Cycling In Beijing Trip
Beijing, a city of amazing contrast. At first glance, cycling in this timeless city may not seem like the most rewarding passionate endeavor – the tainted air surrounding the city does anything but inspire you to embark on such adventures; however, take a drive over the first mountain range and a cycling paradise awaits you, so also does better air and beautiful blue skies. Out here, high above the city, lies thousands of kilometers of quiet, snaking mountain roads to rival the best cycling destinations in the world.
Expect to be blown away by stunning sceneries, big climbs, adventurous back roads, great local restaurants and of course, some coffee stops.
Over the next 8 days, enjoy an amazing authentic Beijing experience. Cycle an average of 50-miles through the mountain tops, view life from the perspective of over 20 million Beijing residents, and submerge yourself in 3000 years of rich cultural history.
Enjoy all that Beijing has to offer with this journey of exploration.
Day 1 Arrive in Beijing (D)
On arrival, we will transport you from the airport to a cozy 4 star hotel in Beijing for a quick break, after which we’ll take time to verify all our equipment. A welcome dinner to get you accustomed to the environment.
Day 2 City exploration: Temple of Heaven –Forbidden City (B/L/D)
Distance: 35 kilometers
Route: Hotel- Beijing City Wall Relics- Temple of Heaven- National Centre for the Performing Arts- Tiananmen Sauare- Forbidden city- Jingshan Park- Houhai- Drum Tower – Nanluoguxiang – Hotel
Summary: The tour starts with a bicycle ride through the middle axis of Beijing, after which a quick stop will be made at the Beijing City Wall Relics. From there on, the tour takes a few more trips around Beijing visiting sites like: the Temple of Heaven, National Centre for the Performing Arts located at the western part of the city, local markets, restaurants and lots more. We then cycle through Tian An Men Square to the Chinese “White House” – Climb the hill in the center of the park, and you can catch a remarkable view of the Forbidden City. After the tour, we all head back to the 4 start hotel in Beijing.
Day 3 Lama Temple – Temple of Earth- Olympic Village – 798 Art District (B/L/D)
Distance:41 Km
Day 3 starts with a bicycle ride to the Olympic Park. Arguably the best park in Beijing, it is home to the Temple of Earth. After that, we ride north until we see the 2008 Summer Olympics site. The Bird Nest and Water Cube stadiums are still as impressive as ever. Head north until you reach Olympic Forest Park. Here, you’ll find local serious bikers, who meet at nights to bike laps on the open road. Afterwards, proceed to your last destination. We head back to the hotel after the tour.
Day 4 Beijing to Miyun (B/L/D)
Distance: 60-100 kilometers
Cumulative Climbing: 600m
Our guide will meet up with you at the hotel by 08:00 AM, check bikes before heading out for some cycling laps around the Miyun Reservoir to freshen the legs up.
Day 4 ride is a short one but can be extended if time permits.
Day 5 Miyun to Huairou (B/L/D)
Distance: 124 kilometers
Cumulative Climbing: 2580m
Day 5 route takes in some of the most beautiful sceneries Beijing has to offer. We’ll ride up through the spectacular Baihe Valley, known among local Beijing riders as the “100km natural art gallery” for its incredible views. We’ll follow a perfect, smooth and virtually carless road that snakes its way up the white cliffs lining the valley, before finishing off in Huairou for a well-earned feast at one of Beijing’s best loved eateries, specializing in Sichuan food. We’ll be spending the night at a guest house on Day 5.
Day 6 Huairou to Yanqing (B/L/D)
Distance: 112 kilometers Cumulative Climbing: 1400m
Day 6. We will tackle one of Beijing’s biggest climbs – the mighty Sihai Mountain – and take in a few back roads where you’ll have to be extremely lucky to catch a glimpse of a car. We’ll stop mid-ride for lunch and to walk on the Great Wall of China, Don’t forget your camera. The tour ends with an overnight stay at a nice hotel in Yanqing.
Day 7 Yanqing to Changping (B/L/D)
Distance: 130-160 kilometers Cumulative Climbing: 1586m
Overnight at a nice hotel in Yanqing.
Day 7 We take you through a maze of tiny back roads and long forgotten climbs. Cars don’t travel here much, but plenty of riders do. See if you can match Beijing’s best climbers on the short climbs we tackle today. We finish off with a celebratory dinner in Changping. Overnight in Changping.
Day8: Changping/Home (B)
Depending on your flight schedule and hangover from the previous night’s drinks, You might be able to squeeze one last early morning ride in before packing up (Depending on the time of your flight). The drive back to the airport is around 90 minutes. The end of our amazing cycling tour…