and always on time.

K. Edwards|Albert Park, VIC
3 Apr 2019
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The trip was excellent, however you need to give our guide, Vincent, a raise in salary - he was outstanding!

W. Ellis|SA, Australia

Extra trip info

BikesWill My Trip Run?Why Book With Us
China Bike & Hike

Comfortable Touring Bikes

The bikes used on this trip are modern aluminium framed, front suspension touring bikes. Consistent, powerful braking is ensured by the modern disc brakes and the wide spread of gears provide the ability to ride up and back down the hills in confidence. If you have a saddle and clip in pedals you wish to bring and use, the mechanic would more than happy to fit them for you.

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

GIANT e-Bike

E-Bikes Available

Cycle hassle-free and climb mountains without difficulty, enjoy nature and landscapes without physical limitations. Electronic Bikes make it possible and are available to hire on this trip for an additional fee (see prices below). The E-bikes available are mountain e-bikes and are perfect for those who like to cycle however are concerned about fitness; E-bikes allow people of different fitness levels to cycle together.

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • The cycling is graded easy to moderate, with mostly flat terrain and some undulating sections.
  • Primarily sealed rural roads and quiet secondary routes with minimal traffic.
  • Yes, a support vehicle accompanies the group and is available throughout.
  • Mostly flat to gently undulating, with some short climbs, particularly in karst regions.
  • Yes, the support vehicle allows flexibility to rest or transfer.
  • E-Bikes are available as an upgrade.

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