Cycle China

Dates: 09 May - 20 May 2009
Min sponsorship: £3250
Registration fee: £349
Contact: ndcschallenges@ndcs.org.uk

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart

Depart London for Beijing.

Day 2

Beijing - Jinshanlin

Morning arrival in Beijing and transfer from the airport to the hotel in Jinshanlin. In the afternoon, take a short walk to see the Great Wall up-close, as it stretches across the hills north of Beijing. Return to the hotel for dinner and a detailed trip briefing.

Day 3

Jinshanlin – Yulin

Transfer back to Beijing to connect to your flight to Yulin, a large town south of the Gobi desert. In centuries past, this section of the Great Wall protected the Chinese from the fearsome Mongolians. Relax at the hotel with your group, in preparation for the ride ahead.

Day 4

Yulin – Hengshan

120km cycling

The ride begins at an impressive fortress on the Great Wall, before heading through Yulin and into the countryside. Quickly, you’re away from the traffic and in remote and beautiful countryside. This area of gently rolling hills is rarely seen and appreciated by tourists. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5

Hengshan – Jingbian

100km cycling

A shorter day’s ride through small villages and cultivated landscape. It’s also a chance to meet the local people, as we stop off for breaks during the day. Our destination, Jingbian, is a large town at 1450m above sea level. Its frenetic, bustling streets offer a chance to see the effects of China’s rapidly expanding economy up-close.

Day 6

Jingbian – An Sai

145km cycling

Head out of the sprawling city into the Chinese countryside once more. You’ll find some remnants of the Great Wall are visible as you head south. After some miles, you’ll leave the main road and head into the hills, the road twisting and turning with some very steep sections. This tough day’s cycle finishes with a descent alongside the river to your hotel in the town of An Sai.

Day 7

An Sai – Village

100km cycling

An exciting day’s cycling, ending with a night under the stars in the picturesque surroundings. First, you’ll head to the large town of Yan An, a location that looms large in China’s modern history as the final destination of The Red Army’s Long March in 1936-7. Afterwards, you’ll cycle deep into rural China. This evening, due to the remote location, you’ll camp among the hills in this beautiful area.

Day 8

Village – Enichuan

60km cycling

A less strenuous, more relaxed day. Leaving your camp behind, head along a gently sloping road, taking in farms and orchards. Then pass through several towns with colourful markets, before climbing into the hills and descending to Enichuan, a remote town set into the hills.

Day 9

Enichuan – Huanglong

97km cycling

Today’s ride offers some of the most spectacular views, as you reach the trip’s highest point of 1,700 metres. Leaving the bustle of Enichuan behind, you’ll head along gentle roads into the countryside before some very challenging climbs. As well as wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, you’ll also enjoy some exhilarating descents.

Day 10

Huanglong – Xian

35km cycling

The final day of riding. After a series of climbs, you’ll end your amazing cycle with a spectacular 12km descent, passing farmed terraces, to the finishing point above a meandering river.
From here, you’ll journey by coach to Xian, home of the world-famous Terracotta Army. End the day with a well-earned relax in the hotel in Xian.

Day 11

Beijing - Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square

After an early flight to the Chinese capital, you can take a guided tour to remember through the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. In the evening, have a last meal together to celebrate your achievement and an unforgettable experience.

Day 12

Arrive in the UK

Fly from Beijing to London.

Back to main page

View diary

View picture gallery