20 Days Old Burma Road Cycling Tour from Kunming to Yangon

The Burma Road

The Burma Road (Chinese: 滇缅公路) was a road linking Burma with the southwest of China. Its terminals were Kunming, Yunnan, and Lashio, Burma. It was built while Burma was a British colony to convey supplies to China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Preventing the flow of supplies on the road helped motivate the occupation of Burma by the Empire of Japan 1942. Use of the road was restored to the Allies in 1945 after the completion of the Ledo Road. Some parts of the old road are still visible today.

History of Burma Road

The road is 717 miles (1,154 km) long and runs through rough mountain country. The sections from Kunming to the Burmese border were built by 200,000 Burmese and Chinese laborers during the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937 and completed by 1938. The construction project was coordinated by Chih-Ping Chen. It had a role in World War II, when the British used the Burma Road to transport materiel to China before Japan was at war with the British. Supplies would be landed at Rangoon (now Yangon) and moved by rail to Lashio, where the road started in Burma.

In July 1940, the British government yielded, for a period of three months, to Japanese diplomatic pressure to close down the Burma Road to supplies to China. After the Japanese overran Burma in 1942, the Allies were forced to supply Chiang Kai-shek and the nationalist Chinese by air. United States Army Air Force cargo planes, mainly Curtiss C-46s, flew these supplies from airfields in Assam, India, over “the hump”, the eastern end of the Himalayas. Under British command Indian, British, Chinese, and American forces, the latter led by General Joseph Stilwell, defeated a Japanese attempt to capture Assam and recaptured northern Burma. In this area they built a new road, the Ledo Road which ran from Ledo, Assam, through Myitkyina and connected to the old Burma Road at Wandingzhen, Yunnan, China. The first trucks reached the Chinese frontier by this route on January 28, 1945.

From 1942–1944, 98 percent of all US lend lease to China went directly to US Army units in China, not the Chinese military.

Meaning of Burma Road

The Burma Road was a very important road during the WW2 linking Lashio, in eastern Burma (now Myanmar), with Kunming, in Yunnan province, China.

The road was 1,154 km (717 miles) long and was built during World War II to bring supplies to beleaguered China, to help them resist the Japanese invasion. Not much of the original road survives today, but parts of the route can still be travelled. Some parts of the old road are still visible today.
It was built as a gateway between Myanmar and the southwest of China, the rising empire on its border. It was one of the most remarkable engineering achievements of all time. More than 200,000 Chinese laborers embarked on a seemingly impossible task: to cut a 700-mile overland route — the Burma Road — from the southwest Chinese city of Kunming to Lashio, Burma. But when Burma fell in 1942, the Burma Road was severed. As the first step of the Allied offensive toward Japan, American general Joseph Stilwell reopened it, while, at the same time, keeping China supplied by air-lift from India and simultaneously driving the Japanese out of Burma.

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Places and Distance of The Old Burma Road from Kunming to Ruili

Kunming to Anning (昆明-安宁) – 57KM
Anning to Lufeng (安宁-禄丰) – 72KM
Lufeng to Yipinglang Town (禄丰-一平浪镇) – 25KM
Yipinglang Town to Chuxiong (一平浪镇-楚雄) – 58KM
Chuxiong to Nanhua to Shaqiao (楚雄-南华-沙桥) – 57KM
Shaqiao to Yunnan Yi (沙桥-云南驿) – 60KM
Yunnan Yi to Xiangyun (云南驿-祥云) – 22KM
Xiangyun to Fengyi (祥云-凤仪) – 46KM
Fengyi to Xiazhuang (凤仪-下庄) – 8KM
Xiazhuang to Dali (下庄-大理) – 5KM
Dali to Yangbi (大理-漾濞) – 45KM
Yangbi to Yongping (漾濞-永平) – 102KM
Yongping to Gongguoqiao (永平-功果桥) – 85KM
Gongguoqiao to Baoshan (功果桥-保山) – 108KM
Baoshan to Huitong Bridge (保山-惠通桥) – 100KM
Huitong Bridge to Lamo Town (惠通桥-腊勐镇) – 24KM
Lamo to Longling (腊猛-龙陵) – 50KM
Longling to Mangshi (龙陵-芒市) – 34KM
Mangshi to Zhefang Town (芒市-遮放镇) – 48KM
Zhefang to Wanding (遮放-畹町) – 38KM
Wanding to Ruili (畹町-瑞丽) – 28KM

Cycling Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kunming

Day 2: Kunming-Anning
Kunming to Anning (昆明-安宁) – 57KM

Day 3: Anning-Lufeng
Anning to Lufeng (安宁-禄丰) – 72KM

Day 4: Lufeng-Chuxiong
Lufeng to Yipinglang Town (禄丰-一平浪镇) – 25KM
Yipinglang Town to Chuxiong (一平浪镇-楚雄) – 58KM

Day 5 : Chuxiong-Nanhua-Shaqiao
Chuxiong to Nanhua to Shaqiao (楚雄-南华-沙桥) – 57KM
Shaqiao to Yunnan Yi (沙桥-云南驿) – 60KM

Day 6 :Shaqiao-Yunnanyi-Xiangyun-Dali
Yunnan Yi to Xiangyun (云南驿-祥云) – 22KM
Xiangyun to Fengyi (祥云-凤仪) – 46KM
Fengyi to Xiazhuang (凤仪-下庄) – 8KM
Xiazhuang to Dali (下庄-大理) – 5KM

Day 7: Dali-Yangbi
Dali to Yangbi (大理-漾濞) – 45KM

Day 8: Yangbi-Yongping
Yangbi to Yongping (漾濞-永平) – 102KM

Day 9: Yongping to Gongguoqiao
Yongping to Gongguoqiao (永平-功果桥) – 85KM

Day 10: Gongguoqiao-Baoshan
Gongguoqiao to Baoshan (功果桥-保山) – 108KM

Day 11: Baoshan-Huiotngqiao
Baoshan to Huitong Bridge (保山-惠通桥) – 100KM

Day 12: Huitongqiao-Mangshi
Huitong Bridge to Lamo Town (惠通桥-腊勐镇) – 24KM
Lamo to Longling (腊猛-龙陵) – 50KM
Longling to Mangshi (龙陵-芒市) – 34KM

Day 13: Mangshi-Ruili
Mangshi to Zhefang Town (芒市-遮放镇) – 48KM
Zhefang to Wanding (遮放-畹町) – 38KM
Wanding to Ruili (畹町-瑞丽) – 28KM

Day 14 Departure from Ruili

Details of The Cycling Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kunming (昆明)

• Arrival: Arrive in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province.

• Accommodation: Settle into your hotel and rest after your travels.

• Optional Exploration: If time permits, explore Kunming's famous attractions like Green Lake or the Yunnan Provincial Museum.

• Rest Day: Rest and prepare for the cycling journey.

Day 2: Kunming to Anning (昆明-安宁) – 57KM

Route Overview:

• Distance: 57KM

• Road Condition: Paved roads with some rural stretches.

• Cycling Challenge: A relatively short and smooth ride with scenic rural views.

Activities:

• Morning: Depart from Kunming and head towards Anning, passing through small villages.

• Afternoon: Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you cycle along the countryside.

• Evening: Arrive in Anning, a small town known for its hot springs. Relax and explore the local area.

Day 3: Anning to Lufeng (安宁-禄丰) – 72KM

Route Overview:

• Distance: 72KM

• Road Condition: Paved road with moderate elevation changes.

• Cycling Challenge: A slightly longer ride, but still manageable for cyclists with some experience.

Activities:

• Morning: Start the ride from Anning and head towards Lufeng.

• Afternoon: Pass through scenic rural landscapes and small villages.

• Evening: Arrive in Lufeng and explore the town.

Day 4: Lufeng to Yipinglang Town to Chuxiong (禄丰-一平浪镇-楚雄) – 83KM

Route Overview:

• Distance: 83KM (Lufeng to Yipinglang Town: 25KM, Yipinglang Town to Chuxiong: 58KM)

• Road Condition: Paved roads, some steep sections.

• Cycling Challenge: A moderately long day, with a challenging final section towards Chuxiong.

Activities:

• Morning: Cycle from Lufeng to Yipinglang Town.

• Afternoon: Continue your journey from Yipinglang Town to Chuxiong.

• Evening: Explore the town and its Yi cultural heritage.

Day 5: Chuxiong to Nanhua to Shaqiao (楚雄-南华-沙桥) – 57KM

Route Overview:

• Distance: 57KM

• Road Condition: Mostly paved with a few unpaved sections.

• Cycling Challenge: Moderate; enjoy the scenic mountain roads.

Activities:

• Morning: Ride from Chuxiong to Nanhua, passing through rural landscapes.

• Afternoon: Continue the ride towards Shaqiao, a peaceful village along the Old Burma Road.

• Evening: Arrive in Shaqiao, a small yet scenic town.

Shaqiao to Yunnan Yi (沙桥-云南驿) – 60KM

• Distance: 60KM

• Road Condition: Paved and well-maintained road.

• Cycling Challenge: Moderate, with some hills.

• Activities: Continue cycling towards Yunnan Yi, a historic spot along the Old Burma Road. Take a rest and enjoy the surroundings.

Day 6: Yunnan Yi to Xiangyun to Fengyi to Xiazhuang to Dali (云南驿-祥云-凤仪-下庄-大理)

Route Overview:

• Distance: 81KM (Yunnan Yi to Xiangyun: 22KM, Xiangyun to Fengyi: 46KM, Fengyi to Xiazhuang: 8KM, Xiazhuang to Dali: 5KM)

• Road Condition: Mostly paved, some rural stretches.

• Cycling Challenge: A long day, but with relatively flat terrain.

Activities:

• Morning: Cycle from Yunnan Yi to Xiangyun.

• Afternoon: Continue towards Fengyi, Xiazhuang, and finally reach Dali.

• Evening: Explore the ancient city of Dali.

Day 7: Dali to Yangbi (大理-漾濞) – 45KM

Route Overview:

• Distance: 45KM

• Road Condition: Paved roads with some mountainous terrain.

• Cycling Challenge: Moderate.

Activities:

• Morning: Start the ride from Dali to Yangbi.

• Afternoon: Cycle through rolling hills and picturesque farmland.

• Evening: Relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Yangbi.

Day 8: Yangbi to Yongping (漾濞-永平) – 102KM

Route Overview:

• Distance: 102KM

• Road Condition: Paved roads, some sections with rough terrain.

• Cycling Challenge: Long ride with moderate difficulty.

Activities:

• Morning: Depart from Yangbi and ride towards Yongping.

• Afternoon: Continue cycling through stunning landscapes.

• Evening: Arrive in Yongping and unwind after the long ride.

Day 9: Yongping to Gongguoqiao (永平-功果桥) – 85KM

Route Overview:

• Distance: 85KM

• Road Condition: Mostly paved with some hills.

• Cycling Challenge: Moderate to challenging.

Activities:

• Morning: Cycle from Yongping to Gongguoqiao.

• Afternoon: Ride along a mix of rural roads and more mountainous terrain.

• Evening: Explore Gongguoqiao upon arrival.

Day 10: Gongguoqiao to Baoshan (功果桥-保山) – 108KM

Route Overview:

• Distance: 108KM

• Road Condition: Well-maintained paved roads.

• Cycling Challenge: Long ride, with a few hills along the way.

Activities:

• Morning: Begin the ride from Gongguoqiao to Baoshan.

• Afternoon: Continue cycling, passing through valleys and villages.

• Evening: Arrive in Baoshan, known for its ancient culture.

Day 11: Baoshan to Huitong Bridge (保山-惠通桥) – 100KM

Route Overview:

• Distance: 100KM

• Road Condition: Paved roads.

• Cycling Challenge: Challenging due to the long distance.

Activities:

• Morning: Cycle from Baoshan to Huitong Bridge.

• Afternoon: Ride through the peaceful countryside.

• Evening: Arrive in Huitong Bridge, a great place to relax after a long day.

Day 12: Huitong Bridge to Lamo Town to Longling to Mangshi (惠通桥-腊勐镇-龙陵-芒市)

Route Overview:

• Distance: 108KM (Huitong Bridge to Lamo Town: 24KM, Lamo Town to Longling: 50KM, Longling to Mangshi: 34KM)

• Road Condition: Paved roads, with some rough sections.

• Cycling Challenge: A moderate day, with some long stretches.

Activities:

• Morning: Ride from Huitong Bridge to Lamo Town.

• Afternoon: Continue cycling towards Longling, then on to Mangshi.

• Evening: Arrive in Mangshi and explore this border town.

Day 13: Mangshi to Zhefang Town to Wanding to Ruili (芒市-遮放镇-畹町-瑞丽)

Route Overview:

• Distance: 114KM (Mangshi to Zhefang: 48KM, Zhefang to Wanding: 38KM, Wanding to Ruili: 28KM)

• Road Condition: Paved roads, some rural areas.

• Cycling Challenge: Moderate, with some long stretches to cover.

Activities:

• Morning: Start from Mangshi and head towards Zhefang Town.

• Afternoon: Continue cycling through Zhefang and Wanding, before reaching Ruili.

• Evening: Celebrate the completion of the journey in Ruili.

Day 14: Ruili (瑞丽)-Muse-Lashio

• Activities: Enjoy your last day in Ruili, soaking in the local culture.

• Departure for Myanmar

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Accommodation with breakfast as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Two bottles of mineral water each day;
• Train tickets from Kunming to Dali, Shangri-La to Kunming.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel insurance;
• All optional programs.

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