Taylor-made and flexible itineraries for small groups.
3 days / 2 nights
Cost
RMB 3300
minimum 2 persons
Discounts for group bookings >3
Single supplement RMB 980
Extra night RMB 490
e-bike rental add RMB 270
Includes
Transfers to and from Yangshuo Station, 2 nights countryside accommodation in the same hotel, 2 days flexible guided cycling on non touristy routes around Yangshuo, 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches.
Yangshuo and the South China Karst System
Inscribed by UNESCO as world heritage in 2007, the karst mountains surrounding Yangshuo are stunning. Miles of limestone outcrops rise from the rice paddies, eroded by wind and water into shapes that local villagers describe as dragon’s dancing, horses flying, young maidens calling to their lovers, and many other lyrical descriptions. Rivers look like jade, the bamboo lining the banks is feathery like a phoenix tail, and in more remote villages the homes are made of golden mud brick, or expertly fired Qing Grey Brick with curly dragon tail eves. This older poetic Yangshuo we seek-out by cycling the lesser known country roads.
Giving you the best biking experience possible
As Yangshuo has transformed from the tiny village that is embedded in peoples memories to a mini-city amidst the karsts, so too the biking scene has transformed.
The classic Lonely Planet bike ride out to Moon Hill, is heavy with traffic and people. We take you deeper in the countryside where you’ll be rewarded with traffic free riding, sublime scenery, Yangshuo’s timeless agricultural traditions, local markets and delicious countryside cuisine.
We use the stunning Yulong Valley with its karst surrounded rice fields and jade-green “Dragon River” waters. There are a couple of fabulous restaurants we are very good friends with in this valley – and there’s always the option to take a bamboo raft back down the river ( with your bike aboard) if you decide you want to change the pace a little.
A longer ride might take you out through to Liugong on the famous Li River. Or if you want an up hill you can smash it out on a ride up to Xiang Gong Shan and the beautiful mountainside tea gardens.
Fuli and Liugong are fabulous local farmers markets that we can route through – with some of the best Guilin mifen noodles in the region.
Email: bruce@bikeaways.com to reserve your place.
Recommended Itinerary
DAY 1
Pick up from Yangshuo (Xing Ping) or Gongcheng Station or Guilin Airport. Transfer to your hotel in the Yulong Valley. Relax and enjoy the countryside – you’re in the middle of it – in one of the most beautiful valleys on earth. Your hotel has good local food, a wonderful common area and very pleasant vibe. Reception will point out the river and how to walk there.
Day 2
Enjoy your included breakfast in the courtyard of your countryside hotel. Your guide will meet you at 9, arriving with your bikes, and take your for a ride. Our suggestion for the middlingly fit scenery-loving foody type rider is the Yulong Valley loop with easy flat cycling to the stunning 900 year old Dragon Bridge, circling round for a delicious lunch at Jiuxian in one of the valleys best restaurants. Cross the river and cycle the southern bank of the Yulong – or for those who want take it easy – jump a bamboo raft ride to bring you back a little closer to your hotel.
Day 3
After breakfast we set off for Fuli markets – where farmers come to sell, socialise, get a hair cut, have a tooth pulled, buy a little snake oil and have their fortunes told. This is a top place to experience Guilin mifen noodles, pork stuffed pomelo skins and other local specialties. Its a great local experience with wonderful photo opportunities. We then cycle on to Liugong Village for lunch. This is a basic family restauarnt that specialises in yangshuo cuisine. They have very good duck and the Taro and Pork is a local Fuli regional speciality that even hard nosed Chinese eaters would nod appreciatively as they tuck in.
Ride back to your hotel, clean up and then transfer to train or airport for your onward travels, or check in for another night (add RMB 360) and leave the next day.
Getting to and from Yangshuo
The closest train station to Yangshuo is called Yangshuo Station, about forty minutes by private transfer.
Gongcheng is also a good choice – its about 60 minutes away, but works well for later departures for those coming from Guangzhou /Shenzhen / Hong Kong. Their last train is later than Yangshuo Stations last train.
There are no direct trains from Hong Kong to Yangshuo. You need to change trains in Guangzhou South from where there are many.
Trains from Shanghai and beijing take around ten hours.
By air – seek flights to Guilin KWL.
Email: bruce@bikeaways.com to reserve your place.
