This website uses cookies to collect information about how you use this site.
This information is used to make the website work as well as possible.
See our Cookie Policy for more details.
We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions.
The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site.
We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website, store your preferences, and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you. These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent.
You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies, but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience.
China has long been a popular destination to see on two wheels and this remarkable 12-day cycling trip will have you riding among some of the most celebrated travel highlights anywhere in the world. Discover the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an, walk among the unforgettable cultural touchstones of Beijing, and ride your way through picturesque landscapes to remote villages and hillsides in Southern China. Your two feet are great and all, but when they're powering two wheels, there'll be no stopping you!
Train, local bus, plane, bicycle, walking.
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
English-speaking Chinese Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
China has emerged as a great tourist destination in the last ten years and is an intriguing and rewarding destination to visit. Developing at a fast rate, travel is becoming easier for foreigners but please be aware that English is still not widely spoken outside the large cities and that accommodation, toilet facilities and some transportation is not yet at the same level as you would expect in developed countries. If you are able to bring with you a lot of patience, a great sense of humour and a willingness to try and interact with the local people, your travel experience wil be greatly enhanced.
Due to Internet restrictions, some popular websites and applications - including social media sites like Facebook and email services like Gmail - may not work in China. If you think these restrictions may affect you, we suggest you do research before your departure in order to be prepared. Bear in mind the availability of websites and apps can change without notice at any time.
Cycling Grading - Moderate
• Some degree of experience required
• Mixture of road cycling and off road
• Occasional long days in the saddle, multiple ascents and descents
• Good fitness and skill level recommended
• Cycle usually between 35-70 km per day
Equipment provided:
• Bike - Java Mountain bikes
• Gears - 27 speed
• Frame composition - aluminium mix
• Brakes - disk brakes
• Frame sizes available - various. When making your booking, please inform our staff of your height - this will help us get the right size bike for you.
• Panniers/bike bag type - bike bag attached to rear pannier
• Water bottle holder - yes
• Water bottle - no
• Adjustable Handlebars - no
• Option to fit own pedals: yes
• Female saddles available: no
• Padded saddle covers available: no
• Gel saddles available: on request
• Option to fit own saddle: no
• Repair kit available: no - guide carries repair kit for the group
• Helmet hire available: helmet included in price of trip. We believe that helmets should be worn at all times, to ensure maximum protection while you are cycling. However, we are aware that some passengers may prefer to cycle without a helmet. If you choose to do so, this is entirely at your own risk.
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Hotels (6 nts), simple guesthouses (3 nts), homestay (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt).
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Night 9 accommodation will be aboard a soft-sleeper (4 pax cabin) overnight train from Xi'an to Beijing.
Traditionally in China tipping is not expected and thus there is no need to tip in restaurants and your general interaction with locals; however, tipping is customary - though not compulsory - in the tourism industry and not only shows an expression of satisfaction it may also be of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO may offer to collect the money and tip as a group.
Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group as a whole should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $5 USD per person per day can be used.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Longsheng village-to-village trekking. Longji to Yangshuo cycling with support vehicle. Biking along the ancient city wall in Xi'an. Terracotta Warriors visit. Muslim Quarter visit. Entrance and guided tour of the Forbidden City. Beijing hutong bicycle tour. Entrance to the Great Wall and trek. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
See rural China on two wheels, visit the Great Wall, trek through rice terraces, take on Beijing's hutongs by bike, explore the Forbidden City and visit the Terracotta Warriors
Max 15, Avg 10
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
Cycling:
• Bicycle pedals (optional)
• Bicycle saddle cover (optional)
• Bicycle saddle (optional)
• Biking gloves
• Cycling clothing (cycling shorts and cycling jersey)
• Cycling shoes
• Handlebar bag (optional) (For easy access to small personal items.)
• Personal cycling gear
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves
Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)
Train Travel (Optional):
• Slip-on shoes
• Small container with lid
• Travel cutlery
• Travel or camp cup
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Note: from Apr-Aug is rainy season for most of Southern China, so please ensure you have some waterproof clothing.
Yangshuo
- Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo
Beijing
- Factory 798 Art & Galleries
Mutianyu
- Toboggan at Great Wall (100-120CNY per person)
- Cable Car at Great Wall (100-120CNY per person)
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Do not bring any knives or swords into China (gifts or otherwise). If they do make it into the country, they will not be permitted on trains. If you purchase a knife or sword while travelling elsewhere before arriving in China your best option is to post/mail it home before entering the country as no post/mail companies in China will accept it as a parcel.
** Please be advised that if you have recently travelled to Turkey, or you are a Turkish citizen, it is possible that your Chinese visa will not be approved. Please contact your local embassy for further information. **
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself with the embassy of each country. Your travel agent can assist. Please, keep in mind that all countries require passports valid for at least 6 months from the moment of departure from the country.
CHINA: all nationalities require a visa to visit China
Most nationalities also need an official Letter Of Invitation (LOI) before they can apply for their Chinese visa.
You can obtain the LOI through our visa support agent in China. The visa support link you need to complete will be sent to you or your travel agent by email when you confirm your booking. You must read the instructions carefully and fill out all the details.
Please ensure that you list the same details as appear on your LOI when filling out your Chinese Visa Application form.
HOW TO FILL IN CHINA LOI FORM ONLINE:
As Chinese visas are dated specifically for entry and exit, please ensure you enter the correct dates as per your flights entering and exiting China. Please remember to put exactly the same dates when you fill out the application at the Chinese embassy. You will need to provide additional documentation to the consulate (i.e. flights tickets, hotel reservations) if these dates fall outside the duration of the tour.
Please do not submit the below application until 3 months prior to your entry into China. The details will be forwarded to our local agent in China and you will be emailed your Chinese Invitation Letter (With day by day Itinerary) only once we are within 60 days of the trip start date.
Once you have received your LOI you can apply for your visa by going to the nearest Chinese embassy. Please, remember that it is your responsibility to check whether passport details, name spelling and dates on the LOI are correct.
As of April 3rd, 2018, all Chinese visa application forms must be typed. Handwritten forms will no longer be accepted.
Following the successful implementation of their 144 hour visa free program for the Shanghai district, The Ministry of Public Security of China have announced the extension of the 144 hour visa free program for provinces of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei. As of the 29th of December 2017, over 50 foreign nationals can now enter or exit via one of the following ports:
- Beijing Capital International Airport
- Railway West Railway Station
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport
- Tianjin International Cruise Homeport, or
- Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport in Hebei Province and Qinhuangdao Harbor.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
There are a few ways to get to Hong Kong from the Airport. If you are taking a taxi, we always recommend printing out the address of the hotel (in the native language as well as English if available), to show to your taxi driver:
Caritas Bianchi Lodge ???????
4, Cliff Road, Yaumatei, Kowloon, Hong Kong ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Tel :
(852) 2388 1111
Fax : (852) 2770 6669
Follow signs to the taxi station. It's by the left-hand ramp outside the Arrivals Hall. Cost is around HK$250 to the hotel.
If you are using public transit:
By Train (Airport Express): Follow the signs to the Airport Express Station, take the train to Hong Kong Station ???, then follow signs to transfer to Central Station (MTR Tsuen Wan Line ???). Get off at Yau Ma Tei Station ????. Come out via EXIT C, cross Nathan Road and turn right to walk about 300 metres where you will see Cliff Road on your left. The cost for the train is about HK113.
By Public Airport Bus: The bus station is situated outside the Arrivals Hall on the right side. You need to leave the Arrivals Hall and turn right, following the direction signs to Ground Transportation Centre. Take Line A21 to Man Ming Lane, Nathan Road ???? (9th stop including Hong Kong International Airport). Once you get off the bus, walk forward (same direction as bus goes) for 1 minute to Cliff Road (on your left), then you will see Caritas Bianchi Lodge at the end of the short Cliff Road. Cost is about HK33.
***Taxi/Bus is recommended as they are the easiest ways to get to the hotel. Bus is also the cheapest and most direct.
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer:
Please approach Vigor Tours airport counter upon arrival and advise your G Adventures confirmation number to Vigor Tours airport staff. Vigor Tours airport service counter location:
Counter B18, Arrival Hall B of Terminal 1.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities have been planned.
A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Arrive at any time.
Take a local bus through the countryside to the rural village of Longji.
Enjoy an included half-day trek along the hills and terraces to Dazai.
Start out on two wheels as the journey through China's backroads begins.
Continue cycling through the countryside, heading from Shi'ertan to Xingping.
In ancient times, Xingping was the most important town along this section of the Li RIver. The surrounding hills give the town it's distinct character, some resembling animals or monks. The old town of Xingping is fascinating and the Ming era houses well worth wandering around. This is a challenging cycling day, so be prepared for the ride.
Enjoy the scenic views cycling between the towns of Xingping and Yangshuo.
Cycle through the countryside and villages around Yangshuo. Marvel at scenery that has captured the minds of poets and painters for centuries.
A different way to see the countryside around Yangshuo. Take to two wheels and enjoy a cycle across rivers, through small villages towards the town of Baisha.
Travel to Guilin and board a flight to Xi'an. Later, enjoy a cycle around the ancient city walls and explore the Muslim Quarter.
Pay a visit to the famous Terracotta Warriors before boarding an overnight train to Beijing.
Full day in Beijing early today. Head off to explore the nearby iconic Tiananmen Square and the sprawling Forbidden City.
Explore the Great Wall before a night in China's capital.
Set out early for a visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Spend the day wandering from tower to tower along this magnificent feat of construction.
Depart at any time.
Details
Duration: 12 Days
Travel Style: Active
Physical Grading: 4 - Demanding
Trip Type: Small Group
Service Level: Basic
12 day Active tour
The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise