4-5 DAYS CYCLE ADVENTURE: Guangzhou to ‘Little Yangshuo’

We pick you up by private coach in Zhujiang New Town on Saturday morning, start riding from an ancient village in Foshan, and finish in the karst mountains of Yingde (Qingyuan), after 3 days of riding 222 kilometers, 2,100 elevation meters, all on paved roads. We follow scenic routes, mostly away from traffic, on greenways, small streets, rural lanes, dikes, and mountain paths. We stay in quality, boutique hotels in scenic locations, that all offer comfy rooms and beds, a swimming pool or hot tub and beautiful views. 

A support crew with vehicles will come along that brings your luggage, can do repairs to your bike, can drive you for a bit if you feel run down, and can be used in case of emergencies. 

We stay inside Guangdong Province, so COVID restrictions are unlikely to affect us.

SCHEDULE

DAY 1: 77 km, 474 elevation meters

Bus to Foshan Sanshui, cycle to Qingxin District, Qingyuan

On the first day, we meet early in Zhujiang New Town and take a mini bus to an ancient village in Foshan Sanshui. After a 1-hour ride we hop on our bikes and start riding on small tracks past farms, fields, old villages and small rivers. We then follow the dike north along the Beijang river and stop for lunch. With bellies replenished we then hop on a tiny ferry for a scenic river crossing, and ride through more fields before reaching the mountains. The last 14 km stint to the hotel includes a couple of small climbs, but you will be rewarded by staying in a large and famous resort hotel and spend the night in the hot springs (included) or taking a massage. Except for the last few climbs to reach the hotel, the route is pretty much flat, and nearly all paved.

[If you want to ride all the way from home in Guangzhou, you have the option of riding 60 km by yourself on Day 0 (Friday 4 February). We can provide you with the safest, most fun and scenic route (GPS or Strava) to the starting point on Day 1]

DAY 2： 75km, 855 elevation meters

Cycle from southern to northern Qingxin District, Qingyuan

In the morning we ride on very small tracks from village to village, following the river banks, while being surrounded by mountains. Before lunch there will be one tough climb after which we will be surrounded by karst mountains, forests and fields. We cross an ancient bridge to reach our restaurant overlooking the landscapes. After lunch we ride on a scenic and quiet road before we start a serious but not-too-long climb up to a large reservoir. This is where we have a quick break and take in the stunning scenery. We ride alongside the lake, and enter a tiny country road into the valley where our beautiful hotel is located. This small, boutique hotel offers pretty rooms, and a hot spring. We'll have a cozy dinner and enjoy a few drinks while lighting a small camp fire.

DAY 3: 70 km, 788 elevation meters

Cycle from northern Qingxin District to Yingde, Qingyuan

On our last day of riding, we climb the most, but ride the least distance. We are also rewarded with the most spectacular views and landscapes. Following only small tracks with near to no traffic, we are surrounded by steep karst mountains, ancient villages, lush vegetation and some fun ascents and descents. We take tiny mountain roads where you feel the urge to take a picture after each turn. Right from the hotel we start with a steep but short climb, followed by a long descend and flat section. We head for lunch and then present to you the longest, but not steepest, climb of the trip. Riding through beautiful landscapes on a tiny country road there are some bigger climbs, followed by a long descend to our final destination. The last 7km you ride on stunning little tracks through farms and ancient villages. We arrive in our hotel later in the afternoon,and after a shower we throw a large, western-style BBQ with bubbles for you, and celebrate what we achieved!

DAY 4: No cycling today! 

Private minivan back to Guangzhou

Today there is no cycling planned, although you could still head out on your own. There are options for more cycling, hiking, caving, rock climbing and more. You can chill at the hotel, pack up, and join for lunch before departing Yingde. We have arranged a mini bus for our return to Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou. 

DAY 4-5: Optional! 

If there is enough interest (minimum 5 people) we could take you for an extra, epic adventure into the Yao minority villages in Lianzhou prefecture. This is the poorest and most remote area of Guangdong, and this is where you find the local people dressed in their traditional clothing and garments. In the villages you find the traditional wood houses with grey roof tiles. The scenery is again spectacular, with karst mountains, beautiful little tracks through the wilderness, and unbelievable views along the entire route. There will be a lot more climbing involved though. We stick to a route of 65km, but have an elevation gain of 2,100m. We first take our van for a 1.5 hour drive northwest, and then start the ride. We arrive in the Yao Village, spend the night in a local homestay, and explore the village the next morning, before returning to Guangzhou. Extra costs (cost price) are split among participants.

Can I do this?!  

Only YOU can decide on this! But generally speaking, yes we think most people can do this. You could, but do not need to be a tight-pants wearing, Strava-addicted, cycling geek to join this adventure :) If this is not something you do regularly, but you know how to ride a bike and are up for a challenge, then this may be just the thing for you! You ride at your own pace and are provided with the route and tools to navigate yourself at any time. We have vehicles near the front and at back of the group, and your guide is riding along at all times. The daily distances aren't that far; the biggest challenge will rather be some of the climbs. Our van driver stays at the back at all times, and is happy to bring you and your bike up the hill at any time, so you don't exhaust yourself. If you insist on going up the climbs yourself, just pick a low gear, set your own pace, don't get your heart beat up too high, and keep peddling. Or dismount and push the bike for a bit. We have done this trip before, covering 300km (rather than 220km this time), and it was the less-experienced riders especially who experienced deep joy and satisfaction in overcoming the challenge. Besides breakfasts, lunch and dinners, we have short breaks in the morning and afternoon to keep you fueled at all times.

Hotel Accommodation

Hotels are modern, comfortable, clean, beautifully located, and offer stunning views. They are the best and/or most unique places to stay in the area, and we're sure you'll want to come back to each of them! The sleeping arrangements are for twin share (double is possible for couples or singles). If you are a single traveller you will be paired up with someone of the same gender, unless you decide to book a single supplement for 1,100 CNY. 

Food, drinks, snacks

Food is an important part of this trip, and we give you every opportunity to sample the local specialities, so you enjoy the experience of eating like a local! The food is Cantonese (not spicy), and we order dishes that are popular with foreigners. On the last night a Western-style BBQ is served on the roof top of our hotel. We also provide snack food for morning and afternoon breaks with biscuits, chocolate, fresh fruit, dried fruit, fresh coffee, tea, energy drinks, ice and water. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for; just let us know your dietary restrictions. All meals and snacks are included in the costs. The meals are always very generous, the food is healthy, very fresh and tasty!

Price & Bookings

The tour is available for 5,500 CNY/person, based on sharing a twin bed room. A supplementary fee of 1,100CNY applies for staying in the room by yourself. A supplementary fee of 750 CNY applies if you need us to arrange a bicycle (comes with helmet, spare parts and small bike frame bag)

Included in the fee:

★  3 nights in comfortable, boutique hotels (shared, twin-bed rooms)

★  3 daily meals with drinks + coffee, drinks, snacks and fruits at breaks

★  Cycle Canton cycle leader and 3 support staff/drivers

★  Support team with 1 Van & 1 Car for luggage, repairs and support

★  Private minivan from Zhujiang New Town to Sanshui, and for the return from Yingde to Guangzhou

★  Ferry boat tickets

★  Some gear and gimmicks (surprise!)

★  Ping’an insurance

★  Pictures

NOT included in the fee:

★  Bicycle (mountain bike can be arranged for 750 CNY)

★  Bicycle spare parts

★  Personal expenses (drinks in evenings)

Please book by clicking the large green button at the top of this post. Full payment upfront is required through WeChat Pay or AliPay. Bookings are handled on a first come, first served basis and a reservation is not complete until paid!  A minimum of 10, maximum of 20 adult participants is needed for this tour to proceed. For questions you may contact Bram on WeChat (QR code above) or phone:  (+86) 15626406926. Soon after booking you will be added into a WeChat group with all participants for final arrangements.

CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS

You may cancel your tour free of charge until 20 January 2022 at 12:00 noon. Cancellations after that time are charged 2,500 CNY. No refunds apply for cancellations within 96 hours before departure time. If WE need to cancel the tour due to COVID travel restrictions in the areas we visit, you will receive a full refund.