All Cycling Holidays
Starting Location
Tour Overview
redspokes Yunnan cycling holiday is a challenging and mystical journey. Meaning ‘South of the Clouds’, sky-high Yunnan province in the far south west of China is rich in geographical diversity. Mountainous peaks, river valleys, and a vast array of species of flora and fauna. Around 34% of the local population is made up of 25 different minority communities including Yi, Bai, Hani, Zhuang, Dai and Miao.
Taking in high altitude climbs, swift descents and a varied terrain, the redspokes south west China cycling holiday begins in Shangri-La (formerly Zhongdian, also known by its Tibetan name Gyalthang). Despite a serious fire in 2014 and modern reconstruction, the old town retains its traditional character; you can wander along cobbled lanes and see the world’s biggest prayer wheel Zhùangjīn Tǒng.
From Shangri-La we cycle through to limestone plateaus and white-water terraces at Baishuitai, then ride on to the dramatic scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain visiting Haba village, where resident minorities include Naxi, Hui (Muslim) and Yi peoples, as well as a few Tibetans. We cycle on to reach the Yangtze river valley before arriving at legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest ravines in the world. Riding to the mouth of the ravine, site of the famed leaping tiger boulder, we take a ferry across the Yangtze.
Our next biking challenge comes as we cycle the slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain before we enjoy a well-earned rest day in historic a world heritage town Lijiang. Surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, Lijiang old town is a well-preserved city of diverse ethnic minorities, rich in traditional culture. The Old Town is built along the lie of mountains and the flow of rivers with narrow streets and traditional buildings.
From Lijiang we cycle on with a scenic downhill ride to Shaxi; renowned trading point on the ancient Tea Horse Road, dating back to the Tang dynasty. Following the Tea Horse route our adventure cycling holiday ends at the walled city of Dali, capital of the autonomous Bai prefecture. Dali dates back to the 8th Century kingdom of Nanzhao; its traditional houses and ancient temples sit on the shores of Erhai Lake with spectacular views of the Cangshan Mountain Range. A spectacular location to end our Yunnan cycling adventure.
Day 1: Arrive Shangri-La
The redspokes Yunnan cycling tour begins in Shangri-La (formerly known as Zhongdian). At an altitude of 3200m Shangri-La is located in the Tibetan region of China.
Accommodation: Hotel (D)
Day 2: Shangri-La: Acclimatisation Day
We will acclimatise today and have time to visit the 17th Century Sumtseling Garden Monastery which is home to over 600 monks: a smaller but no less magnificent version of the grand Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Cycling Distance: 18km (11 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 3: Shangri-La to Bai Shui Tai
We begin with a short transfer out of town, passing through arid plateau on towards Pudacuo National Park where our Yunnan tour biking and the day’s point to point cycling begins. We set off on the bikes with a downhill ride on good road and continue during the day to cycle a series of valleys and mountains through a changing rural scenery gradually descending to the village of Bai Shui Tai. Our final stretch of the route brings us through conifer forest. Located below the Haba Snow Mountain (the other side of Tiger Leaping Gorge), Bai Shui Tai is famed for its natural mineral terraced White Water Tables created by calcium carbonate deposits from the melting mountain spring water.
Cycling Distance: 75km (46 miles)
Total Climb: 1,165m (3,822ft)
Total Descent: 2,022m (6,633ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4: Bai Shui Tai to Tiger Leaping Gorge
We set off cycling today with a few gentle hills before challenging a more serious climb. Once we reach the top of the pass we will have views of the stunning Haba Mountain peaks. The highest point is at a dizzying 5,396m. With alpine moraine lake, endless clusters of azalea and waterfalls cascading down snow-covered cliffs, the glacier on the Haba Snow Mountain is the south most glacier in China. We make a short descent into Haba village, whose resident minorities include Naxi, Hui (Muslim) and Yi peoples, as well as a few Tibetans.
This afternoon we ride up to our next pass then cycle down into the Yangtze River Valley. At the village of Yonke we turn into the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest ravines. Cutting its path between Haba Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain your surroundings will be as dramatic as the place names suggest.
Cycling Distance: 71km (44 miles)
Total Climb: 1,637 (5,370ft)
Total Descent: 2,040m (6,692ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D) 
Day 5: Tiger Leaping Gorge - Daju
We cycle to the mouth of the gorge. Here we’ll see the famed tiger leaping boulder where the pounding waters swirl dramatically and legend has it, that the mythical big cat crossed the river. You can opt to hike to the river bend (approximately 1 hour) before we retrace our steps to the guest house for lunch. This afternoon we cycle out of the gorge to cross the Yangtse by ferry to reach Daju.
Cycling Distance: 55km (34 miles)
Total Climb: 949m (3,113ft)
Total Descent: 949m (3,113ft)
Accommodation: Guesthouse (B,L,D)
Day 6: Daju - Da Dong
We begin the day with a 15km climb as we cycle towards Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Snow-capped and often shrouded in mist, Dragon Snow Mountain is a sanctuary for rare animals and wild plants with unique micro climates on the different slopes. It is also known as a natural glacier museum and is now a famous scenic spot for tourists and scientific research. We ride up over the pass with a long 1475m climb up the southern slope of the Dragon Snow Mountain for 31km to the top. We then enjoy a long downhill ride through another valley. We end the day with another short climb to Da Dong. We can relax in hot springs this evening. A great tonic for tired legs.
Cycling Distance: 63km (39 miles)
Total Climb: 1,933m (6,341ft)
Total Descent: 1,301m (4,268ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 7: Da Dong to Lijiang
We set off this morning on our Yunnan cycling tour riding uphill through a forest of pine for the first 15km. The route continues along undulating road across the plateau for 27km as we enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery. We join a bigger road cycling for the final 22km to reach Lijiang along flat fast road.
Cycling Distance: 62km (38 miles)
Total Climb: 1,796m (5,892ft)
Total Descent: 951m (3,210ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 8: Lijiang - Rest Day
We have a day off the bikes today on the Yunnan tour to explore Lijang. Surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery Lijiang old town is a well-preserved city of diverse ethnic minorities, rich in traditional culture. The Old Town is built along the lie of mountains and the flow of rivers with narrow streets and traditional buildings. We have time to wander the cobbled lanes, learn about Naxi culture and marvel at the detail and blend of architectural influences in the town. The stone bridges and intricately carved buildings lead away from a central square in four directions whichever way you wander, you'll follow lanes decoratively decked in traditional lanterns and an array of flowers.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 9: Lijiang to Jianchuan
Leaving Lijiang we cycle a gentle 8km to reach the beautiful Lashi Lake (New Basin), a nature reserve rich in biodiversity. The endangered black necked crane can be seen here. The Naxi and Yi minorities live in this area. We ride through a scenery of potato crops and apple orchards. A further 7km cycling takes us up to the pass (2900m) through more fields and pine forest and the white towering peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain come into view. Over the pass we ride 7km downhill to join road 214 which will take us to Jianchuan. There is time to wander the streets of the old town with its quaint bridges and canals.
Cycling Distance: 62km (38 miles)
Total Climb: 720m (2,362ft)
Total Descent: 880m (2,887ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D) 
Day 10: Jianchuan to Shaxi
This morning we set off cycling the undulating 214 road through the valley along the old Tibet highway. There is little in the way of traffic and toward the end of today’s ride we journey through a forest of Eucalyptus and Conifers to reach the traditional Shaxi village. Known as 'the last Tea Horse town', Shaxi village is home of the Bai people, a matriarchal community where children take their mother’s name. A unique stopping point on our Yunnan cycle tour.
Shaxi is a well preserved historic stopping point on the Tea Horse route. In the old town square, you will find a traditional wooden temple with cobblestoned quadrangle. In the past, it has been relatively inaccessible to visitors and thus has not become modernized. Efforts are now underway to preserve its historic identity. With more sunshine annually than California, the area has rich natural biodiversity. Victorian botanists and flower hunters were drawn here to collect specimens for the ornamental gardens of Europe and America including orchids, roses, rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias, to name but a few. There is an interesting caravan museum in the town. On the outskirts of Shaxi you will enjoy views of the Heihui River, with rolling peaks in the background. An ancient crescent shaped stone bridge connects the town to the fields over the river. There are local options for horse riding, another way to explore your beautiful surroundings.
Cycling Distance: 31km (19 miles)
Total Climb: 340m (1,115ft)
Total Descent: 415m (1,361ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 11: Shaxi to Eryuan
We leave Shaxi continuing to cycle along the historic Tea Horse route, enjoying beautiful scenery. Horse caravans transported tea and salt between villages travelling as far as Tibet and India. The route became known as the Tea Horse Road because of the common trade of Tibetan ponies for Chinese tea. We will follow the Heihui River and cycle through some interesting villages. We have a fast and easy ride for 47 km to Liantie Town, where we stop for lunch. This afternoon we cycle up Chang Shen Mountain, a tough but scenic 22km climb taking us to the pass at 3,022m (The support vehicle is on hand should you need it!). There is an exhilarating 22km downhill on the other side, though we need to take care over the rough surfaced road. We ride another 10 km to reach Eryuan.
Cycling Distance: 99km (61 miles)
Total Climb: 1,740m (5,708ft)
Total Descent: 1,698m (5,570ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D) 
Day 12: Eryuan to Dali
We set off for our last day on the bikes riding to the historical town of Dali. We cycle along a flat paved road between the towering Cangshan Mountain range and Er Hai Lake. One of China’s largest freshwaters Er Hai is an alpine fault lake. Its name means "Ear-shaped Sea".
Our final destination on the redspokes Yunnan cycle tour is the lakeside town of Dali. The town has gated city walls, bustling cobbled streets and colourful markets. Dali historically is home to the Bai people, and was the centre of the 8th-century Nanzhao Kingdom. In the 16th century it was an important gateway to southeast Asian countries. Today, it is characterised by many different ethnic groups, distinct architecture and colourful markets. Once we have checked in to our hotel we will pack up the bikes before gathering for a celebratory farewell evening to mark the end of our Yunnan cycling tour.
Cycling Distance: 53.5km (33 miles)
Total Climb: 205m (672ft)
Total Descent: 148m (485ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)
Day 13: Dali - Home
The tour ends this morning. You will be transferred today to the airport for your journey home.