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Yunnan Cycling Escape

Written by Kelly PangUpdated Apr. 10, 2024

Yunnan Cycling Escape

The Ancient Towns of Dali and Lijiang wait for you to explore them and the surrounding smaller Bai and Naxi minority people's villages of Baisha, Xizhou and Shuhe.Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Discover the peace and tranquillity of Xizhou and Shuhe Ancient Towns.

Important note: Air tickets from Kunming to Dali and from Lijiang to Kunming are included. The tour price is affected by air ticket price. Please confirm early and we will check the best possible price for you.

Tour Highlights

  • Immerse yourself at the magnificent Stone Forest
  • Cylce along the best area of Erhai Lake
  • Discovery local minority culture of Yunnan
  • Take a bike to Shuhe Ancient Town
  • Visit Lijiang' highlights like Lijiang Ancient Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

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Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Your guide and driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals, ready for your adventure in the Spring City and beyond. A free day for you to arrange if you are still energetic.

Day 2 Visit the Stone Forest
The Stone ForestThe Stone Forest

The Stone Forest is an art gallery of nature, full of fantastical karst formations. The Sani people have a rich culture, and perform some of their dances for the visitors. Roast duck is a filling lunch after all the exploring.

In the evening, we recommend a walk round the Green Lake, and a dinner in the many restaurants surrounding this lovely park in the center of Kunming.

Day 3 Discovery the Bai People Unique Culture of Xizhou Town
Xizhou TownXizhou Town

Dali has had its fair share of modernization, but head out of town and the feeling will soon disappear.

Xizhou Town is known for the exquisite colorful houses of the Bai people. The locals still dress in their ancient attire, adding to the authentic feel. Zhoucheng Town is similar, but is the biggest community, over 1,500 Bai people live there.

The Three Pagodas between the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake are the landmark of Dali, forming a pleasing triangular shape.

Day 4 Erhai Lake Biking and Lijiang Ancient Town
Xizhou TownXizhou Town

On the way to experience the Cruise on the Erhai Lake, and a visit to a local fishing village, you will stop at a farmers market, where people wear their traditional dress to sell their wares.

After the cruise, your guide and driver will take you to the Lijiang Ancient Town, second only in people's minds to Shangri-La as a romantic, far-flung destination in Yunnan. It is very well preserved and quite charming, but very busy towards the afternoon. An early morning stroll will reveal a completely different side of it and is warmly recommended.

Naxi people who live in the area have delicious choice of specialties, for lunch your guide introduces you to a few.

Day 5 Bike to Ancient Towns of Baisha and Shuhe Ancient Town
Tiger Leaping Gorge HikingTiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

Baisha Village is well known for the 1,000-year old colorful murals combining Naxi culture with Han and Tibetan influence. Shuhe Ancient Town, also known as Longguan Village is not quite as forgotten by time as it used to be, but still very charming and peaceful.

Day 6 Visist the famous Jade Dragon Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow MountainJade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Mountain is the backdrop for Lijiang, and today you get to explore the main peak called Shanzidou. A cable car, incidentally the highest in China, takes you above the cloud base. Other areas you can explore from here include Ganhanzi, Baishuihe (White Water River) and Glacier Park.

The Yufengsi Lamasery is also called the Jade Summit Lamasery, and is well known for the beautiful magnolias in the temple.

Day 7 Depart Lijiang

Today your guide will escort you to your flight to Kunming, where you can catch your next flight. Head to the airport 2 hours earlier depending on your flight time. Enjoy a hassle free transfer to the airport. Your guide will accompany you to the security checking gate in the airport

Trip Notes

1. Bicycles checking

Your guide will always help you check your bikes before you start the biking journey and will accompany you on his/her bike.

2. Best time to cycle

SYunnan: Yunnan is a cool place to stay in summer and a warm destination in winter. The capital city-Kunming is famous as a "Spring City" in China because its weather and climate. But the most popular time for hiking is March to October.

3. Road conditions

Some parts of the route are city streets which have a busy traffic. Not every section has the good view during the city biking tours. Once you are out of the cities, numerous beautiful scenery comes into your sights.

4. What to pack

Wear walking shoes and clothes suitable for outdoor activities, sunglasses, sun block and hat are necessary.

5. Tailoring Your Tour

This tour is very flexible. You can alter the itinerary, extend or shorten it to suit your price, interest, and schedule. If you would like to book the hotels on your own, we can remove the hotel cost from quotation. Please inform your travel advisor about your preference.

Tour Price

FromUS 1,419 p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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