China11 days
Sichuan Cycling Loop: Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou — 11 Days
180 kilometers through rural mountain valleys, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the ancient irrigation system of Dujiangyan
This 11-day cycling route traverses Sichuan province from the provincial capital southwestward into the mountains, following back roads and river valleys toward Jiuzhaigou National Park. The loop climbs gradually from 1,051 meters near Chengdu to 2,900 meters at Jiuzhaigou, then descends through Huanglong Nature Preserve and the Min River valley before returning east to the Dujiangyan irrigation system and Chengdu. Riders encounter rural farmland, small villages, clear rivers, and two major World Heritage sites, with support vehicles accompanying throughout. The route is graded moderate to hard; most days involve cycling on quiet country roads, with full days spent exploring Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong.
Highlights
- Cycling 180 kilometers across rural Sichuan at elevations from 1,051 to 2,900 meters
- Two full days exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park, known for alpine lakes, calcified pools, and multi-tiered waterfalls
- Morning walk through Huanglong Nature Preserve, a UNESCO site featuring travertine terraces and colorful mineral deposits
- Visit to Sanxingdui Museum to see artifacts of the ancient Shu Civilization
- Afternoon tour of Dujiangyan Water Irrigation System, an engineering work still in use.
- Cycling along the Min River valley through small villages and green farmland
Day by day
1Arrival in ChengduChengdu · a central 4-star hotel
Arrive in Chengdu from your origin city. Meet the group in the afternoon and gather for a welcome dinner. Overnight at a central 4-star hotel.
2Chengdu to Deyang by Bike: Sanxingdui MuseumChengdu · Deyang · Sanxingdui Museum
Depart Chengdu on flat terrain heading toward Deyang. En route, visit Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan City to see artifacts from the ancient Shu Civilization. Complete the day's riding and overnight at a 4-star hotel in Deyang. A support vehicle carries luggage and offers rest breaks throughout.
3Deyang to Mianyang: Mountain Back RoadsDeyang to Mianyang · Mianyang
Ride westward on quiet back roads winding through low mountains, with terrain remaining hilly rather than steep. Clear rivers and small settlements appear intermittently along the route. Listen to birdsong as you pass through these peaceful valleys. A private support vehicle accompanies the day. Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Mianyang. All meals included.
4Mianyang to Pingwu: Mountain Cycling Through Hill VillagesMianyang to Pingwu · Pingwu
Cycle hilly terrain surrounded by green mountains, with rivers flowing nearby and villages tucked into the hillsides. A private support vehicle accompanies the ride, and drinking water is provided throughout. Three meals are included. Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Pingwu.
5Pingwu to Jiuzhaigou: Climbing to 2,900 MetersPingwu to Jiuzhaigou · Jiuzhaigou · green valleys and flowing rivers en route to Jiuzhaigou
The most significant climbing day: elevation rises over approximately 180 kilometers of cycling. The route passes through green valleys, alongside flowing rivers, and under increasingly open sky as altitude increases. Support vehicles are essential on this day. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Jiuzhaigou.
6Full Day at Jiuzhaigou National ParkJiuzhaigou National Park · Jiuzhaigou
Spend the entire day on foot exploring Jiuzhaigou Valley. The park contains alpine terrain filled with turquoise and emerald lakes, calcified pools, and misting waterfalls. Walking trails connect the main viewing areas; a support vehicle provides transport between trailheads. Overnight in Jiuzhaigou.
7Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong: Cycling Between Heritage SitesHuanglong · Chuanzhusi monastery · a 4-star hotel near Huanglong
Cycle to Huanglong, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Chuanzhusi monastery en route. The terrain moves through mountain scenery with views of lakes and river valleys. Overnight in a 4-star hotel near Huanglong.
8Huanglong Nature Preserve: Travertine Terraces and Descent to SongpanHuanglong Nature Preserve · Songpan · Huanglong Nature Preserve to Songpan
Spend the morning walking through Huanglong Nature Preserve, a high-altitude limestone landscape featuring colorful calcified ponds, natural caves, waterfalls, and mineral-stained stone formations. Descend by bike in the afternoon along country roads toward Songpan. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Songpan.
9Songpan to Maoxian: Cycling the Min River ValleyMaoxian · Min River valley
Cycle southward along the Min River valley, passing beneath bridges and through green farmland dotted with small villages. The terrain descends gradually as you follow the river south. A support vehicle accompanies throughout. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Maoxian.
10Maoxian to Chengdu via DujiangyanChengdu · Dujiangyan Water Irrigation System · Maoxian to Dujiangyan
Ride out of the mountains toward Dujiangyan. In the afternoon, visit the Dujiangyan Water Irrigation System, an engineering project still in use today, controlling water flow into the Chengdu Plain. Transfer by vehicle back to Chengdu in late afternoon. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Chengdu.
11Departure from ChengduChengdu
Trip concludes. Arrange your own transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Included
- Accommodation: Hotels（10 nights）
- Transport: Support vehicle
- Meals: 10 Breakfasts 9 Lunches & 9 Dinners
- Guide: Tour leader throughout whole trip
- Included activities:
- Bike ride in the beautiful rural countryside of Sichuan province with friendly people and authentic spicy Sichuanese cuisine. Experience real life in Sichuan nicknamed as the state of plenty. Jiuzhaigou National Park. Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan City (optional). Dujiangyan Water Irrigation. Country of giant pandas (optional).
- 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$120
- Mini Van (3-5 people): USD$150