Yunnan Cycling Adventure – Lakes, Mountains & Living Heritage
This cycling tour takes you through Yunnan’s natural and cultural treasures, from Dianchi Lake near Kunming to the majestic Erhai Lake in the Dali region. Pedal along designated eco-trails, cross preserved Bai and Yi villages, explore Shaxi, the historic gem of the ancient Tea Horse Road, and dive into traditional crafts in Heqing. This journey combines gentle sports, cultural immersion, and local gastronomy, with authentic accommodations and privileged encounters. Accessible to cyclists of all levels thanks to electric bikes, this itinerary reveals an authentic Yunnan, away from classic tourist circuits.
Daily program: Yunnan Cycling Tour
Day 1 – Arrival in Kunming, China’s spring pearl
Arrival in Kunming, the “City of Eternal Spring” (flight reference to be specified). Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to your accommodation, ideally located near Cuihu Lake. The afternoon is free to stroll along its peaceful shores, watch the birds, or, for culture enthusiasts, visit Yuantong Temple, one of the city’s oldest. In the evening, be swept away by Dynamic Yunnan, a spectacular show blending dance, music, and traditional costumes—a true sensory journey through Yunnan’s ethnic cultures.
Culinary tip: don’t miss the famous “crossing-the-bridge” noodles (guoqiao mixian), a comforting Yunnan specialty.
Accommodation: Upland International Youth Hostel
Day 2 – Cycling around Dianchi Lake
After a hearty breakfast, collect your bicycles in downtown Kunming near Haigeng Park, the perfect starting point to join the ecological trail along the east shore of Dianchi Lake. Over the course of about 45 km (3 to 4 hours of leisurely cycling), the scenery alternates between marshes, reeds, and wide-open horizons. Haigeng Wetland Park is a must—especially in winter, when it hosts thousands of migratory birds in a breathtaking natural spectacle. The route is mostly flat with a few gentle slopes, leading you to Kunyang. Settle into a friendly guesthouse in the heart of a local village, a perfect opportunity to enjoy Yunnanese hospitality.
Culinary tip: try a Yi-style grilled fish, fragrant with local herbs.
Accommodation: Yangyu Homestay
Day 3 – Return to Kunming along the west shore
After a gentle morning in Kunyang, cycle back towards Kunming, this time following the west shore of Dianchi Lake or opting for a more rural route. This 45 km ride (3 to 4 hours) offers alternating lakeside scenery, gentle hills, and peaceful villages. You pass through the ancient city of Jinning, birthplace of Zheng He, the greatest navigator of the Ming dynasty, and visit his memorial for a dive into China’s maritime history. Arrive in Kunming in the afternoon, return the bikes, and enjoy free time to explore a local market or simply relax with a coffee near Cuihu Lake.
Culinary tip: try Qi guo ji, chicken steamed in a clay pot, a comforting winter specialty.
Accommodation: Upland International Youth Hostel
Day 4 – Train to Dali and the charm of Xizhou
In the morning, transfer to the station for the high-speed train C4302 (08:30–10:37) to Dali. Upon arrival, collect an e-bike and follow the ecological trail along the west shore of Erhai Lake. The views are superb—cultivated fields, fishermen at work, and mountains as a backdrop. Take a break in Dali Old Town to wander its market and admire the ancient city walls. Continue to Xizhou, famous for its beautiful traditional Bai mansions and tie-dye workshops. Settle into your rural guesthouse and soak up the peaceful village atmosphere.
Culinary tip: taste the Bai-style “Hai shao” fish, spicy and flavorful.
Accommodation: Jiyisi Guest House in Xizhou
Day 5 – Between lake and hot springs
Leave Xizhou at a leisurely pace to continue along the west shore of Erhai Lake. The e-bike makes the 30 km ride (2 to 3 hours) pleasant, even on the small slopes. Wetlands here provide a perfect habitat for migratory birds, and the Bai villages along the way invite short stops to observe daily life. Arrive in Eryuan in the afternoon and unwind in its hot springs—a perfect way to end the year in a serene, rejuvenating atmosphere.
Culinary tip: try “Ru shan” (milk cheese) and “Sheng pi” (raw pork skin), surprising and tasty local specialties.
Accommodation: Wuyuan Qijiantang Hot Spring Homestay
Day 6 – Yi villages and pastoral landscapes
To start a new day, hop on your bike and head north towards Niujie (30 km, 3 hours). The route follows rural roads lined with fields and gentle hills. Yi villages, with their low, colorful houses, punctuate the journey. You may meet locals in traditional dress, especially at local markets rich with colors, spices, and aromas. Arrive in Niujie in the afternoon and settle into a simple but welcoming guesthouse in a peaceful pastoral setting.
Culinary tip: warm up with a fragrant, generous local mushroom soup.
Accommodation: Yinlanxi Hot Spring Resort Hotel
Day 7 – Shaxi, a preserved gem of the Tea Horse Road
This morning, ride towards Shaxi on a rolling but manageable route (29 km, 2 to 3 hours). This historic village, once a key stop on the trade route linking Tibet and China, has retained its authentic charm. In the afternoon, explore its cobbled lanes, central square with its ancient theater stage, and preserved temples on foot or by bike. If time allows, hike to the Shibaoshan Buddhist grottoes, fine examples of Tang dynasty art.
Culinary tip: enjoy handmade flaky biscuits, perfect with a cup of local tea.
Accommodation: Aoding Courtyard
Day 8 – Heqing and the art of Bai silversmithing
Today, leave Shaxi and pedal south through forest roads and rural paths (40 km, about 3 hours). The scenery alternates between terraced rice paddies, green hills, and Bai hamlets. Arrive in Heqing, renowned for its handicrafts, especially silverware. Visit traditional workshops and discover unique handmade pieces.
Culinary tip: savor Yi-style grilled fish, spiced with chili and herbs.
Accommodation: Tianquan Lanyuan Inn
Day 9 – Gentle descent to Shuanglang
Continue south towards Shuanglang (45 km, 3 to 4 hours). The route descends gently to the northeast shore of Erhai Lake, where the light dances on the silver water. You may opt for a boat trip to Nanzhao Customs Island. In the late afternoon, settle into your lakeside accommodation, perfect for admiring the sunset.
Culinary tip: indulge in an Erhai Lake fish banquet, a feast of delicate flavors.
Accommodation: Dali Shihai Minsu
Day 10 – Final ride and return to Kunming
Last cycling stage: from Shuanglang to Xiaguan (55 km, about 4 hours) following the east shore’s ecological trail. The ride is flat and pleasant, but a partial vehicle transfer is also possible. Return the bikes, then take the high-speed train C358 (17:50–20:05) to Kunming. Evening free for a final local dinner.
Culinary tip: end your adventure with a generous, convivial Yunnan hotpot.
Accommodation: Upland International Youth Hostel
Day 11 – Departure from Kunming
Free morning in Kunming for a stroll or some souvenir shopping. Transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination. You leave with memories etched in your mind—shimmering rice terraces, welcoming villages, spicy flavors, and the warm smiles of Yunnan’s people.
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