Cycling the Yangshuo Countryside

Yangshuo cycling — the finest rural cycling in China through karst valleys

Outdoor & CyclingGuilin, GuangxiOctober-April for dry roads. Spring for green rice and flowers. Weekday for quietest roads.Full day
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By Qianyi·Updated March 2026·10 min read

Intro

Cycling the countryside around Yangshuo is one of the great travel experiences in China. The flat terrain of the Li River valley is perfectly suited to cycling — quiet country lanes pass through rice paddies, bamboo groves, and traditional villages with karst peaks providing a constant dramatic backdrop. The Yulong River valley route is the most celebrated, following a quiet river through scenery even more pristine than the famous Li River.

Best Time to Visit

October-April for dry roads. Spring for green rice and flowers. Weekday for quietest roads.

Highlights

Getting There

Bicycle hire from countless shops in Yangshuo town (¥40-80/day). The Yulong River route begins 5 kilometres from town.

Tickets & Entry

Bicycle hire ¥40-80/day.

Practical Tips

Hire a decent quality mountain bike — the roads are mostly flat but some sections are rough. The Yulong River bridge is the best mid-point rest stop. Allow a full day for the Yulong circuit with stops.

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Quick Facts

DurationFull day
Best timeOctober-April for dry roads. Spring for green rice and flowers. Weekday for quietest roads.