China12 days

Guizhou by Mountain Bike — 12 Days, Kaili to Yangshuo

Cycle through rice terraces, ethnic villages, and karst terrain from Guizhou's eastern highlands to Guangxi's limestone plains

This 12-day cycling route crosses two provinces through working agricultural landscape, threading between Dong and Miao villages, rice paddies tiered into hillsides, and bamboo forests. Riders depart Guiyang by high-speed train to Kaili, then pedal eastward through Rongjiang and Congjiang before reaching Zhaoxing — a Dong settlement of timber architecture and five drum towers. From there, the route swings northwest through Sanjiang and Longji's famous rice terraces, then descends westward into the karst region around Yangshuo. The itinerary spans moderate to difficult terrain, with support vehicles managing luggage and offering rest options. Accommodation alternates between small-town hotels and rural guesthouses. All meals and a 27-speed mountain bike are included; electric bikes are available for an additional fee.

Highlights

  • Ride to Basha Miao village and Zhaoxing Dong settlement, known for its five drum towers
  • Cycle 30 kilometers through remote Dong villages to reach Tang An
  • Cross the Cheng Yang Bridge — a traditional wooden covered bridge near Sanjiang
  • Navigate the tiered rice terraces of Longji, home to Zhuang minority communities
  • Pedal through farmland and orchard villages en route to Xingping's old town
  • Ride the flat terrain around Yangshuo and take a boat on the Yulong River
  • Pass through bamboo forests, tea plantations, and dozens of quiet villages across 10 cycling days

Day by day

1Arrive in GuiyangGuiyang · Guiyang Regal Hotel
Arrive into Guiyang, capital of Guizhou Province. A group meeting covers cycling safety, followed by a welcome dinner. Overnight at the central Guiyang Regal Hotel (4-star).
2High-Speed Train to Kaili, Bike Ride to RongjiangKaili · Rongjiang · Guiyang to Kaili
Take the bullet train from Guiyang to Kaili — a journey of under two hours. Upon arrival, commence the first ride: a route that passes through local villages and crosses several traditional bridges while climbing through green hills and descending past rice terraces. The support vehicle travels alongside. Overnight in a local hotel in Rongjiang.
3Rongjiang to Congjiang — Back Roads and River ValleysRongjiang to Congjiang · rice terraces
Cycle on back roads climbing and descending through mountains. The day moves past rice terraces in various stages of cultivation, blue rivers, and small villages set into the hillsides. A support vehicle manages luggage and offers rest stops.
4Congjiang to Zhaoxing — Basha Miao and Drum TowersCongjiang to Zhaoxing · Zhaoxing · Basha
This day's ride is the route's centerpiece. Begin by cycling to Basha, a Miao village, then continue toward Zhaoxing. Upon arrival in Zhaoxing, visit the settlement on foot — a Dong village known for its five drum towers and timber architecture built without nails. The support vehicle accompanies the group throughout.
5Zhaoxing — Ride to Tang An Dong VillageZhaoxing · Tang An
Cycle approximately 30 kilometers to reach Tang An, a remote Dong minority settlement. Visit the village on foot in the afternoon, then return to Zhaoxing to walk through the town's narrow streets and observe daily life.
6Zhaoxing to Sanjiang — Ancient Streets and Covered BridgeZhaoxing · farmland with rice paddies and minority villages · Cheng Yang Bridge
Depart Zhaoxing by cycling through its ancient streets, then move across farmland with rice paddies and minority villages. Arrive at Sanjiang and visit the Cheng Yang Bridge, a traditional wooden covered bridge spanning the river below.
7Sanjiang to Longji — Tea Plantations and Terraced Rice FieldsSanjiang to Longji · Longji
Ride along back roads, passing through tea plantations and forest before reaching Longji. The area is known for rice terraces carved into mountainsides by the Zhuang people. Overnight in a rural guestouse.
8Longji to Shiertan — Bamboo Forest CyclingLongji to Shiertan · Shiertan
Set out on two wheels along gentle roads that wind through dozens of twists and turns, passing through bamboo forests and traditional villages. The terrain remains rolling and accessible throughout. Overnight in a guesthouse. All meals included.
9Shiertan to Xingping — Farmland Villages and Ancient Townquiet villages · Xingping's old town
Cycle through quiet villages, taking in farmland scenery dotted with fruit orchards and vegetable plots. A short transfer by private support vehicle moves your bikes forward, then you ride into Xingping's old town. The day includes breakfast, lunch, and accommodation at a hotel.
10Xingping to Yangshuo by Mountain BikeXingping to Yangshuo
Head for legendary Yangshuo on two wheels, navigating flat terrain dotted with rice terraces and tea plantations. The landscape shifts gradually from Guizhou's hills into Guangxi's characteristic karst formations. A support vehicle accompanies you throughout the ride, with drinking water provided at intervals.
11Yangshuo — Cycling Past Karst Peaks and Ancient Villagescountryside trails and paths · Yulong River · Liugong
Cycle through countryside trails and paths with views of the spectacular karst landscape. Pass by the Yulong River and Moon Hill, then take a boat ride on the river itself. Visit the ancient village of Liugong before returning to Yangshuo. A private support vehicle and mountain bikes are provided throughout.
12Depart YangshuoYangshuo · Guilin Airport
Depart at any time. Optional transfer to Guilin Airport is available for an additional fee.

Where you go

Map: Guizhou by Mountain Bike — 12 Days, Kaili to Yangshuo route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Yangshuo

Included

  • Group Size: Min 4 – Max 16
  • Start:Guiyang
  • Finish:Yangshuo
  • Accommodation: Hotels(8 nights)Guest house (3 nights)
  • Transport:
  • Bullet train Guiyang to Kaili
  • Meals: 11 Breakfasts 8 Lunches & 8 Dinners
  • Guide: Tour leader throughout whole trip
  • Included activities:
  • Sanjiang: Lounge Bridge
  • Longji: Spectacular terraced rice fields and ethnic Zhuang minority people and villages.
  • Yangshuo: Yu Long River boat ride and Moon Hill Park
  • Bike ride Day 2 – Day 11
  • Included gear:
  • 27 speed mountain bike and bike helmet.
  • E-bike is available for an extra charge of @US$150.00
  • Support vehicle for passengers and luggage
  • Drinking water in 19 liter jar is provided daily

Not included

  • Excluded:
  • International flight
  • Expenses of personal nature
  • Gratuity
  • Things not expressly mentioned inclusive above.
  • Travel Season: Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Sep. Oct. Nov.
  • Physical Grade: Moderate to hard
  • Arrival Airport transfer: Own arrangement.
  • Rates for Departure Transfer to Guilin Airport:
  • Car (1-2 people): USD$100
  • Mini Van (3-5 people): USD$120