Guilin /
Youngshuo

6 days /
5 nights

Maximum Group Size / 12

Activity Level
/ 4 Starts

Priced per person from

$10,995 USD

Single Supplement: $3,500 USD

DAY 1 / City walk

"Pedaling Through a Painting" Forget looking at the scenery—ride right into it. In Yangshuo, you will cycle through a living ink-wash masterpiece, where thousands of limestone Karst peaks rise dramatically from emerald-green fields.

Our route takes you off the beaten path and onto the banks of the Li River and Yulong River, where bamboo rafts drift lazily by. This is a sensory ride: the scent of rice paddies, the cool river breeze, and the silence of ancient villages. It’s not just a cycling trip; it’s a journey through the most poetic landscape on Earth.

Saddle-View Highlights

Elephant Trunk Hill

Elephant Trunk Hill (formerly known as Lishan Hill) is located at No. 1 Minzhu Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Standing at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, this iconic karst hill is hailed as "the soul of Guilin's landscape" and Guilin's city emblem. Named for its striking resemblance to a giant elephant drinking from the river, it is a National 5A-level tourist attraction and an indispensable must-visit landmark for any trip to Guilin.

Elephant Trunk Hill

Elephant Trunk Hill (formerly known as Lishan Hill) is located at No. 1 Minzhu Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Standing at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, this iconic karst hill is hailed as "the soul of Guilin's landscape" and Guilin's city emblem. Named for its striking resemblance to a giant elephant drinking from the river, it is a National 5A-level tourist attraction and an indispensable must-visit landmark for any trip to Guilin.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

A top Guilin restaurant serving authentic local flavors.
Guilin Rice Noodles (chewy noodles with savory broth), Beer Fish (fresh fish braised in beer), Lipu Taro Braised Pork (tender taro with pork). Cozy and flavorful, ideal for food lovers.

Chuanshan Lake Central Island

is located within Chuanshan Park in Qixing District, Guilin. As a small and exquisite man-made island in the Xiaodong River waters, it is hailed as "the green pearl of Chuanshan Park". This lake island is one of the key attractions of the Chuanshan Scenic Area, and together with the distant Tashan Hill and Chuanshan Hill, it forms "the clear reflection of Tashan Hill" — one of Guilin's traditional Eight Scenic Spots. It is an indispensable must-visit spot for tourists exploring Chuanshan Park.

The Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin

Nestled along the scenic banks of the Li River, the Shangri-La Guilin is a premier five-star sanctuary that blends traditional Chinese elegance with modern luxury. Surrounded by the city's iconic karst mountains and lush greenery, the hotel offers 449 of the largest guestrooms in Guilin, many featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking river or garden views.

Guests can indulge in diverse culinary experiences, from authentic Cantonese and local delicacies at Shang Palace to international fare at Li Café. Beyond its refined accommodations, the hotel boasts an 11,000-square-meter garden, a unique mini-zoo, and comprehensive wellness facilities including indoor and outdoor pools. Perfectly positioned just 10 minutes from the city center, it serves as an ideal gateway for exploring Guilin’s "celestial" natural beauty.

DAY 2 / Guilin to Youngshuo

Yangshuo, a county near Guilin in China's Guangxi province, is globally famous for its unrivaled karst landscape. Often called the "best of Guilin," the town is enveloped by thousands of dramatic limestone peaks and the winding Li and Yulong rivers.

This area offers a perfect blend of tranquil natural beauty and vibrant tourism. Visitors flock here to enjoy bamboo rafting along the Yulong River, cycle through the peaceful countryside, and hike to viewpoints like Moon Hill. The central West Street is a historic lane that now serves as the bustling heart of the town, featuring a lively mix of local shops, cafes, and international restaurants.

Total Ride Distance 60km . Total Elevation Gain 522m . Estimated Timeline 4hr

Saddle-View Highlights

Yangdi Wharf Yangshuo

As an iconic starting point of the Li River cruise in Yangshuo, Yangdi Wharf nestles amid towering karst peaks and crystal-clear river waters.
Serving as a key hub for bamboo rafting and boat tours, it offers visitors a front-row seat to Guilin’s legendary landscape—limestone mountains rising sharply from the river, lush greenery, and idyllic villages along the shores. Easily accessible by road, the wharf provides convenient access to downstream scenic spots like Xingping.

Daxu Ancient Town

An ancient town with a millennium of history, Daxu lies along the Li River amid stunning karst landscapes. Lined with well-preserved Ming and Qing-era buildings, stone-paved streets, and ancient bridges, it exudes a tranquil, old-world charm. Once a bustling commercial port, it now offers visitors a glimpse of traditional life—stroll through local markets, savor authentic snacks, or relax by the river. A perfect escape from the crowds, it’s a must-visit for those seeking Guilin’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Yixia Tang Private Cuisine (Yangshuo). A hidden gem in Yangshuo, Yixia Tang Private Cuisine serves authentic Guangxi and local flavors with homemade warmth. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms, the restaurant crafts classic dishes like Yangshuo Beer Fish (tender carp braised in local beer with herbs), Stuffed River Snails (minced pork mixed with mushrooms stuffed into snail shells), and Lipu Taro Braised Pork (soft taro absorbed with savory pork sauce). Other highlights include bamboo shoot stir-fry and osmanthus glutinous rice cakes.

Thousand-Mile Landscape

Stretching across Yangshuo’s core scenic area, the "Thousand-Mile Riverside Landscape" is a living scroll of karst wonders. Towering limestone peaks pierce the sky, reflecting in the crystal-clear Li and Yulong Rivers, while pastoral villages and green fields weave through the landscape.
Lined with cycling paths and bamboo raft routes, it blends natural grandeur with rural charm—offering visitors an immersive taste of Guilin’s iconic scenery that inspired ancient Chinese paintings. A must-explore for nature lovers and culture seekers alike!

Yangshuo Mountain Retreat ( Day 2 - Day 4 )

Established in 2001 as a serene escape from urban life, Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is a premier eco-lodge located on the tranquil banks of the Yulong River. This award-winning sanctuary is celebrated for its commitment to "authentic sustainable tourism," employing local villagers and utilizing eco-friendly practices like solar heating and plastic-free operations.

The architecture reflects local heritage, featuring 29 to 34 rooms adorned with handmade bamboo furniture and traditional textiles. Guests can immerse themselves in regional culture through Tai Chi, calligraphy, and cormorant fishing, or relax in river-view suites. Recognized by National Geographic, the retreat offers a soulful connection to the karst landscape, blending rustic charm with exceptional hospitality.

DAY 3 / Youngshuo / Yulong River

This ambitious 60 km cycling route is a premier experience for enthusiasts seeking to go beyond the typical tourist path, traversing the dramatic karst heartland where the Yulong and Jinbao rivers converge. This journey offers a complete immersion into Yangshuo's "living ink painting," blending the famous riverside trails of the Yulong with the rugged, less-traveled backcountry surrounding the Jinbao River.

Route Highlights

• The Three-River Convergence: A key landmark is the Gongnong Bridge, where the Yulong, Jinbao, and Tianjia rivers meet. This spot provides a panoramic view of the "Camel Crossing the River" peak and is a hub for watching traditional bamboo rafts navigate the weirs.
  

• Backcountry Exploration: While the Yulong section features well-paved paths and ancient stone bridges like the 600-year-old Yulong Bridge, the extension toward the Jinbao River takes you through primitive villages, rice paddies, and orchards far from the crowds.
  

• Cultural Landmarks: The route typically passes through Jiuxian Ancient Village, known for its Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, and skirts the famous Ten-Mile Gallery near Moon Hill.
  

• Terrain & Effort: At 60 km, this is considered a "Challenging Route" or "Experienced Player" version. While much of the riverside path is flat, the full loop involves navigating local township roads and some moderate climbs through the karst hills.

Total Ride Distance 60km . Total Elevation Gain 231m . Estimated Timeline 3hr

Saddle-View Highlights

Jinbao River/ Yangshuo

Escape the tourist crowds and discover the Jinbao River, a tranquil tributary that offers the most authentic slice of rural life in Yangshuo. As you cycle along its peaceful banks, the scenery shifts from grand peaks to intimate details: ancient stone bridges, water buffalo grazing in lush rice paddies, and quiet villages where time stands still. The water here is crystal clear, mirroring the bamboo groves and distant mountains. This is a route for the soul—a gentle, rhythmic ride through the untouched heart of the countryside.

Yulong River / Yangshuo

As Yangshuo’s iconic waterway, the Yulong River winds through serene karst landscapes—towering limestone peaks, lush rice fields, and ancient villages line its banks. Famous for bamboo rafting on crystal-clear waters, it also boasts scenic cycling paths and walking trails. Away from the crowds, this pristine river offers a peaceful escape to experience Guilin’s "mountains and rivers like paintings" charm.
A must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking an authentic rural Chinese adventure!

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Magpie Restaurant (Yulong River Branch)Introduction Hidden within Jima Village inside a restored 100-year-old Northern Guangxi mansion, Magpie Restaurant offers a dining experience steeped in history. This former scholar's residence retains its rustic charm with grey tiles, wooden beams, and a tranquil, leafy courtyard. The highlight is the rooftop terrace, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Yulong River and surrounding peaks. A refreshing departure from typical farmhouse meals, Magpie specializes in exquisite Thai fusion cuisine.

Gragon village

Step back in time as we pedal through Yangshuo’s authentic rural villages. Far removed from the bustling tourist centers, these hidden hamlets are living museums of traditional Chinese life. You will cycle past centuries-old mud-brick farmhouses with grey-tiled roofs, shaded by massive banyan trees. Watch farmers tending to endless rice paddies and pomelo orchards while water buffalo roam freely. This is the "real" China—a quiet, timeless world where the pace of life is set by the sunrise and the seasons, all set against the dramatic backdrop of limestone peaks.

DAY 4 / Xianggong Mountain

The journey from Yangshuo to Xianggong Mountain is a premier adventure for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Located about 28 kilometers from the town, this destination offers a spectacular 180-degree panorama of the Li River’s "First Bend" winding through iconic karst peaks. The ascent involves a short but steep 15 to 20-minute hike up well-maintained stone stairs to reach multiple viewing platforms. Many visitors arrive before dawn to witness the sunrise over the mist-shrouded valley. For a more immersive experience, travelers can extend their trek by descending toward the riverbanks, hiking through local orchards and hamlets to reach the scenic ferry points near Xingping Ancient Town.

Total Ride Distance 66km . Total Elevation Gain 461m . Estimated Timeline 4hr

Saddle-View Highlights

Mountain Panorama hike

Discover the definitive view of Yangshuo at the Xianggong Mountain Viewing Platform. While most tourists arrive by road, we will guide you on an exclusive secret 1-hour hike through hidden trails and lush nature.
Your reward is a breathtaking panorama: the majestic Li River curving gracefully around a forest of vertical Karst peaks. Famous among global photographers for its dramatic light and shadow, this is the stunning landscape you came to China to see—earned with an unforgettable adventure.

Xianggong Mountain

Nestled on the west bank of the Li River in Xingping Town, Yangshuo, Xianggong Hill lies between Yellow Cloth Shoal and Nine Horses Fresco Hill.
Famous as the best spot to overlook the "First Bend of the Li River", it offers panoramic views of winding rivers and karst peaks. With a 15-20 minute easy climb, the hill enchants visitors with stunning sunrises, sea of clouds, and golden light—once catapulted to fame by award-winning photos. A must-visit for nature lovers and photographers seeking Guilin’s iconic landscape magic!

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Yujiaoji Private Kitchen (Yulong River Branch) is a farm-style restaurant located by the Yangshuo Yulong River, famous for its freshly roasted Clay Oven Chicken. Recommended dishes include:
Clay Oven Chicken: Freshly killed and roasted, crispy outside and tender inside.
Bamboo Tube Chicken & Bamboo Tube Rice: Infused with the fragrance of bamboo. Stuffed River Snails: A classic Guilin specialty.

Steamed Pork with Taro: A local traditional dish.

Xingping Ancient Town

Perched along the Li River in Yangshuo, Xingping Ancient Town is a timeless gem surrounded by dramatic karst peaks. With a history spanning over 1,700 years, it boasts well-preserved Ming and Qing-era architecture, stone streets, and traditional courtyard houses. Famous as the backdrop of the 20-yuan RMB note, its scenic riverside views, bamboo rafting experiences, and local delicacies make it unforgettable.
Whether wandering ancient lanes or admiring the landscape, it’s a perfect blend of nature, history, and rural charm—essential for Yangshuo visitors.

DAY 5 / Xingping Ancient Town

With a history spanning over 1,700 years, Xingping Ancient Town is a living museum of Lingnan culture nestled along the most scenic stretch of the Li River. Famous for the "Yellow Cloth Reflection" featured on the 20-yuan banknote, the town preserves its original charm through Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, ancient opera stages, and flagstone streets.

For cyclists heading toward Guilin, the route from Xingping often incorporates the Daxing Line, a stunning path that passes through the historic Daxu Ancient Town. This journey offers a moderate yet rewarding ride of approximately 46 km on well-paved roads, including sections once used for the prestigious Tour of Guangxi. Riders will experience a mosaic of emerald karst peaks, traditional farming hamlets, and tranquil river vistas, making it an essential highlight for any Guilin cycling itinerary.

Total Ride Distance 46km . Total Elevation Gain 431m . Estimated Timeline 3hr

Saddle-View Highlights

Sunset Mountain Water Train

Experience is a unique blend of modern engineering and ancient nature. Located near Xingping, travelers gather at high-altitude viewpoints to watch China’s sleek bullet trains glide through the karst mountain range. As the sun sets, the silver trains look like "silver arrows" piercing through the golden-lit peaks and emerald countryside. It has become a viral sensation for photographers, offering a surreal, cinematic contrast between the high-speed rail and the timeless, tranquil landscape of the Li River valley.

Xingping Ancient Town

Perched along the Li River in Yangshuo, Xingping Ancient Town is a timeless gem surrounded by dramatic karst peaks. With a history spanning over 1,700 years, it boasts well-preserved Ming and Qing-era architecture, stone streets, and traditional courtyard houses. Famous as the backdrop of the 20-yuan RMB note, its scenic riverside views, bamboo rafting experiences, and local delicacies make it unforgettable. Whether wandering ancient lanes or admiring the landscape, it’s a perfect blend of nature, history, and rural
charm—essential for Yangshuo visitors.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Yangshuo Bamboo Chicken is a celebrated local delicacy that captures the essence of the countryside. Fresh chicken is seasoned with ginger, scallions, and mountain herbs, then stuffed into a fresh green bamboo tube.

The tube is sealed and slow-roasted over an open charcoal fire. This unique steaming process infuses the meat with a delicate, sweet bamboo aroma, keeping the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. It’s a fragrant, earthy dish that perfectly complements the rustic charm of the Li River region.

Laozhai Hill

Laozhai Hill (Laozhai Shan) is a steep limestone peak located right next to the Xingping dock. Renowned as the best free viewpoint in Yangshuo, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Li River’s "First Bend" and the surrounding karst forest. The hike takes about 40 minutes and involves climbing over 1,100 stone steps and a near-vertical iron ladder. It is the ultimate spot for photographers seeking the perfect sunrise or sunset over the peaks.

Longsheng Hot Spring SPA Hotel

Located within the lush National Forest Park, Longsheng Hot Spring Hotel is a premier wellness retreat famed for its "holy water". The resort features sixteen open-air and indoor pools filled with natural spring water rich in minerals like zinc and lithium, maintaining a constant temperature between 45°C and 58°C. Surrounded by dense emerald forests and misty mountains, the hotel provides a tranquil escape from urban life.

The architecture blends modern comfort with ethnic touches, reflecting the local Yao and Zhuang cultures. It serves as a perfect rejuvenation stop after exploring the nearby Longji Rice Terraces, offering guests a unique combination of therapeutic bathing and breathtaking alpine scenery in a secluded, high-oxygen environment.

DAY 6 / Longji Terraced Fields

The Longji Rice Terraces, specifically the Jinkeng Dazhai area in Longsheng, represent a breathtaking fusion of rugged topography and human ingenuity. Often called the "Dragon's Backbone," these terraces were carved into the mountainsides of Guangxi Province starting in the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and were largely completed by the early Qing Dynasty.

Culture and Heritage
Jinkeng Dazhai is primarily home to the Red Yao ethnic group, one of China's most distinctive minority cultures. Their heritage is woven into the very fabric of the landscape:

• Architectural Marvels: The village is famous for its traditional wooden Diaojiaolou (stilt houses) that cling to the steep slopes without the use of metal nails.

• The Long Hair Tradition: Red Yao women are world-renowned for their floor-length hair, which they cut only once in their lives (at age 18) as a symbol of longevity and prosperity.

• Agricultural Wisdom: The terraces aren't just for show; they are a sophisticated irrigation system. Water flows from the forested mountaintops through a network of bamboo pipes and gravity-fed channels to nourish the rice paddies.

Historical Significance
For over 600 years, these fields have provided a livelihood in a region where flat land is non-existent. The "Jinkeng" (Gold Pit) name refers to the area's history as a gold-mining site, though today the true "gold" is the shimmering yellow rice during the autumn harvest.

Total Ride Distance 46km . Total Elevation Gain 431m . Estimated Timeline 3hr

Saddle-View Highlights

The Road to Longji Rice Terraces

The journey to Longji is a scenic climb through deep river valleys and lush bamboo forests. The winding mountain roads offer glimpses of traditional Zhuang and Yao stilt houses perched on steep cliffs.

Historically, these terraces date back over 700 years to the Yuan Dynasty. Hand-carved by ethnic minorities to ensure survival in the mountains, the road represents a bridge between modern travelers and a profound agricultural legacy carved into the "Dragon’s Backbone."

Longsheng Hot Spring SPA Hotel

The Longsheng Hot Spring SPA Hotel, opened in 2004, is the centerpiece of the Longsheng Hot Springs National Forest Park. It is built atop a natural thermal vein where mineral-rich waters gush from 1,200 meters underground.

Historically, these "divine waters" have been used by local ethnic minorities for centuries for their healing properties. Today, the hotel blends modern luxury with this ancient wellness tradition, offering a serene escape surrounded by 700-year-old agricultural history and lush primeval forests.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Longsheng’s cuisine is a flavorful reflection of its ethnic diversity. The signature dish is Bamboo Tube Rice, where sticky rice, cured meat, and beans are roasted in fresh bamboo for a smoky aroma.

Another highlight is Longsheng Oil Tea, a UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage. This "liquid gold" is made by frying tea leaves with ginger and garlic, then served with crispy popped rice and peanuts. These dishes, along with organic mountain vegetables and Longji Rice Wine, offer a healthy, earthy taste of the highlands.

Jinkeng Dazhai

Jinkeng Dazhai is the largest and most spectacular section of the Longji Rice Terraces. Inhabited by the Red Yao minority, it is famous for its grand, amphitheater-like landscapes that change with the seasons—from "silver mirrors" in spring to "golden waves" in autumn.

Highlights include the Golden Buddha Peak, accessible by cable car for a breathtaking sunset, and West Hill Music, the highest point for panoramic sunrise views. It’s a paradise for hikers and photographers seeking authentic ethnic culture and vast, vertical scenery.

The Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin

Nestled along the scenic banks of the Li River, the Shangri-La Guilin is a premier five-star sanctuary that blends traditional Chinese elegance with modern luxury. Surrounded by the city's iconic karst mountains and lush greenery, the hotel offers 449 of the largest guestrooms in Guilin, many featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking river or garden views.

Guests can indulge in diverse culinary experiences, from authentic Cantonese and local delicacies at Shang Palace to international fare at Li Café. Beyond its refined accommodations, the hotel boasts an 11,000-square-meter garden, a unique mini-zoo, and comprehensive wellness facilities including indoor and outdoor pools. Perfectly positioned just 10 minutes from the city center, it serves as an ideal gateway for exploring Guilin’s "celestial" natural beauty.

What's included

The following services are part of your standard package to ensure comfort and technical support throughout the 5-night journey:

• Support & Logistics

  • Dedicated Support Van: A vehicle follows the group every step of the way to provide mechanical support, luggage transport, and a "sag wagon" option for tired riders.

  • Professional Driver: A dedicated driver for the support vehicle.

  • Professional Cycling Guide: One expert guide for every six guests (1:6 ratio) to ensure safety and group management.

  • Full Tour Concierge: One full-time concierge to manage hotel check-ins, dining logistics, and on-ground arrangements.

• Accommodation & Meals

  • Luxury Accommodation: 5 nights of stay based on two guests per hotel room.

  • Daily Breakfast: Morning meals are included at each hotel.

• Media Services

  • Professional Content Team: Comprehensive tour photography and video services.

  • DJI Drone Service: Aerial drone footage of the group cycling through the scenic landscapes.

• Safety & Insurance

  • High-Limit Travel Insurance: Every participant is provided with 1,000,000 RMB accidental travel insurance to cover medical emergencies and accidental injuries during the tour.

Not Included in the Tour

Guests should budget for the following additional costs and administrative requirements:

• Bicycle Rentals (Full 5-Day Trip)

  • E-bike: €152.50

  • Mountain Bike (MTB): €158.00

  • Road Bike: €368.00

• Dining & Personal Activities

  • Lunch & Dinner: Daily meals (other than breakfast) are not included.

  • Entrance Fees: Tickets for travel hotspots, cultural shows (e.g., Impression Liu Sanjie), and scenic area shuttles are extra.

• Documentation & Personal Travel

  • Visa Processing: Guests must process their Chinese visas independently.

  • Additional Travel Insurance: While 1M RMB accidental insurance is provided, guests must obtain their own comprehensive Travel Insurance (covering trip cancellation or illness) before submitting visa documents.

  • Single Occupancy: Single-room requests are subject to availability and will incur an additional fee.

Premium Fleet Rentals

Top-tier E-bikes, Road, and MTBs maintained to western standards, available with pre-loaded GPS routes for independent exploration.

MTB

"Ride China’s rugged terrain with confidence. Our premium fleet features top international brands like Specialized, Cannondale, and Trek. Professionally tuned for performance, we stock all sizes (XS to XL) to ensure the perfect fit. Experience reliable, high-end gear designed for technical single-track and scenic off-road adventures."

ROAD

"Experience pure speed on our elite fleet of full-carbon road bikes. We feature legendary brands including Colnago, Specialized, Cannondale, and Trek. We guarantee the perfect match for your geometry with all sizes available. Light, stiff, and professionally fitted to your specs for the ultimate riding experience."

E-BIKE

"Eliminate range anxiety with our expedition-ready E-bikes, capable of an impressive 170 KM on a single charge. Designed for long-distance touring, every bike comes fully equipped with integrated front and rear safety lights and spacious travel bags for your gear. Explore China further, faster, and effortlessly."

Special Experience guided bike tour

Beijing

The Soul of the Empire. For over 3,000 years, Beijing has been the beating heart of Chinese civilization. It is a city of staggering contrasts: immense imperial palaces sit beside intimate hutong alleyways; the Great Wall snakes along the northern mountains while futuristic skyscrapers pierce the smog-free skies of the CBD. As we pedal through this living museum, you will feel the weight of history under your wheels and the vibrant pulse of a modern superpower.

Guilin / Youngshuo

Guilin, in China's Guangxi region, is famous for having "the finest scenery under heaven." The city is dominated by spectacular karst topography—thousands of unique limestone peaks rising steeply from the ground. The crystal-clear Li River threads through this landscape. Key attractions include the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill and the breathtaking cruise to Yangshuo. Guilin provides a mystical, tranquil natural beauty often depicted in classic Chinese art.

ChengDu

A romantic hidden gem within Liangtai Gou, Sunshine Lover's Valley lives up to its name with abundant sunlight, pristine forests, and gurgling streams. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush greenery, it’s a picturesque spot for couples and nature lovers.

3 day 2 night tour

6 day 5 night tour

3 day 2 night tour