A unique bicycle tour through Inner Mongolia to Beijing with the focus on eco-tourism is being supported by Japan Airlines from July 21-28. A special three-nation team of sports and cycling specialists from China, Japan and Korea is organizing the tour.
Last year, in celebration of the century's first World Tourism General Assembly and of its own 50th anniversary, Japan Airlines organized a one-time-only bicycle tour from Korea to Japan that drew 69 participants from nine countries.
Feedback from that event was so positive that JAL has decided to support another similar dedicated to fostering peace through tourism with a focus on eco-tourism, this time in China. The 2002 China Bicycle Tour, scheduled for July 21 through July 28, will offer riders a chance to explore the little-known area of Inner Mongolia.
Guests will assemble in Beijing then take a train to Huhhot where the ride back to Beijing begins after an overnight in a pao, a Mongolian tent. Along the way will be sightseeing, including and ruins of the Genghis Khan era, and the chance to meet some of the local people and explore this rural part of China. Guests may also participate in a tree planting to help in the reforestation of the Mongolian plains.
A bus will carry riders on the final leg into Beijing. From there, participants will visit the Great Wall for sightseeing and lunch. Finally, members will be able to join the opening party for the 11th annual Tour de China, a cycling event that will attract 100 professional cyclists from all over the world. On the final day of the tour, participants can join in a parade in Tienanmen Square with the Tour de China riders and then make a final cycling run to the Great Wall.
Members will ride between around 35 and 55 miles a day (about 60-90 kilometers a day) but a support van will travel with the group for those choosing to take a break or for accompanying guests who do not ride. While in Mongolia, accommodations will be unsophisticated and most meals will consist of local foods, but the uniqueness of the surroundings and the camaraderie of the multi-cultural group will provide an unforgettable experience. Where available, however, hotel upgrades can be obtained for a supplemental charge. In Beijing, guests have been invited to stay in an official government guesthouse.
The basic bicycle tour ground arrangements' package costs US$725, excluding air fares but including accommodation in standard class hotels and Mongolian pao tent, 20 meals, transfers including night train Beijing-Huhhot, bus transportation, escort services and gratuities.
Attractive fares to Beijing are available direct from JAL or through JAL's appointed agents and JALPAK offices. |
