SpiceRoads Launches New Cycling Tour in Guilin, China

SpiceRoads Cycle Tours has launched a new 10-day / 9-night tour through the Karst Peaks of Guilin, China.

This tour is one of the best kept secrets of rural cycling that southwest China has to offer. The amazing backdrop of incredible limestone peaks will have you feeling that you are riding through the scenes of a virtuoso’s painted landscape.

Commencing in the city of Guiyang, you travel out into the beautiful grasslands, head towards the scenic Miao Village of Xijiang with its Qing and Ming dynasty architecture, then continue following the Duliujiang river, past the famous rice terraces of Longshen to fascinating villages that boast plenty of unspoilt traditions. You will pass by local markets in Baisha Village, and take a boat ride across the Li River before ending the tour in Yangshuo and finally transferring to the very pleasant city of Guilin.

The green rice fields, mud-wallowing water buffaloes and superb panoramic vistas will take your breath away as you meander along quiet traffic-free back-country roads, beside rivers and streams lined with bamboo, and pass countless magnificent terraced rice fields.

This bike tour also brings you close to several ethnic minorities such as the Miao, Zhuang, Dong and Yao people. The tour focus is more on the Miao people; they boast a splendid culture with eye dazzling costumes, mysterious witchcraft and a turbulent history.

The tours vary from day-to-day, a normal day ride can be anywhere between 40-70km. The most challenging ride is Day 3 when you will ride for a total of 80km,and for the second half climb up 2,200km to Leisham pass.

A support van is always nearby to help with more difficult stretches, as well as serving snacks and drinks to refresh riders.

In total, the tour is 475 kilometers over 6 full days and one half day. The biking tour is mainly on smooth paved roads with some off-road and gravel sections, but nothing technical. There are some short steep climbs and one long gradual one. Riders should have a moderate level of cycling experience and be in good physical condition to fully enjoy this tour.

Departure dates are 24 August 2014, 21 September 2014, 19 April 2015, 3 May 2015, 23 August 2015 and 13 September 2015.

For the majority of the trip participants will stay in hotels and lodges that complement the local culture.

Tour cost is US $2,550. The price is not inclusive of bike rental (an additional US$120) and if you wish to stay in a private room a single supplement costs US$290. However the price does include most meals, drinks and snack throughout the tour.