Cycling Tour in China

Guangxi province, Southern China

Our travel tips

Money
China is still largely a cash economy and credit cards are not accepted in the majority of shops and restaurants. There are several banks with ATM machines in Guilin and Yangshuo where you can obtain cash or exchange cash or travellers's checks but there will be no access to banks outside theses centres.  You need to allow enough money for meals, soft or alcoholic drinks, optional activities and souvenirs.  At the time of writing the exchange rate was 1 euro = 8.8 cny. 
An average meal should cost between 3 to 6 euro.  A chocolate bar is 0.9 euro.  A beer is 0.6 euro in a local restaurant and 2 to 3 euro in a western style bar.  Soft drink is 0.6 euro.

Accommodation
For four nights we stay in comfortable, centrally located, three star standard hotels with en-suite bathrooms, hot water and air-conditioning.  Three nights are in more basic, but clean, hotels in rural villages and towns also with private bathrooms, hot water and air-conditioning. Two nights are in clean, traditional style guesthouses with bathrooms and hot water that are chosen for their amazing locations and cultural appeal. 
 
Weather
From late September weather is generally warm and humid with temperatures ranging from 15C in the evenings and up to 30C during the day.  It can be a few degrees cooler in the mountains.

What to pack
Biking helmet, gloves, shorts, sunglasses, water bottles and spare inner tube(s) (unless hiring a bike), waterproof jacket, sun cream and lip balm, warm jacket/sweater/fleece for evenings, small day sack and favourite energy snacks and swimming gear.
Local Bike Hire Bikes are available for hire and should be requested at the time of booking.  The rental bikes available are near new condition, aluminium frame, hard tail, 27 speed mountain bikes with hydraulic discs in 15, 17, 19, 21 inch sizes.  You can bring your own SPD pedals and seat, which can be fitted on rented bikes.  Included in the rental is maintenance for the duration of the trip. You may also bring your own bike if you are more comfortable on your own equipment.  We recommend you make sure your bike has a thorough service and adequate spares are brought with you. Please check our packing recommendations and suggestions for a bike tour here.

Fitness level
This trip is accessible for those with a good level of fitness.  There will be some physically demanding ascents and some technically demanding descents.  We will be cycling mainly on sealed roads but on several days we will be off road on unsealed roads or trails.  On some of the trails there may be some sections we may have to push or carry our bikes.  The support vehicle, however, is always available for those that may need to be off their bikes.  The support van will carry our water and break supplies, spares and luggage. You will be required to carry your luggage from the support vehicle to your room at the end of each day's ride.

Entry requirements
Visas must be obtained from a Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.  Tourist visas are typically valid for six months from when they are issued and allow a single entry of up to one month from the day of entry into China.  Costs of visas vary from nationality to nationality so you should contact your nearest embassy or check updates on the Chinese Embassy website in your country for the latest information.

Vaccinations
You are advised to be up to date with vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria and polio. You should also be covered for hepatitis A and B and typhoid. Whilst the incidence of rabies in the Guilin area is extremely low you could possibly consider injections. We recommend you consult your local travel clinic or doctor for advice.