Bicycle is the most popular means of transportation in China. Nowadays, riding a bicycle is not a mean of transportation, but also a good way to support low carbon living. This splendid cycling tour starts from Beijing-the capital of China, to witness and climb the magnificent ancient construction of the Great Wall, cycling in Hutong to get a brief impression of this big capital. Ride a bike to explore beautiful scenic spots in Guilin, and you experience a cruise on the world-wide famous Li River through stunning karst landscapes in Guilin. Enjoy a leisurely walk at the West Street and a memorable biking trip to Yangshuo Banyan tree. The water village in Suzhou, the graceful West Lake in Hangzhou will surely leave you a deep impression. Our tour ends in the largest city of China-Shanghai, which will amaze you by its modern atmosphere and traditional culture and art.
Itinerary
Welcome to Beijing. When you arrive at Beijing airport, you will be met by our CET guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax or make your preparation.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included:
Today we will go to the [Temple of Heaven] after breakfast. It is the grandest cult architecture complex in the world and a masterpiece of the Chinese people created in ancient times. Later we will go to enjoy a walk on the [Tian'anmen Square], which is one of the largest city squares in the world. It is widely used as a national symbol. And in the center of Tian'anmen Square stands the Monument to the People's Heroes. It is a square building, covering an area of 3,000 square meters (about 0.74acres). Then we will go to the [Forbidden City], imperial palaces for the emperors for the Ming and Qing dynasties for more than hundreds of years. Best ancient Chinese architectural styles are well preserved here, consist an imposing view. Later the day will be on your own to explore more about this city.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we are going to climb the [Jinshanling Great Wall], the best preserved part of the Great Wall with many original features. It is somewhat dangerous to climb due to it winds up and down the precipitous ranges, but the splendid views on the way are a reward. It is known to all that the traditional Peking Roast Duck is so crispy and tasty that your Beijing tour would not be complete if without that. Therefore we highly recommend you a featured dinner at one local famous restaurant.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
[Summer Palace] is one of China’s architectural masterpieces. Today we will go to visit it and enjoy its deliberated beauty. The pavilions, kiosks, terraces, bridges, dikes, corridors are delicately crafted and placed, well displaying the thousand-year old Chinese landscape gardening. The scenic spots contain a nation’s profound philosophical and aesthetic tradition. Next we will have [a cycling trip to Hutong]. Hutong means alleys, derives from the narrow lanes created by the walled residential compounds built one on top of the other in these cramped districts. The high walls surround the traditional siheyuan quadrangle, and it is made up of four single-story buildings fronting a courtyard. Unfortunately, encroaching urban development now threatens hutongs.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning, we will go to the airport for a flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be leisure at relax.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will go to [Yangshuo] by the [Li River cruise]. So in the morning, we will go to the wharf in downtown and embark the ship. With a leisurely breeze greeting, you can sit on cushion comfortably or enjoy the open air viewing platform. It is better to prepare more film or memory card with large capacity because this is a photographer’s dream place, where you are able to capture the dramatic landscapes that Chinese artists have been painting for centuries. You will have lunch onboard while you can enjoy the Li River picturesque scenery. After several hours, we will disembark and walk to the West Street, which has received countless foreigners from all over the world and reputed as “Global Village”. It is a 600-meter-long street with more than 300 cafes, restaurants, hotels art crafts and tourist stores, foreign language clubs, internet centers and Kungfu schools. This afternoon you will be free at leisure, you can enjoy a coffee time at the West Street, or walk around the small Yangshuo town.
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we are going to discover why the Yangshuo landscape is much better than Guilin while Guilin landscape is the best. After breakfast, we will enjoy [a bike tour to the big Banyan Tree and the Moon Hill], enjoying spectacular views on the way. Those continuous mountain peaks along the way will take you into a fairly landscape. In the evening we highly recommend you that watch the performance--"Impression--Sanjie Liu", the first new concept minority cultural show which takes the advantages of the live landscape as its stage background. It will realize your nostalgic dream of lights on fishing boats and experience the distinctive interests of life at the Li River.
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we will drive back to Guilin. Guilin downtown is quite unique and especially beauty, so we are going to spend the day in Guilin to discover its shinning scenic spots. The [Elephant Trunk Hill] is the symbol of Guilin, standing in the Li River and looks like an elephant drinking water from the river. The [Reed Flute Cave] is one of the most spectacular caves displaying karst geographical formation in various shapes. After that visit, we will continue to the nearby [South China Sea Pearl Museum], where we can learn some knowledge of pearls and have the chance to purchase real sea pearl at competitive prices. After dinner, we suggest that you take a cruise in the city's central area on a water system, which will absolutely give you a deep impression of Guilin.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
The [Longji Terraces] are located in Longsheng County and are a minority area with magnificent terraced rice paddies. Today we will drive there and enjoy a whole day in it. You may have a chance to take some wonderful pictures of minority people wearing exquisite costumes along the way. Located southeast of Longsheng, the rice terraces are built into the hillsides which look like great chains or ribbons as they wind from the foot to the top of the hill. This ingenious construction makes best use of the scare arable land and water resources in the mountainous area. Later this afternoon we will visit [Huangluo Red Yao minority village]. Women there all keep their hair to a length of more than one meter. You will be marvel at their characteristic red costumes and beauty.
Stay overnight in Longsheng.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will drop off at the Longsheng town in early this morning. You can see daily life of local people by visiting the local market to have interesting discovery. Then we will drive to Guilin city. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel, enjoy a leisure afternoon.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, this morning will be on your own, you can ride a bicycle around this small and lovely city to breathe the fresh air. After lunch, we will take a flight to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be free at leisure.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will have [a cycling tour to the West Lake]. It is undoubtedly the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, noted for the scenic beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites, which are famous throughout China. Sitting in a boat wandering on the river, enjoy the beautiful scenery. Solitary Hill, the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Ling Yin Temple and some most frequently visited attractions in this scenic area will be passed by. This afternoon we will pay a visit to [Hefang Old Street], a well-designed old pedestrian street which is the epitome of old Hangzhou. Shops selling art crafts, souvenirs, silk, teahouses, and restaurants line on both sides of the street. Many famous century-old shops including Hu Qing Yu Tang, Wang Xingji Fans can be found along the street. The Street is otherwise known as the Snack Street because you can find diverse foods there. You can choose to try some of the local flavors.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will head for Suzhou city, about 2.5hrs drive. First we will visit the [Humble Administrator's Garden], the largest private garden in Suzhou, as well as one of the four most famous classic gardens in China. Humble Administrator's Garden is a typical example of the art of horticulture south of Yangtze River as well as a treasure house containing arts of architecture, calligraphy, carving, painting, and bonsai. The rest of day, we can enjoy [ a cycling tour around the ancient part of the city] to experience local people’s daily life.
Stay overnight in Suzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we will drive to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. After a short rest, we will start our trip to the [Yuyuan Garden]. The surrounding bazaar area provides good shopping opportunities, where traditional Chinese products and gold and jewels are on sale. Next we will pay a visit to the [Jade Buddha Temple], an elegant structure famous for its Buddha statue which is carved of solid white jade and decorated by jewels. Lunch will be arranged at a characteristic Shanghai restaurant. After lunch our guide will guide you to the [Outer Bund], for a grand view of Shanghai and you may marvel at how modern this metropolis is while still containing its old traditions. You can enjoy a walk on the [Nanjing Road], the most prosperous commercial street. You will find lots of world famous brands setting along the street and enjoy a good time in shopping.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we will discover more about Shanghai by visiting the [Shanghai Museum], which is a very large one of ancient Chinese art. After lunch the rest of the day will be free at leisure.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Your China tour we sponsored will end after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing & Accommodation
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US Dollar -
Euro -
GB Pound -
CA Dollar -
AU Dollar -
HK Dollars -
Renminbi
| 1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-9 persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
| First Class Tour | $5138 | $3213 | $2739 | $2175 | $1140 |
| Comfortable Tour | $4096 | $2574 | $2092 | $1700 | $650 |
| Standard Tour | $3375 | $2180 | $1773 | $1294 | $420 |
* Price in every box above is for each person.
* The default currency is in US dollar. Please use the Currency Converter to see the equivalent quote in your currency. Price is for references only, it may vary according to your actual travel itinerary, travel time, hotel price rise or fall, US dollar exchange rate fluctuation, car fuel price change and government tax adjustment, etc..
* The price is only for your reference and it is subject to seasons, high or low.Please send us your inquiry if you are interested.
* The differences between First Class Tour, Comfortable Tour and Standard Tour are mainly reflected in the hotels we use. For First Class Tour, we use mostly 5 star hotels (or hotels corresponded to 5 star ones), 4 star hotels for Comfortable Tour and 3 star hotels for Standard Tour. But there’re exceptions when there come home stay experience, remote destinations and other specified circumstances in the itinerary.
| First Class Tour | Comfortable Tour | Standard Tour | |
| Beijing | Prime Hotel Beijing | Qianmen Jianguo Hotel Beijing | King Park View Hotel Beijing |
| Capital Hotel | Plaza Hotel Beijing | Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan | |
| Guilin | Sheraton Guilin | Bravo Hotel Guilin | Osmanthus Hotel Guilin |
| Shangri-la Hotel Guilin | Park Hotel Guilin | Hotel Universal Guilin | |
| Yangshuo | Green Lotus Hotel Yangshuo | Yangshuo New Century Hotel | Yangshuo Aiyuan Hotel |
| Yangshuo Resort | Yangshuo Tangrenjie Hotel | Yangshuo Regency Holiday Hotel | |
| Longsheng | Guesthouse | Guesthouse | Guesthouse |
| Hangzhou | Shangri-la Hotel Hangzhou | Lakeview Hotel | Lily Hotel |
| Zhejiang International Hotel | Wuyang Hotel | Hongdu Hotel | |
| Suzhou | Garden Hotel Suzhou | Youngor Central Hotel | Suzhou Overseas Chinese Hotel |
| Pan Pacific Suzhou | Jasmine Suzhou Holiday Inn | Suzhou Friendship Hotel | |
| Shanghai | Hilton Shanghai Hotel | New Century Hotel Shanghai | Swan Hotel Shanghai |
| Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel | Ocean Hotel Shanghai | Anting Villa Hotel Shanghai |
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Attraction Entrance Fees
- Centrally Located Hotels
- Authentic Chinese Food
- Private Experienced Guides
- Private Cars/Van with Drivers
- Internal Flights/Train(s) in China
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Fees
- Service Charge & Government Taxes
- Travel Insurance
Exclusions:
- International Airfare to Enter/Leave China
- China Entry Visa Fees
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Personal Expenses
- Single Room Supplement
- Tips or Gifts to Guides/Drivers/Bellmen
Important Information
How to Pack up for This Tour
We suggest that each person packs up one rollable suitcase with the weight under 20 kg/44lb. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones.
We can provide you with bicycles locally in places where we have bike tours. If you are really bicycle enthusiast, for sure you can bring your own bicycle, but better a folding and light one which is easy to carry when not in use. Remember to keep safety in mind while riding bicycle in any place.
The following cycler's checklist will help to plan your bicycle tour. Not all items listed will be needed on this trip. Pack only what you need.
Bicycle (We can provide you with common bicycles in this tour)
Water bottles and carriers
Rear pannier carrier and bags
Front pannier carrier and bags
Handlebar bag
Front light with spare batteries and bulb
Security lock
Extra straps or bungee cords to secure gear
Clothing
Bike helmet
Long underwear
Cycling shorts
T-shirt
Sweater
Insulated hat
Warm Jacket
Cycling gloves
Rain suit (jacket and pants)
Gloves
Windbreaker
Cycling shoes
Camp / hiking shoes
Miscellaneous
Wrap-style sunglasses
Multi-tool knife
Compass
Waterproof matches
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Nylon cord
Sewing kit
Camera and film
A Common Checklist
It's only for reference and you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
ChinaExpeditionTours vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers 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.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with ChinaExpeditionTours you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally breakfasts and lunches are included except dinners to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an "emergency" fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control, necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $6-$10 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for driver, it could be half. If necessary, ask your tour leader or call your ChinaExpeditionTours tour advisor for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. If you have a tour leader for the whole tour, at the end of the trip if you felt he/she did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are all e-tickets. They are issued locally and you will be given the information of them prior to the flight departure.
Laundry
Generally laundry facilities are offered by our hotels for a charge. You also can go to a laundry service center near your hotel to have your clothing washed at a lower cost. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Safety and Security
We can make bicycling safer for all by observing the following safety tips: first, always wear a helmet, second, obey all traffic controls, third, always use hand signals when turning or stopping, and more, and look out for cars at cross street, driveways, and parking places. You need to be careful when checking traffic and don't swerve when looking over your shoulder.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Many of the hotels we cooperate with have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
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. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides 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 or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides 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 judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of China but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for ChinaExpeditionTours travelers. 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. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
If you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad, a good health and confidence in physical strength are important. This trip may contain a fair amount of walking up and down steps in towns or climbing mountains. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is highly suggested to bring forth. ChinaExpeditionTours reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Medical Form
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an "average level of fitness and mobility" is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own bags at a minimum. Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your ChinaExpeditionTours leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Passport & Visas
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. Americans, British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government. For the most up to date information please check your governments' foreign ministry website. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact us so we can get into touch with your tour leader or local guide quickly by their cell phone and they can pass their cell phone to you! We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and we'll record you and give you ChinaExpeditionTours travel points so you can use the points to get discount for your next ChinaExpeditionTours trip or your friends' ChinaExpeditionTours tours.
