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T2 – Thousand River & Mountains Tour

Yangshuo E-Bike Day Tour: Thousand Rivers, Karst Peaks & Stone City

This is our off-the-beaten-path day: rural valley trails, an ancient mountain fortress, and viewpoints most visitors never reach. Expect a mix of limestone-peak panoramas, local history, and a long golden-hour finale.

Full day tour | 6–8 hours | The Ultimate Summer Cool-Down Tour ( Ride, Hike, Cave & River Swim )

Included: coffee and lunch | $175 USD per-guest

$175 USD per-guest

Day tour priced per person

  • Professional cycling guide

  • Bike fitted to your size (MTB, road bike, e‑bike)

  • Helmet, front light & rear light

  • 1‑day accidental insurance

  • Photo service ( limited to 3 free photo per-guest )

  • Water, recovery drinks & energy bar

  • Shuttle service (pickup & return to hotel)

  • Rain jacket

IMPORTANT NOTE: "Bring: A change of clothes, sandals/slippers, and hiking shoes."

Included: coffee and lunch

Important Note – Early Departure: If a customer leaves the tour before the scheduled end, all shuttle service and bike transfer fees will be paid by the customer.

T2 – Thousand River & Mountains Tour

This is our off-the-beaten-path day: rural valley trails, an ancient mountain fortress, and viewpoints most visitors never reach. Expect a mix of limestone-peak panoramas, local history, and a long golden-hour finale.

  • Damin Mountain: panoramic views of jagged limestone peaks and winding rivers
  • Coffee break and lunch at Xianggong Mountain, overlooking the Li River bend
  • Stone City (Baisha Shicheng): an ancient mountain fortress untouched by mass tourism
  • Backcountry paths to the Thousand River & Mountain View sunset

3 / 5

Difficulty

T2 Thousand River & Mountains Tour route map
  1. View from the summit rock over the river's horseshoe bend, sandbars and cruise boats below

    Damin Mountain: The Ultimate Overlook of the Li River’s First Bend

    大面山

    • 120 min stop
    • 546 m / 1,790 ft
    Rising proudly on the quiet western bank of the Li River opposite Xingping, Damin Mountain (often written as Damian Mountain) offers what many experienced travelers and photographers consider the absolute finest panoramic view in all of Yangshuo. Unlike the more heavily commercialized viewpoints, a hike up Damin Mountain delivers a raw, unmanaged adventure. The trek begins across the river from Xingping Wharf, winding past local orchards and bamboo groves before turning into a steep, lung-busting climb up stone steps and rugged forest tracks. The final push features a series of steep iron ladder sections bolted directly into the rock face, demanding a good grip and steady footing. Reaching the summit ridge rewards your sweat with an astonishing 180-degree bird's-eye view. You stand directly above the dramatic First Bend of the Li River (the famous "sickle bay" loop), looking down on emerald waters flanked by an endless marching sea of jagged karst pinnacles. Free from heavy tourist crowds, rope lines, or gift shops, it is a pure, exhilarating escape that showcases the wild, untouched majesty of the Guilin landscape.
  2. Hazy karst peaks above a bend of the Li River with a riverside village belowTwo visitors at a railed viewing platform above the river, a cruise boat passing belowFour riders on a clifftop ledge high above the river bendThe Li River winding between karst peaks with rafts on the water, seen from the summit

    Coffee Break Above the Clouds: Xianggong Mountain

    相公山

    • 30 min stop
    • 350 m / 1,150 ft
    After scaling the steep steps or winding forest paths of Xianggong Mountain (相公山), nothing beats pausing to catch your breath with a hot cup of coffee while staring straight into one of the world's most famous natural panoramas. High up on the ridges near the viewing platforms, you'll find charming local coffee spots and rustic terrace setups perched right on the edge of the cliffs. Sinking into a chair with an espresso or an iced latte in hand—with the iconic, mist-shrouded bends of the Li River and thousands of rolling karst peaks stretched out below you—turns a simple break into an unforgettable travel moment. Whether you are letting your legs recover after a grueling climb or watching the golden hour light paint the valley, this elevated cafe experience blends modern comfort with wild, untouched mountain scenery.
  3. Walking Through Time: The Ancient Stone City (古石城) of Putao

    Walking Through Time: The Ancient Stone City (古石城) of Putao

    葡萄古石城

    • 30 min stop
    • 500 m / 1,640 ft
    Tucked deep within the rugged limestone mountains northwest of Yangshuo, the Ancient Stone City (古石城) offers a fascinating journey into a hidden, forgotten world. Far removed from the bustling tourist corridors of the Li River, this remote mountain fortress near Putao Town feels like an ancient citadel frozen in time. Completely constructed from dark, locally quarried karst stone, the settlement features weathered stone-paved pathways, defensive ramparts, and stone-walled houses that seamlessly blend into the surrounding cliffs. Whether originally built as a strategic military garrison or a remote refuge from dynastic turmoil, walking through its moss-covered gates delivers an authentic, unmanicured adventure. It is a peaceful, soul-stirring escape for hikers and history enthusiasts eager to explore the wild, historical layers of Guangxi's legendary landscape.
  4. Rows of karst peaks fading into golden haze at sunset above a valley of fields and villagesAdult and child on a summit rock silhouetted against an orange sunset over the peaksRider with arms raised on a summit rock as the sun sets behind rows of karst peaksSunset over layered karst ridges with a village lit in the valley below

    Chasing the Ultimate Sunset at Yangshuo’s "Thousand Rivers & Mountains" Viewpoint

    千里江山图观景台

    • 40 min stop
    • 480 m / 1,570 ft
    If you want to witness Yangshuo’s landscape at its most theatrical, timing your arrival at the Thousand Rivers & Mountains Viewpoint for sunset is an absolute must. Often celebrated locally as the real-life A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains or the legendary "Emperor Peaks" vantage point, this dramatic lookout offers an unforgettable sensory journey. Perched high above the valley, it reveals an endless sea of jagged limestone karst peaks rolling toward the horizon like an ancient ink-wash scroll brought to vivid life. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the sky ignites with sweeping strokes of brilliant orange, soft pink, and deep violet. The fading twilight slowly washes over the sprawling valley below, casting a warm, golden, and ethereal glow across thousands of mist-kissed mountain summits. Whether you take in this breathtaking panorama from a comfortable, open-air mountain terrace with a warm drink in hand or frame it against the raw, rugged wilderness of the ridge, it delivers a deeply soul-stirring finale to a full day of outdoor exploration, leaving an impression that lingers long after dark.
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T2 – Thousand River & Mountains Tour Gallery

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Pro guides

The CycleQuest China Pro Guide — Local Riders, Authentic Routes

Riders first. Guides second. Experience China's hidden routes like a local.

Rob / Experience tour guide

Rob / Experience tour guide

Rob is the founder of CycleQuest China, with 25+ years of cycling and tour experience and fluency in Mandarin, Guilin dialect, Cantonese, and English. Rob's lead sports are road cycling, mountain biking, downhill cycling, outdoor rock climbing, snowboarding, and golf.

Hou / Experience tour guide

Hou / Experience tour guide

Hou is a bike mechanic, cycling experience tour guide, and RtR Education Program instructor. Systematically trained in Chengdu, Hou specializes in high-end road bike assembly, internal cable routing, and fine-tuning Shimano Di2 drivetrains.

Kuang / Experience tour guide

Kuang / Experience tour guide

Kuang is a bike mechanic, cycling experience tour guide, and RtR Education Program instructor. Kuang brings 3 years of professional mechanical experience and over 20 competitive races.

Checkout our pro team

Testimonials

What Riders Say

Real stories from riders and families who explored China with us.

Arne Metzger, CycleQuest China riderThe Pashchenko family, CycleQuest China riderIlay Danieli & friends, CycleQuest China riderThe Hanson family, CycleQuest China riderMaud, François, Colombine, Brune, and Eloi, CycleQuest China riderPeter Mace, CycleQuest China riderPablo Domínguez & Tomás Domínguez, CycleQuest China riderJohn & family, CycleQuest China riderMichael, CycleQuest China rider
Our day trip through the Yangshuo karst landscapes was incredible. It perfectly combined cycling and hiking with breathtaking views of the region. The ground support was exceptional; everything from the curated viewpoints to the hydration and electrolyte supplies was meticulously organized, allowing us to just focus on the adventure. Connecting directly with our guide, Rob, made the experience even more special, as he shared deep, fascinating insights about the region's culture and local life. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a truly seamless outdoor experience!

Arne Metzger — Germany

Yangshuo day trip

Our whole adventure started by chance. We walked into the bike shop in Guilin just to browse, and two days later, we left as friends, completely amazed. Even though we had no gear, the team sorted everything in a snap. The 80km bike tour from Guilin to Yangshuo was something else entirely! We saw the real China: ancient villages, bridges, river crossings, and tough climbs, complete with a cafe at the top of a pass with a 'million-dollar view'. But the real story happened when our support moped's battery died on a climb. Without missing a beat, our guide and the company's founder, Rob, packed all 20 kilos of our gear into his huge backpack, slung it on, and said, 'Let's keep going.' He kept pace and cracked jokes as if he were carrying a feather. That's when we realized Rob is made of steel and pure passion. That's next-level commitment—an owner who cares more about the experience and the people than just going through the motions. You don't just run tours; you create stories that stick with people forever. To anyone who wants to see China come alive and feel like a friend, not a tourist—look no further.

The Pashchenko family — Moscow

80km bike tour from Guilin to Yangshuo

We visited Guilin with friends and were lucky enough to cross paths with Rob. After experiencing excellent food and service, the highlight was his suggestion for a bike route down to Yangshuo. We met up the next morning, and honestly, the whole experience felt like a dream. Rob and his team provided professional, patient support the entire way. Having the support van follow us to ensure we had water, snacks, and meals exactly when we needed a break was incredible. The ride was challenging, but it delivered the most beautiful scenery I have ever witnessed. We arrived in Yangshuo exhausted but completely satisfied. Thank you for an amazing trip!

Ilay Danieli & friends — Israel

Guilin to Yangshuo bike route

Whilst staying in Yangshuo the 3 of us booked the 66km e-cycle tour with Cycle Quest China through our hotel (you can of course book directly with them) taking in rice and lotus fields, incredible mountain views, experiencing the natural wonders of the Yangshuo area as well as a fantastic local lunch in a tiny village where the fish, chicken and vegetable’s were so delicious as a result of the local mineral water spring and local farming methods. We had the absolute best day with our expert guides. It was very well coordinated with regular rest and hydration breaks. We were very well taken care of and had the most amazing experience, we are already looking at booking again! Cannot rate this company highly enough! Excellent! 🌟 🚲

The Hanson family — New Zealand

66km e-cycle tour

After 10 months and a little over 10,000 km traveled eastward by bike, we've finally set off on our grand return journey from Tokyo. This family trip allowed us to discover a small part of the world, encountering immense human generosity along the way. The encounters and smiles we received far exceeded our expectations! Perhaps we also discovered a part of ourselves... Thank you for our meeting on the bikes Rob 🙏🙏 Looking forward to seeing you again!

Maud, François, Colombine, Brune, and Eloi — France

Fantastic way to explore an amazing part of the world. Rob hooked me up with a really well set up di2 road bike that let me explore around the roads of the Guilin-Yangshuo. Well suggested routes and GPS maps, and helpful staff. Excellent area for credit card camping, with very reasonable accommodation and food, and super memorable scenery. All the better from a speedy bike!

Peter Mace — New Zealand

Riding the T1 route with CycleQuest China was an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. We wanted a genuine adventure without the stress of planning, and this team delivered flawlessly. The itinerary took us through some truly unique, breathtaking locations that we never would have discovered on our own, offering a perfect blend of rewarding rides and stunning cultural immersion. What truly set this trip apart, however, was the on-the-ground team. The guides had such a fantastic attitude they were incredibly supportive, highly knowledgeable, and always one step ahead with logistics and support. Having direct access to such professional local experts gave us total peace of mind. If you are considering a cycling trip in China, we totally recommend it!

Pablo Domínguez & Tomás Domínguez — Argentina

T1 route

Our family recently spent two weeks travelling through China and we were fortunate to discover Rob and Cyclequest while in Yangshuo. We joined a half-day e-cycling tour that took us along the river, through the stunning karst hills, and into local villages we would never have found on our own. It was truly one of the highlights of our trip. The equipment was modern and well maintained, and Rob was exceptionally friendly, generous with his time, and deeply knowledgeable about the area. His local insight made the experience feel authentic. We only wish we had found Cyclequest earlier in our stay, as we would happily have booked another ride. We’re already looking forward to returning.

John & family — New Zealand

Half-day e-cycling tour

Discovering Guilin by bike was simply amazing! Taking on both the 96 KM T1 Xianggong Mountain route and the 89 KM ride to the Great Waterfall gave us an unforgettable way to experience China up close. Riding through these regions offers something you just cannot get from a bus window—breathtaking karst landscapes towering above you, crisp fresh air, and a profound connection to the local environment and authentic village life. Tackling nearly 185 kilometers over two days might sound daunting to some, but the entire journey was executed flawlessly. The premium equipment provided made the long climbs and sweeping valley descents feel smooth, responsive, and completely secure. A special thanks goes out to our tour organizer, Rob, who planned every single detail perfectly. His deep local knowledge of the area meant we were always riding on the best, safest roads with the most spectacular views. He guided us with incredible dedication, ensuring our logistics were entirely handled, from perfectly timed hydration stops to expert route pacing. If you want a truly immersive, seamless outdoor adventure without any of the typical travel stress, this is it. Highly recommended!

Michael — Germany

T1 Xianggong Mountain route & Great Waterfall ride

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