Day 1 Hong Kong As fellow group members will be arriving throughout the day there are no planed activities until the group meeting in the early evening, followed by dinner. On arrival please check the notice board in the hotel entrance for details of the time and place of the meeting.
Day 2 Guangzhou In the morning of day 2 we take the train across the border to Guangzhou. Although Guangzhou is now a modern coastal port and one of the country's most prosperous cities, it also retains many aspects of traditional Chinese life. Guangzhou is the perfect place to experience an ancient tea house and the great markets and foods of this region.
Day 3 Zhaoqing We gently start our cycling trip with a short pedal today on mostly flat roads. We being with a quick ride to test our gear arriving at the West River, where we cross the river on authentic sampans. We cycle through Jin Li town before heading through the countryside alongside a small river. The roads are set between rice fields, banana plantations, and taro fields as far as the eye can see. As we approach Zhaoqing, the pace of life begins to change the closer we get to this vibrant city. We will have a chance to visit the town's biggest tourist attraction, the Seven Star Crags.
Day 4 Deqing After breakfast, we take a bus out of Zhaoqing to the countryside. Once we reach the countryside near Lubu village we can get back on our bikes for a day of country lanes and small villages. Curious visitors wave hello as we go by- this is a part of China very few foreigners visit! We do have a steep climb and some rolling hills today, but the journey is worth it. We arrive in the small town of Deqing for our overnight stay.
Day 5 Wuzhou Today we continue along the West River and through the rolling terrain of Guangxi Province. For the final strech in to Wuzhou, we will take a bus. Wuzhou is known as the Snake Capital of the World, since over one million of the city's serpents are shipped to kitchens of Hong Kong, Macau, and other snake-eating places!
Day 6-7 Yangshuo Enjoy a rest as we drive by bus to Yangshuo. Situated on the Li River and encircled by magnificent limestone karsts and rice fields, this is one of China's most beautiful destinations. Cycle through the surrounding countryside, take a day trip on a boat, or just sit back and enjoy the scenery during our two night stay in Yangshuo.
Day 8-9 Xi'an A short flight takes us to Xi'an. With a rich, ancient history, Xi'an is a fantastic city to explore on bike. Take a day trip out to the Terracotta Warriors - one of the archaeological wonders of the world.
On the evening of day 9, we board the overnight train to Beijing.
Day 10-11 Beijing Arriving early in the morning of day 10 allows for plenty of time to visit the numerous sights in this giant city. Ridhentic Chinese cruiser bikes through the city streets and back-street hutongs. As well aw enjoying the friendly faces, bustling markets, and local shops of Beijing we will also tour two of the city's most famous sights: the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. On Day 11 head north of the city for a day hiking along the Great Wall before sharing in a last night dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 12 Depart Beijing Depart Beijing at any time on day 12.
