Cycling in China
Including Erhai Lake Greenways (Dali), G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Kangding Section), and Guilin and Yangshuo Karst Countryside. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling across the countryside feels like navigating a living tapestry of terraced fields and bustling village life that moves at a refreshingly human pace. The shoulder seasons are ideal, avoiding the sweltering heat of summer and the biting cold of winter. You will find a blend of dedicated bike paths in some regions and shared, chaotic road space where you must be comfortable navigating alongside local traffic.
Erhai Lake Greenways (Dali)
Yunnan
Timfrakes / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Enjoy dedicated lakeside cycling tracks encircling Erhai Lake beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Cangshan Mountain range. The route connects traditional Bai minority villages, ancient towns, and peaceful wetland parks.
Access. Arrive in Dali via train or Dali Airport; rental bikes, e-bikes, and support shops line the entire lakeshore loop.
Notes. Mild weather year-round; the 120km loop is fully paved and largely traffic-free on designated greenway sections.
G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Kangding Section)
Sichuan
Weiguang Teng / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Conquer legendary high-altitude mountain passes on the famed Southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway, featuring grueling switchbacks, rushing rivers, and snow-capped peaks. This is the ultimate bucket-list destination for endurance road cyclists and long-distance tourers.
Access. Fly into Chengdu, take transport to Kangding, and embark on supported or unsupported multi-day expeditions westward.
Notes. Extreme high altitudes (exceeding 4,000m on multiple passes), steep grades, and heavy truck traffic require advanced preparation and caution.
Guilin and Yangshuo Karst Countryside
Guangxi
bugflickr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Pedal through a surreal landscape of jagged limestone karst peaks, winding rivers, and emerald green paddy fields. The region offers tranquil rural paved roads and packed dirt farm tracks ideal for immersive countryside exploration.
Access. Fly to Guilin or take a high-speed train to Yangshuo; numerous bike rental agencies and guided tour operators operate throughout Yangshuo town.
Notes. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures; watch out for heavy tourist traffic on main roads near West Street.
Hainan Island Coastal Ring Route
Hainan
Embark on a tropical multi-day cycling journey around the perimeter of Hainan Island, passing through coconut groves, quiet fishing villages, and sandy beaches. The recently completed Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway provides world-class cycling infrastructure.
Access. Fly into Haikou or Sanya; major bike rental outfitters offer full touring setups and luggage transfer services.
Notes. Tropical climate requires sun protection and hydration; typhoon season runs from July to October.
Lantau Island
Hong Kong
Teucrium viscidum 410100563.jpg — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Lantau offers some of the most challenging road climbs in Hong Kong, including the ascent to Ngong Ping. The island features a mix of steep, winding paved roads and technical mountain bike trails, providing a rugged escape from the city's density.
Access. Accessible via ferry from Central or MTR to Tung Chung, where bike rentals are available for trail access.
Notes. Traffic can be heavy on weekends; steep gradients require good fitness and reliable brakes.
Macau Peninsula Coastal Waterfront
Macau
LN9267 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A scenic urban cycling route running along the Outer Harbour and Nam Van Lake, offering views of modern casinos and historic colonial architecture. The paved paths provide a pleasant ride with dedicated lanes in sections for cyclists exploring the city's coastal edges.
Access. Bike rentals are available near Taipa or via local bike-share apps; accessible from central Macau or the Ferry Terminal.
Notes. Pedestrian traffic can be high on weekends. Best enjoyed during early mornings or late afternoons.
Moganshan Bamboo Hills
Zhejiang
Annj28 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Discover exceptional gravel riding and paved hill climbs winding through dense bamboo forests, historic European-style villas, and tea plantations. Located just northwest of Hangzhou, it is a premier weekend getaway for gravel grinders and road cyclists.
Access. High-speed rail to Deqing Station, followed by a short taxi or ride up into the Moganshan resort area where bike rentals are available.
Notes. Popular weekend escape from Shanghai and Hangzhou; steep descents require good brake maintenance.
Pingtan Island Coastal Loop
Fujian
N509FZ / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Experience scenic coastal cycling across Fujian's Pingtan Island, featuring dramatic wind-swept shores, modern bridges, and smooth seaside roads. Cyclists can tour traditional stone houses and pristine beaches with dedicated cycling infrastructure.
Access. Accessible via high-speed rail to Pingtan Station from Fuzhou; local bike rentals and shops are widely available in the main town.
Notes. Best ridden in spring and autumn; coastal winds can be exceptionally strong year-round.
Qinghai Lake Circuit
Qinghai Province
牛糞 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Circle China's largest saltwater lake at an elevation of over 3,200 meters on smooth, paved high-altitude roads. The route traverses vast golden rapeseed fields, nomadic grasslands, and shimmering azure waters, hosting the famous Tour of Qinghai Lake.
Access. Fly into Xining, rent touring or road bikes locally, and begin the multi-day loop from Xiashe or Heimahe.
Notes. High altitude requires careful acclimatization; summer months (July–August) offer the best weather and blooming rapeseed fields.
Sayram Lake Alpine Loop (Xinjiang)
Xinjiang
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Cycle around the crystal-clear alpine waters of Sayram Lake in northern Xinjiang, encircled by snow-capped Tianshan peaks and vast grasslands. The fully paved lakeside highway offers breathtaking panoramic views at an elevation of over 2,000 meters.
Access. Fly into Urumqi, take a train or domestic flight to Yining, and access the lake via local tour transport or vehicle rental.
Notes. Best visited between June and September; high UV exposure and crisp mountain winds require appropriate gear.