6 Days Discover Lijiang & Dali Amflow E-Bike Tour

Dayan is the historic heart of Lijiang Old Town — and the reason it made UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1997. For centuries this was a key stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, where caravans from Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan met in Sifang Square to trade tea, horses and salt. The square still hums as the lanterns come on.

This is the heartland of the Naxi people, and their culture is everywhere you look: centuries-old Naxi music drifting out of a courtyard, Dongba pictographs — one of the world’s last living picture scripts — painted above shop doors, and folk festivals that spill dancing into the streets.

Just north of town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596 m) wears its snow all year round. Stand by the turquoise pools of Blue Moon Valley at its foot and look up, and it feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook. It’s the perfect first stop before you clip in: wander, eat well, and let your legs get used to the 2,400 m air.

At the very core of Lijiang’s Dayan Ancient Town lies Sifang Square – a small yet pulsating heart that has beaten for centuries. Built during the Ming Dynasty, its unique shape resembles a noble’s seal, symbolizing authority and prosperity. Historically, Sifang Square was the bustling crossroads of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, where merchants from Yunnan, Tibet, and Sichuan gathered to trade tea, horses, and silk. Today, the square remains Lijiang’s vibrant center. Radiating lanes lead visitors into a maze of traditional Naxi courtyards, craft shops, and cozy cafés. In the evening, watch as local Naxi women, dressed in traditional "pǐjié" (waist aprons), gather to perform lively folk dances under the stars.

Perched atop Lion Hill, Wangu Tower is Lijiang’s iconic landmark and the ancient town’s highest vantage point. This magnificent five-story, five-eaved wooden pavilion, built in 1997, showcases traditional Chinese architecture with 16 colossal timber pillars that run straight through all levels—a unique "pillar-through-the-roof" design. Rising 33 meters, it symbolizes the 330,000 people of the former Naxi Autonomous County. The climb is rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views: to the north, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and to the east, the labyrinth of ancient Naxi rooftops and canals. Its name, from the Naxi word "Wengu," fittingly means "on the hilltop".

The traditional Naxi courtyard is a tranquil world unto itself. Built around a central patio, these compact homes follow strict feng shui principles, often featuring exquisitely carved wooden doors, painted beams, and lush potted plants. A typical courtyard houses an entire Naxi family, with grandparents, parents, and children sharing harmonious space. Notice the unique “four-into-five” layout and the symbolic “heavenly sky well” that collects rainwater. Life here is slow and intimate—sipping butter tea, drying herbs under the sun, or listening to the trickle of an internal canal. Many courtyards now welcome guests as cozy inns, offering a chance to wake up to rooster crows and mountain views.

A traditional Naxi “huotang” (fire-pit) restaurant in old-town Lijiang: guests share wooden benches around an open fire while meats slow-roast on spits and earthenware pots simmer with aromatic broths. The menu is authentic Naxi cuisine — locally raised chicken, wild mushrooms, root vegetables and handmade tofu — with spicy or herbal dipping sauces and warm barley wine, and staff often share stories of Lijiang’s Tea Horse Road heritage.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, towering over Lijiang in Yunnan province, is a breathtaking alpine massif consisting of 13 majestic peaks. Reaching an elevation of over 5,500 meters, its snow-capped summits naturally resemble a silver dragon resting amidst the clouds, earning its legendary name. As a deeply sacred site for the local Naxi people, the mountain offers not just spectacular natural beauty, but rich cultural significance. For outdoor enthusiasts and high-performance cyclists on a CycleQuest China expedition, its dramatic lower slopes and rugged valleys, such as the Ganheba dry riverbed, provide an awe-inspiring, high-altitude arena. Whether you are navigating its challenging off-road trails or simply marveling at its pristine glaciers from afar, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain delivers an unforgettable, untamed wilderness experience.

Ganheba, nestled directly at the foot of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, is a premier destination for high-performance mountain biking. This legendary off-road zone features a striking, dry limestone riverbed flanked by dramatic alpine cliffs, creating a surreal, moon-like arena for enduro riders. The terrain offers an exhilarating mix of loose gravel, challenging rock gardens, and fast-flowing singletrack that perfectly tests technical handling while showcasing Yunnan’s raw wilderness. Riding through Ganheba provides an immersive, high-altitude experience where the sheer scale of the snow-capped peaks dominates the skyline. It stands as a must-visit wilderness track for riders seeking an authentic, adrenaline-fueled backcountry adventure away from standard tourist trails.

A signature Yunnan hot pot, cooked at the table over a charcoal flame: beef or pork tripe with a seasonal medley of prized wild fungi — porcini, goat’s ear and matsutake — simmered in a herb-laced broth infused with goji berries, ginger and local spices, served with a tangy dip of chili, cilantro and fermented bean curd. The mushrooms go in first and must cook thoroughly; the tripe is blanched last to keep its signature crunch.

The Boduoluo line, located near the tranquil Wenhai Lake in Lijiang, offers a spectacular 28-kilometer off-road cycling experience. Rated for beginner to medium riders, this pristine route takes you through some of Yunnan’s most secluded and breathtaking alpine wilderness. Far from the typical tourist crowds, the trail features a dynamic mix of dirt paths, rolling meadows, and ancient forest tracks. Powered by the intelligent Avinox system of your Amflow E-MTB, you can effortlessly navigate the natural undulating terrain while immersing yourself in the serene environment. As a key highlight of the CycleQuest China expedition, the Boduoluo ride perfectly blends thrilling off-road exploration with peaceful natural beauty, concluding just before the scenic evening transfer south to Dali.

The wilderness surrounding Wenhai Lake offers an idyllic and off-the-beaten-path cycling experience just a stone’s throw from Lijiang. Situated at an elevation of over 3,100 meters, this pristine alpine basin transforms with the seasons, featuring vibrant wildflower meadows in the warmer months and dramatic, frost-kissed landscapes in the winter. Riding the Boduoluo line around Wenhai allows cyclists to weave through ancient forests, traditional Naxi villages, and peaceful pastures where local livestock graze freely. Rated for beginner to medium skill levels, this terrain is the perfect canvas for your Amflow E-MTB. The intelligent Avinox drive system seamlessly manages the high-altitude ascents, allowing you to fully unplug, soak in the tranquil beauty of the lake, and enjoy a deeply authentic CycleQuest China adventure.

Air-dried, juniper-smoked yak meat from the high grasslands of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture — home of the legendary “Shangri-La” — aged for months in the thin mountain air, a preservation method recognized as intangible cultural heritage. The yaks graze wild medicinal herbs such as fritillary bulb and cordyceps, giving the meat a pure, herbal flavor. Sliced paper-thin, it is best enjoyed Tibetan-banquet style with butter tea, tsampa (roasted barley flour) and a chili–Sichuan pepper dip, or simmered in a stew with potatoes and turnips.

Yunlong Tianzi Mountain rises above Yunlong County in western Dali Prefecture and forms the backdrop for today’s 23-kilometer enduro line. Its forested slopes carry the climbing and descending trails ridden on the Amflow E-MTB, with technical sections suited to beginner-to-medium riders. Detailed route notes are available from your guide.

Nestled deep within Yunlong County, Wenxing Village in Jiancao Township serves as a captivating cultural gateway for your CycleQuest China expedition. This traditional settlement offers a rare glimpse into authentic rural life in Yunnan, far removed from the bustling tourist circuits. Surrounded by towering peaks and lush alpine landscapes, the village is characterized by its historic architecture, peaceful farming terraces, and the warm hospitality of the local Bai community. For riders tackling the nearby Yunlong Tianzi Mountain enduro trails, Wenxing Village provides a perfect starting point or a serene resting spot. Navigating its ancient, winding paths on your Amflow E-MTB perfectly bridges the gap between high-performance off-road adventure and profound cultural immersion in one of Dali’s best-kept secrets.

Niaodiao Mountain, located in the scenic Eryuan County of Dali, is a hidden gem for off-road cycling enthusiasts and a thrilling highlight of your CycleQuest China expedition. Known for its rolling alpine meadows and rich local folklore, this spectacular region offers a dynamic 20-kilometer enduro line that caters to beginner and medium-level riders. The trail weaves through lush grasslands and rugged mountain terrain, providing sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Powered by the intelligent Avinox drive system of your Amflow E-MTB, you can effortlessly conquer the rolling ascents and fully embrace the high-speed descents. Riding Niaodiao Mountain delivers an unparalleled backcountry adventure, seamlessly blending raw natural beauty with high-performance cycling for an unforgettable day in the wilderness of Yunnan.

Fengxiang Village, situated at the base of Niaodiao Mountain, serves as the historic gateway for this leg of your CycleQuest China expedition. As the core of Fengyu Town, this millennium-old Bai settlement offers a captivating journey back in time. Before beginning your ascent, take a moment to explore the charming bluestone streets, beautifully preserved traditional courtyards, and expansive rice paddies that define this tranquil haven. Serving as the essential starting point and a perfect rest stop for your ride, the village provides deep cultural immersion and a place to fuel up. As you power up your Amflow E-MTB and leave the ancient alleyways behind, the juxtaposition of rich heritage and cutting-edge cycling technology creates an unforgettable start to your adventure.