1 Day Fuxian Lake Loop Cycling Tour from Chengjiang

07:30–08:00 | Wanghai Park (望海公园) Preparation & Warm-Up

Starting Point: Wanghai Park (望海公园), Chengjiang (澄江)

Before departure, complete bicycle inspection, equipment preparation, and warm-up exercises.

Check bicycle conditions including tire pressure, front and rear brakes, gears, chain, quick-release system, and wheel stability. Each rider should carry at least 2.5L drinking water, electrolyte drinks, energy gels or bars, snacks, repair tools, a portable pump, and a multi-function bicycle tool.

Required equipment includes a cycling helmet, gloves, sunglasses, a lightweight windproof jacket, and sunscreen protection.

Complete a five-minute dynamic warm-up including leg stretching, calf relaxation, hip movement, and shoulder-neck exercises.

Before departure, the leader should explain the route difficulty, wind conditions, dangerous downhill sections, photography safety rules, and environmental protection requirements. Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖) is a national Class I drinking water source, and no littering is allowed.

Breakfast is recommended near Wanghai Park (望海公园), including Chengjiang Cold Rice Noodles (澄江凉米线), steamed buns, and soybean milk. Avoid greasy food before cycling.

Stage 1｜08:00–09:00 Wanghai Park (望海公园) → Guanglong Wetland (广龙湿地) → Moon Bay Wetland Park (月亮湾湿地公园)

Distance: 0–11 km
Cycling Time: About 60 minutes

This is the easiest section of the entire route, featuring the best cycling road conditions.

The first 6 km follows a dedicated ecological asphalt cycling path with complete separation between bicycles and vehicles. The road is flat with almost no elevation change. The following 5 km has only gentle rolling terrain, with slopes below 2%.

At around 08:25, stop briefly at Guanglong Fuhaiwan Wetland Park (广龙抚海湾湿地公园) to enjoy flower fields, reed wetlands, and wooden lakeside walkways. Morning mist and reflections on the lake create excellent photography conditions.

Around 08:50, stop at the viewing platform of Moon Bay Wetland Park (月亮湾湿地公园) for photos of the white beach and transparent shallow water. The internal beach area requires tickets, but cyclists usually stop only at the external viewpoint to save time.

Facilities: Guanglong Town (广龙镇) provides convenience stores, cafes, water supply, snacks, and public toilets.

Cycling Tips: The greenway is shared with pedestrians. Keep speed below 15 km/h and avoid sudden overtaking.

Stage 2｜09:00–10:30 Moon Bay (月亮湾) → Sakura Valley (樱花谷) → Taiyang Mountain S-Bend (太阳山S湾)

Distance: 11–26 km
Cycling Time: About 90 minutes

This section features gentle continuous climbs and descents, with an average gradient of about 3% and maximum sections around 4%.

The first part remains beside the lake, while the section from Sakura Valley (樱花谷) to Taiyang Mountain (太阳山) changes to public roads shared with vehicles.

Around 09:25, stop at the lakeside viewpoint of Sakura Valley (樱花谷), known for its open lake views, grassland, and popular photo spots. During winter and spring, cherry blossoms create an especially beautiful atmosphere.

Around 10:00, arrive at Taiyang Mountain S-Bend Viewpoint (太阳山S湾观景台), one of the most famous photography locations on Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖). The curved road, cliffside viewpoint, and blue lake create the classic cycling photo scene. Morning light is soft and ideal for photography.

Facilities: Taiyang Mountain Town (太阳山小镇) offers cafes, convenience stores, restaurants, and public toilets.

Cycling Tips: Slow down at curves because roadside parking is common. Drink water regularly every 30 minutes to prevent dehydration.

Stage 3｜10:30–14:00 Taiyang Mountain (太阳山) → Dawan Village (大湾村) → Sailing Base → Haikou Town (海口镇)

Distance: 26–54 km
Cycling Time: About 150 minutes

This is the most physically demanding section of the entire route.

The section includes approximately 260 m elevation gain, accounting for about 40% of the total climbing.

Main climbing points include:

• Taiyang Mountain back slope: 3.2 km climb, average gradient 5%, maximum 6%
• Multiple rolling climbs in the middle section: 3–4%
• Haikou approach climb: 2.6 km, average 4.5%, maximum 6%

The route follows the East Lakeside Road (环湖东路), without dedicated cycling lanes. Vehicles, trucks, gravel sections, and road repairs require extra attention.

After 11:30, east winds often become stronger, creating long periods of headwind and significantly increasing physical effort.

The scenery becomes quieter and more natural, with fewer tourists and deeper blue lake views. Stop briefly at Dawan Village (大湾村) for lakeside road photography and view the sailing activities near the sailing base.

Arrive at Haikou Town (海口镇) around 12:40.

13:00–14:00 | Mandatory Lunch Break in Haikou Town (海口镇)

This one-hour rest stop should not be shortened.

Recommended local dishes include:

• Copper Pot Fish (铜锅鱼)
• Stone Pot Potato Rice (石锅洋芋饭)
• Stir-fried Lakeside Vegetables (清炒湖畔野菜)

After lunch, stretch the thighs and calves to prevent cramps. Refill all water bottles and prepare energy snacks for the afternoon section.

Avoid overeating. A seven-tenths full meal is recommended for easier climbing afterwards.

Stage 4｜14:00–15:30 Haikou Town (海口镇) → Jieyushi Park (界鱼石公园) → Gushan Scenic Area (孤山风景区)

Distance: 54–70 km
Cycling Time: About 90 minutes

This section follows village roads with continuous gentle climbs and descents. The gradient is around 3–5%. Roads are narrower, with more pedestrians, electric bikes, and gravel.

Around 14:20, stop at Jieyushi Park (界鱼石公园), a small cultural attraction located between Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖) and Xingyun Lake (星云湖). The area is famous for the legend of “two lakes connected, fish do not cross”, with stone inscriptions and traditional pavilions.

Around 15:00, arrive at Gushan Scenic Area (孤山风景区) viewpoint. This location offers views of Gushan Island (孤山岛), the only island in Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖).

Cyclists usually stop at the outside viewpoint. Visiting the island requires additional boat tickets and time.

Stage 5｜15:30–16:45 Gushan (孤山) → Mingxing Yudong (明星鱼洞) → Luchong Scenic Area (禄充风景区)

Distance: 70–82 km
Cycling Time: About 75 minutes

This is the steepest and most technical section of the route.

The main challenge is:

Jianshan Climb (尖山长坡):
2.8 km uphill
Average gradient: 5.5%
Maximum gradient: 6.5%

After climbing, riders face a long downhill section with sharp curves and gravel surfaces.

Around 15:50, stop at Mingxing Yudong (明星鱼洞), a historic fishing culture site famous for traditional fishing caves and clear shallow water scenery.

Around 16:20, arrive at Luchong Scenic Area (禄充风景区) and stop at Boxi Bay Viewpoint (波息湾观景台). The calm lake, Bijia Mountain (笔架山) background, and classic lake scenery make it one of the most beautiful viewpoints.

Facilities: Luchong entrance area has many restaurants, shops, drinking water, and simple food options.

Safety Rules: Use low gears during climbing. Downhill speed should stay below 20 km/h. No overtaking, no free-wheeling, and always check brakes before downhill sections.

Stage 6｜16:45–18:00 Luchong Scenic Area (禄充风景区) → Hongshan Zui Red Beach (红山咀红沙滩) → Guanglong Wetland (广龙湿地) → Wanghai Park (望海公园)

Distance: 82–94 km
Cycling Time: About 75 minutes

The final section becomes much easier after the Jianshan downhill. The route returns to the northern ecological cycling path, with gentle slopes and excellent road conditions.

Around 17:10, stop at Hongshan Zui Red Beach (红山咀红沙滩), the final highlight of the cycling journey. The reddish natural beach contrasts beautifully with the deep blue lake, especially under afternoon sunset light.

Around 17:40, briefly pass Guanglong Wetland (广龙湿地) before returning to the starting point.

At 18:00, arrive at Wanghai Park (望海公园) and complete the full clockwise cycling loop around Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖).