21 Days Sichuan-Yunnan Cycling Tour from Chengdu to Lijiang

Activities:

• Arrive in Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll have the day to relax or take a leisurely walk through Chengdu’s streets.

• Consider visiting Jinli Ancient Street or Wuhou Shrine to enjoy the local history and culture.

• Optional: For an authentic Sichuan experience, indulge in a traditional hotpot dinner at one of the local restaurants in Chengdu, known for its spicy flavors and rich variety of ingredients.

Cycling Tips:

• Today is a rest day for settling in and recovering from your journey. Take it easy and get used to the local climate and time zone.

Activities:

• Visit the famous Chengdu Panda Research Base, where you can see the beloved giant pandas and red pandas in their natural habitat. This research center plays a key role in conservation and breeding programs for pandas.

• The base offers the opportunity to learn about the panda’s life cycle, its endangered status, and the significant efforts to protect them.

• In the afternoon, explore more of Chengdu. You can visit Sichuan’s teahouses for a relaxing experience or discover the charm of the Tianfu Square.

Cycling Tips:

• No cycling today; use the day to relax and get ready for the upcoming cycling adventures. It's a good time to adjust and acclimatize to the environment.

Distance: 135 km

Cycling Time: 6–7 hours

Activities:

• Begin your cycling journey with a 135 km ride from Chengdu to Ya'an.

• Ya'an is often called the “Rain City”, surrounded by lush green landscapes and tea plantations. It’s a good place to get a glimpse of Sichuan’s tea culture as well as the stunning mountain scenery.

• Upon arrival, you’ll have time to explore the town and visit local tea markets or enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

Cycling Tips:

• The day will consist of moderate hills, but you’ll also pass through rolling landscapes as you leave Chengdu.

• Hydrate well and pace yourself, as the first long day of cycling can feel intense. Ensure that you take regular breaks for snacks and water.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• The route consists of paved roads with some undulating terrain. Expect some gradual climbs as you transition from Chengdu's lowlands to the more mountainous areas near Ya'an.

Distance: 80 km

Cycling Time: 4–5 hours

Activities:

• Start your morning with a ride through Ya'an and its lush tea plantations, where you can see the landscape change from urban settings to beautiful rural areas.

• Tianquan (天全县) is a charming town surrounded by mountains. It’s known for its natural beauty and Tibetan influence. Take a moment to enjoy the spectacular views.

• Your ride will continue towards Labahe Town (喇叭河镇), a peaceful spot in the mountains, known for its serene atmosphere and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Cycling Tips:

• The day’s ride is relatively short and will involve some gradual climbs. The relatively gentle terrain makes it a great day to enjoy the scenery at a comfortable pace.

• Be mindful of the rainy conditions in the Ya'an region, so be prepared for wet weather and pack appropriately.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• Expect mostly paved roads in the beginning, transitioning into gravel or unpaved paths as you approach Labahe Town.

• While the terrain is relatively gentle, you will encounter moderate climbs and descents.

Distance: 80 km

Cycling Time: 4–5 hours

Activities:

• After breakfast, you'll continue your ride from Labahe Town to Kangding.

• The town of Kangding is nestled in the Tibetan Plateau and is the gateway to the Tibetan Autonomous Region. It holds historical significance and is famous for the Kangding Love Song, a symbol of the town's unique culture.

• Once in Kangding, explore the Tibetan culture, visit the Gesar Temple, or take a relaxing stroll through the local markets.

Cycling Tips:

• The ride will consist of rolling hills with some moderate climbs. The terrain will be more rugged as you enter the Tibetan Plateau.

• Take regular breaks and pace yourself well, as the altitude starts to increase slightly.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• You'll encounter mostly paved roads, with a few gravel sections as you approach Kangding. The ride is moderate, but be ready for steady ascents into higher altitude areas.

Distance: 70 km

Cycling Time: 4–5 hours

Activities:

• Today, the ride will take you from Kangding to Xinduqiao, a beautiful Tibetan village surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks and green meadows.

• Xinduqiao is known as the "Photographer's Paradise" due to the breathtaking vistas of mountains, rivers, and rolling hills. This is a great opportunity to capture some stunning photos of the Tibetan Plateau.

• Explore the village, interact with the local Tibetan people, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Cycling Tips:

• The ride is relatively short today, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the natural beauty of Xinduqiao.

• The route features gentle climbs with gradual descents, making for a comfortable day’s cycling.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• The roads will be paved, but some sections will be gravel roads as you approach Xinduqiao. The ride is generally smooth, but you should be prepared for some uneven terrain in certain parts.

Distance: 70 km

Cycling Time: 4–5 hours

Activities:

• Start your ride from Xinduqiao, passing through picturesque Tibetan villages and valleys, and cycle towards Yajiang, a small Tibetan town surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains and green pastures.

• Along the way, you’ll get an opportunity to see the lifestyle of local Tibetan herders and their yaks grazing in the fields.

• Once in Yajiang, you can explore the local Tibetan culture or relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Cycling Tips:

• Today’s ride is fairly short, but the altitude will continue to increase, so be mindful of the effects of high altitude. Pace yourself, and take breaks as needed.

• Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as yaks, and don’t hesitate to stop for some photos of the magnificent mountain landscapes.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• Expect paved roads for most of the ride, with some gravel sections as you approach Yajiang. The terrain will be mostly gentle with some moderate climbs.

Distance: 130 km

Cycling Time: 6–7 hours

Activities:

• Today’s ride will take you from Yajiang to Litang, one of the highest towns in the world, located at around 4,000 meters above sea level. The Tibetan culture here is rich and deep, and the scenery is simply breathtaking.

• Litang is home to a significant Tibetan monastery, the Litang Monastery, which you can visit to explore the local culture and traditions.

• Once in Litang, take time to relax and explore the town, known for its grasslands and Tibetan architecture.

Cycling Tips:

• This will be a long and challenging day, with a significant increase in altitude. Prepare for a steep climb as you head towards Litang.

• Due to the high altitude, it’s important to pace yourself, take regular breaks, and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• The ride will consist of mostly paved roads, but expect some rough gravel sections as you approach Litang.

• The road conditions will be good, but the altitude and long distance will be the main challenges of the day.

Distance: 150 km

Cycling Time: 7–8 hours

Activities:

• This day’s ride starts with an ascent towards Haizi Snow Mountain, a scenic area known for its breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lakes, and Tibetan plateaus. You'll get an amazing view of the rugged terrain and enjoy the high-altitude landscapes.

• After taking in the sights, continue towards Daocheng, a town known for its Tibetan culture and spiritual significance. You’ll pass through remote Tibetan villages and see yaks grazing on lush green pastures along the way.

• Daocheng is a place of great natural beauty, and you can relax in the town, with options for a stroll around or a visit to local monasteries to learn more about the Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Cycling Tips:

• Today’s ride is long and challenging due to the altitude gain. Ensure you pace yourself carefully, especially as you approach Haizi Snow Mountain.

• Be mindful of the high altitude and take regular breaks to avoid altitude sickness.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• Expect paved roads for the majority of the day, but there will be some rough gravel sections as you approach Daocheng.

• The roads can be steep and challenging, particularly as you approach the Haizi Snow Mountain.

Distance: 100 km

Cycling Time: 4–5 hours

Activities:

• Cycle from Daocheng to the Yading Nature Reserve, one of the most stunning natural areas in Tibet, famous for its sacred mountains, glacial lakes, and pristine Tibetan landscapes.

• This area is rich in Tibetan culture and is known as the "most beautiful plateau in the world." You’ll see the majestic snow-capped peaks, including Mount Chenrezig, Mount Jampelyang, and Mount Chenresig, which are sacred to Tibetan Buddhists.

• Upon arrival, explore the reserve, take in the scenery, and if time allows, start a short hike to get closer to the natural beauty.

Cycling Tips:

• The ride is moderate and provides an opportunity to adjust to the higher altitudes of the Yading Nature Reserve.

• Watch your energy levels and pace yourself throughout the day, taking care to adjust to the altitude.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• The roads are paved for most of the ride, but as you approach Yading, expect some dirt tracks that can be a bit bumpy.

Distance: Hiking Day

Cycling Time: None

Activities:

• Today is dedicated to exploring the Yading Nature Reserve on foot, as cycling is not practical in this rugged, high-altitude environment.

• Hike through the nature reserve to see the holy mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and rich wildlife.

• Spend the day soaking in the breathtaking beauty of the reserve, as you hike towards the three sacred mountains. The scenic views of lakes and forests will offer some of the most picturesque sights of the journey.

Cycling Tips:

• No cycling today, but hiking at high altitudes can still be physically demanding. Be sure to hydrate well and go slow to adapt to the altitude.

Road Conditions:

• Since this is a hiking day, you will be on footpaths rather than roads. The terrain will be rocky and uneven, so good hiking boots are highly recommended.

Distance: 100 km

Cycling Time: 4–5 hours

Activities:

• After a day of hiking, return to Daocheng by cycling the same route you took on the way to Yading.

• This day’s ride will be moderate, with gentle slopes and plenty of opportunities to take in the scenic beauty of the Tibetan Plateau as you retrace your steps.

• Once back in Daocheng, you can relax and recover from the last few days of cycling and hiking, perhaps exploring more of the Tibetan culture in the town.

Cycling Tips:

• This is a longer ride, but since it’s the return route, you’re likely familiar with the terrain. The biggest challenge will be dealing with the altitude, so take it slow and enjoy the ride.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• The ride will again consist of paved roads with some gravel sections. The route will be mostly downhill after you pass Yading, making for a smoother ride back to Daocheng.

Distance: 133 km

Cycling Time: 6–7 hours

Activities:

• Today’s journey begins as you cycle from Daocheng towards the Wuming Snow Mountain, passing through beautiful Tibetan valleys and remote settlements. The snow-capped peaks of Wuming Snow Mountain are the highlight of the day, and you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views as you climb.

• Continue your ride toward Xiangcheng, a town known for its Tibetan culture and surrounded by majestic mountains.

• Xiangcheng is a smaller town where you can relax and explore the local Tibetan monasteries or wander through the quiet streets.

Cycling Tips:

• This is a challenging day, with a significant amount of climbing as you approach the Wuming Snow Mountain.

• Be sure to stay hydrated and pace yourself carefully, especially as you cross high-altitude regions.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• Expect mostly paved roads, with some gravel sections as you near Xiangcheng. The climb toward Wuming Snow Mountain will be a mix of gentle ascents and steep sections.

Distance: 114 km

Cycling Time: 6–7 hours

Activities:

• Today, you’ll cycle from Xiangcheng to Daxiao Snow Mountain, a towering peak that offers incredible views of the surrounding Tibetan Plateau.

• The ride to Shengdi Ranmu Inn will take you through remote Tibetan landscapes, including grazing yaks, wildflowers, and the occasional Tibetan monastery along the way.

• Shengdi Ranmu Inn is a charming rest stop where you can enjoy local Tibetan hospitality and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Cycling Tips:

• This ride will be demanding, with moderate to steep climbs as you head toward Daxiao Snow Mountain.

• Be prepared for high-altitude cycling and ensure that you pace yourself to avoid fatigue.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• The roads will be paved for most of the day, but expect some rough gravel sections as you approach Shengdi Ranmu Inn. The route will involve a mixture of ascents and gradual descents.

Distance: 104 km

Cycling Time: 5–6 hours

Activities:

• Cycle from Shengdi Ranmu Inn to Geza, a small town where you can witness traditional Tibetan life.

• From Geza, continue your journey towards Shangri-La, a town known for its beautiful Tibetan monasteries, pristine landscapes, and the iconic Songzanlin Monastery.

• Once in Shangri-La, you can visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the region, or take a relaxing walk around Shangri-La’s old town.

Cycling Tips:

• The route features a steady climb toward Shangri-La, and as you approach, be mindful of the altitude. Pace yourself and stay aware of how your body is adapting to the higher elevation.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• Expect mostly paved roads with a few gravel sections. The ride will include steady ascents as you near Shangri-La.

Distance: 60 km

Cycling Time: 3–4 hours

Activities:

• Today’s ride takes you on a circle tour around Napa Lake, a scenic spot surrounded by grasslands and snow-capped peaks. Napa Lake is a popular location for bird watching and you might encounter migratory birds that stop at the lake, including black-necked cranes.

• The landscape is breathtaking, with lush grasslands, beautiful reflections of the mountains in the lake, and Tibetan villages along the way.

• After completing the circle, return to Shangri-La for a relaxing evening.

Cycling Tips:

• This day offers a more relaxed ride compared to previous days, allowing you to enjoy the stunning natural beauty at a slower pace.

• The route is fairly flat with gentle terrain, perfect for a laid-back cycling experience.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• Expect mostly paved roads around the lake, with some dirt roads as you explore the surrounding areas. The terrain will be gentle, making this a comfortable ride.

Distance: 100 km

Cycling Time: 5–6 hours

Activities:

• Today’s ride takes you from Shangri-La toward Xilianpeng Mountain Pass, an impressive mountain pass offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and the Tibetan Plateau.

• The Xilianpeng Mountain Pass is a high-altitude area, so the ascent can be demanding. However, once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding valleys.

• After crossing the pass, continue towards Baishuitai, an area known for its limestone terraces and natural mineral springs. This spot is perfect for a relaxing break while enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape.

Cycling Tips:

• Xilianpeng Mountain Pass offers some challenging climbs due to its high altitude, so take it slow and be mindful of how your body responds to the thin air.

• Stay hydrated and take breaks to rest, especially during the ascent.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• Expect paved roads for most of the ride, though rough gravel sections may be encountered as you approach Xilianpeng Mountain Pass and Baishuitai.

• The road conditions can be uneven in some sections, particularly near the pass.

Distance: 120 km

Cycling Time: 6–7 hours

Activities:

• From Baishuitai, cycle towards Haba Village, a remote Tibetan village nestled at the foot of the Haba Snow Mountain. This picturesque village is surrounded by grazing yaks, wildflowers, and towering snow-capped mountains.

• After a short break in Haba Village, continue towards Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in the world. The Tiger Leaping Gorge offers breathtaking views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Yangtze River, which flows at the bottom of the gorge.

• Upon arrival, you can hike along the edge of the gorge to get a closer view of this natural wonder or take a short rest at your accommodation.

Cycling Tips:

• The ride will involve some moderate climbs as you pass through Haba Village and head towards Tiger Leaping Gorge.

• Pacing yourself is important, especially in the high-altitude regions, to avoid overexertion.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• The route will be mostly paved, with some gravel sections as you approach Haba Village and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Some roads can be narrow and winding.

Distance: 140 km

Cycling Time: 7–8 hours

Activities:

• Begin the day cycling from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Daju Town, a small town located along the Yangtze River. The area is known for its traditional Tibetan villages and stunning river views.

• After a break in Daju, continue towards Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, an iconic peak in Yunnan Province, which offers magnificent views of snow-capped peaks and pristine alpine forests.

• The final stretch of the ride will take you to Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its Old Town, cobblestone streets, and ancient Naxi culture.

Cycling Tips:

• This will be a long ride but with varied terrain, including long descents and mild climbs.

• Ensure you pace yourself during the ride, especially when cycling near Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where the altitude may affect you.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• The majority of the roads are paved, but be prepared for narrow sections near Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The descent toward Lijiang will be steep, so be cautious of the road conditions.

Distance: 100 km

Cycling Time: 5–6 hours

Activities:

• After a rest day in Lijiang, embark on a cycling tour of the surrounding area. Start with Baisha Old Town, a historical town that holds traditional Naxi culture and stunning ancient architecture.

• Continue to Yuhu Village, a scenic village at the base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its lush landscape and Tibetan culture.

• Finish the day with a ride around Lashihai Lake, an area that is famous for its birdwatching and peaceful lakeside scenery.

Cycling Tips:

• This will be a relatively easy day compared to the previous ones, but be sure to bring enough water and snacks for the trip around the lake and through the villages.

Cycling Road Conditions:

• Expect paved roads for most of the day, but some sections around Lashihai Lake may be gravel roads. The terrain will be gentle with mild inclines

Activities:

• After completing your cycling journey, you’ll have a final day to relax and enjoy the sights of Lijiang. Depending on your flight time, you can explore Lijiang Old Town, visit Black Dragon Pool, or take a walk around the Old Town’s narrow streets and local markets.

• In the afternoon, head to the airport for your departure.

Cycling Tips:

• This day is restful, so take the opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve completed across Sichuan and Yunnan.