CYCLING THE DRAGON'S BACKBONE

15 days from GBP1,979 to GBP1,999 including flights

Tripcode: MCB

Cycling past ethnic minority peoples, terraced rice paddies, and mountains beloved by Chinese poets and painters

The Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces, thousands of rice paddies cut into the mountainside, are at the heart of this ride through rural China. We experience different aspects of Chinese life first hand as we cycle through impressive mountainous landscapes on quiet country roads, passing fascinating small ethnic minority villages where so much goes on in the streets: eating, washing, socialising, buying and selling or impromptu games. This intoxicating parade of Chinese life may well leave us with our strongest memories. Elsewhere we will explore cosmopolitan Beijing and relax in tranquil Yangshuo amidst stunning karst scenery.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Day 1	Depart London.
Day 2	Arrive Beijing; rest of day free. Beijing Duck dinner.
Day 3	Early morning walk to Temple of Heaven. Fly to Guiyang and transfer to Kaili for short bike ride.
Day 4	Drive and ride to Rongjinag past minority villages, seeing rural life first-hand.
Day 5	Cycle to Congjiang, passing drum towers and covered bridges en route.
Day 6	Cycle to Zhaoxing: rice terraces and mountain views.
Day 7	Cycle and drive to Chenyang via Sanjiang.
Day 8	Cycle into the mountains to Ping An, a Yao village amidst Longji rice terraces.
Day 9	Free day to relax in the mountain scenery; optional hikes available.
Day 10	Cycle and drive through rural scenery to Guilin.
Day 11	Ride along the Lijang River to Xinping, surrounded by towering limestone karst scenery.
Day 12	Morning boat ride, cycle to Yangshuo; rest of day free.
Day 13	Free day, with optional activities available. Late afternoon transfer to Guilin; fly to Beijing.
Day 14	City tour including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Hutongs.
Day 15	Fly to London.

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