China is vast and diverse, offering cycling routes that cater to seasoned riders seeking high-altitude and borderland challenges, as well as scenic lake and coastal routes perfect for beginners. Below is a selection of the most popular and rewarding cycling destinations and corresponding routes, featuring a variety of difficulty levels and landscapes.
High Altitude Challenges
1. Sichuan-Tibet Highway: Chengdu to Lhasa (川藏线:成都—拉萨)
- Distance: 2,100 km
- Scenery: ★★★★★
- Difficulty: ★★★★★
- Popularity: ★★★★★
Route Overview
Chengdu (成都市) → Ya’an (雅安市) → Kangding County (康定县) → Yajiang County (雅江县) → Litang County (理塘县) → Batang County (巴塘县) → Mangkam County (芒康县) → Zuogong County (左贡县) → Basu County (八宿县) → Bomi County (波密县) → Nyingchi County (林芝县) → Gongbujiangda County (工布江达县) → Mozhugongka County (墨竹工卡县) → Lhasa (拉萨)
Why It’s Popular
The Sichuan-Tibet Highway is one of the most iconic cycling routes into Tibet, renowned for its stunning natural scenery, including high-altitude grasslands, roaring rivers, and snow-capped peaks. The famous “119 Ban” section is especially popular among cyclists. This route is physically demanding, attracting riders seeking both adventure and scenic beauty.
Route Features
- Crosses the Min River (岷江), Dadu River (大渡河), Yalong River (雅砻江), Jinsha River (金沙江), Lancang River (澜沧江), and Nu River (怒江).
- Traverses more than ten mountain passes, including Zheduo Mountain Pass (折多山), Ga’ersi Mountain Pass (高尔寺山), and Mila Mountain Pass (米拉山).
- Most passes exceed 4,000 meters, with Dongda Mountain Pass and Mila Mountain Pass over 5,000 meters.
- Cyclists must navigate steep climbs every two days, along with potential hazards like landslides and mudslides.
Best Time to Ride
Late spring or early autumn is ideal. The full journey typically takes 25–30 days.
Preparation Tips
- Engage in high-intensity training: long rides, uphill climbs, multi-day rides, and overnight stays outdoors.
- Familiarize yourself with your bike, and if it’s new, complete a break-in period before the trip.
- Learn basic repair skills, including tire patching, as professional repair services are scarce along sections from Kangding to Bayi.
Food and Accommodation
Predominantly Sichuan-style restaurants, supplemented with energy bars, chocolate, and peanuts. Carrying large amounts of dry rations is unnecessary.
G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway (川藏线) – Chengdu to Lhasa
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Distance: Approximately 2,140 km
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Duration: 20-30 days
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Highest Point: 5,013 meters at Mila Pass (米拉山口)
This route is considered the "ultimate dream" for cyclists. It crosses the Hengduan Mountains (横断山脉), offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, sacred alpine lakes, grasslands, valleys, and the dramatic 72 Bends of Nujiang (怒江72拐). It also immerses riders in the unique Tibetan culture. The best times to ride are mid-to-late May to mid-June or September to early October, avoiding the rainy season in July and August.
Duku Highway (独库公路) – Dushanzi to Kuqa
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Distance: 561 km
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Duration: 5-7 days
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Highest Point: 3,400 meters
Regarded as one of the most beautiful roads in China, this route crosses the Tian Shan Mountains (天山). You can experience all four seasons in a single day, passing through desert canyons, prairie streams, snow-capped mountains, and forests. The road is only open from June to October.
Qinghai Lake Loop (环游青海湖)
- Distance: ~360 km
- Scenery: ★★★★
- Difficulty: ★
- Popularity: ★★★
Route Overview
Clockwise loop around Qinghai Lake (青海湖): Heimahe Township (黑马河乡) → Bird Island (鸟岛) → Gangcha County (刚察县) → Xihai Town (西海镇) → Huangyuan County (湟源县)
Why It’s Popular
Qinghai Lake, a sacred highland lake, is known for its beautiful natural scenery. Bird Island on the northwest side is often referred to as the “Kingdom of Birds”, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and cyclists alike.
Route Features
- Excellent road conditions due to cycling races in the area.
- Altitude is 3,200 meters, usually safe from severe altitude sickness.
- Climate is variable: cold mornings and evenings, strong sun during the day. August daytime temperatures range from 10–20°C.
Best Time to Ride
Summer (July–mid-August). Birdwatching peaks from May–July, but May is often too cold for cycling. July–August offers blooming rapeseed flowers along the lake, creating stunning scenery. Ride duration: 4–7 days.
Preparation Tips
- Bring essential medications: cold medicine, anti-diarrheal, allergy medicine, and topical ointments.
- Pack sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against strong high-altitude sunlight.
Qinghai Lake Cycling Route (环青海湖)
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Distance: 360 km
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Duration: 4-5 days
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Highest Point: 3,800 meters
An intermediate-level route, this circuit around Qinghai Lake (青海湖) features breathtaking blue waters and expansive grasslands. The best time to cycle is from June to September, particularly during the summer months when fields of rapeseed flowers (油菜花) bloom, creating a stunning contrast with the lake's deep blue hues.
Cultural and Scenic Routes
Grand Canal Route (京杭大运河线) – Beijing to Hangzhou
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Distance: 1,780 km
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Duration: 18-28 days
This route follows the ancient Grand Canal (大运河), connecting Beijing and Hangzhou. It passes through several historical cities, including Cangzhou (沧州), Xuzhou (徐州), Yangzhou (扬州), and Suzhou (苏州), where riders can explore ancient bridges, waterways, and local cultures. It is perfect for beginners looking for a long-distance, low-difficulty ride.
Desert “Green Search” Route: Urumqi to Dunhuang (大漠里的“寻绿”之旅)
- Distance: ~990 km
- Scenery: ★★★
- Difficulty: ★★
- Popularity: ★★
Route Overview
Urumqi (乌鲁木齐市) → Dabancheng District (达坂城区) → Turpan (吐鲁番市) → Shanshan County (鄯善县) → Yiwanquan Village (一碗泉村) → Hami City (哈密市) → Luotuojiazi Village (骆驼圈子村) → Xingxingxia Town (星星峡镇) → Liuyuan Town, Gansu Province (甘肃省柳园镇) → Xihu Township (西湖乡) → Dunhuang (敦煌市)
Why It’s Popular
This route offers a stunning contrast between arid deserts and lush oases, making it unique and visually striking. After cycling across the barren Gobi desert, reaching a green oasis full of fruits and local ethnic culture is immensely rewarding.
Route Features
- Mostly flat Gobi roads with minimal elevation changes.
- Wind is the main challenge: headwinds and crosswinds can be strong.
- Extremely hot route with large day-night temperature differences. Warm clothing is recommended for evenings.
Best Time to Ride
August–October, when the weather is crisp and fruits are ripe. Ride duration: 10–15 days.
Preparation Tips
- Most towns along the route have professional bike shops.
- Bring spare tubes, patch kits, and basic repair tools.
Silk Road – Hexi Corridor (丝绸之路河西走廊段) – Lanzhou to Dunhuang
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Distance: 1,100 km
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Duration: 10-15 days
This route follows the ancient Silk Road (丝绸之路), passing through oases nourished by the snowmelt from the Qilian Mountains (祁连山). You’ll pass through ancient cities such as Wuwei (武威), Zhangye (张掖), and Jiuquan (酒泉), and visit iconic landmarks like the Jiayu Pass (嘉峪关) and the Yadan Desert (雅丹地貌), experiencing the grandeur of the ancient trade route.
Yunnan-Tibet Route (滇藏线) – Dali to Mangkang (G318 Connection)
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Distance: 780 km
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Duration: 8-12 days
This route offers cyclists the chance to experience the beauty of the Three Parallel Rivers (三江并流) area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the way, cyclists will encounter the Lancang River (澜沧江) Gorge, which drops 3,500 meters, and the beautiful Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山). The route also takes you to the only century-old French Catholic church in Tibet, located in Yanjing (盐井), a unique cultural site.
Coastal and Island Routes
Hainan Island Circuit (海南岛环岛)
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Distance: 920 km
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Duration: Approximately 10 days
This scenic route offers three main lines: East, West, and Central. The East Line (海口 - 三亚) runs along the coast with excellent road conditions and tourist facilities, while the West Line (三亚 - 海口) provides a more remote experience with pristine landscapes. The Central Line crosses the Wuzhi Mountain (五指山), where you can enjoy rainforests and ethnic culture. The best time for cycling is from November to May when the average temperature is around 22°C.
Taiwan Island Cycling Route (台湾环岛) – Taiwan 1 Line + Taiwan 9 Line
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Distance: 1,200 km
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Duration: 9-14 days
This circular route around Taiwan (台湾) offers diverse landscapes, including the dramatic cliff roads along the Su Hua Highway (苏花公路), tropical to temperate vegetation changes along the Ali Mountain (阿里山) road, and plenty of opportunities to sample Taiwan's local cuisine and experience its cultural charm.
Leisure Routes
Qiandao Lake Circuit (环千岛湖)
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Distance: 140 km
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Duration: 1-2 days
This leisurely route surrounds the stunning Qiandao Lake (千岛湖), with scenic views of rapeseed flower fields, clear lake waters, and ancient buildings. Spring and autumn are the best times for cycling, with rapeseed flowers blooming in the spring and the trees turning vibrant colors in the fall.
Taihu Lake Circuit (环太湖)
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Distance: 300 km
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Duration: 3 days
This route starts from Suzhou (苏州) and links multiple scenic spots in Jiangsu (江苏) and Zhejiang (浙江) provinces. The path alternates between lake views, ancient towns, and tea plantations, offering easy cycling suitable for weekend getaways.
Border and Off-the-Beaten-Path Routes
Karakoram Highway (喀喇昆仑公路) – Kashgar to Hongqila Pass
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Distance: 420 km
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Duration: 5-7 days
This challenging route offers cyclists the chance to experience the Muztagh Ata (慕士塔格峰) glacier, cross the Gai Zi Gorge (盖孜峡谷), and witness some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Karakoram Mountains (喀喇昆仑山脉), although there are restrictions on photography in the border area.
Northeast Border Route (东北边境线) – Dandong to Mohe
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Distance: 2,800 km
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Duration: 25-40 days
This route takes cyclists through the Ussuri River (乌苏里江) and across the Xiaoxing’an Mountains (小兴安岭), passing through the snowy forests of the Taiga (泰加林). It’s best to start this adventure in the summer, as the later months could see heavy snow in the Taha River (塔河) to Mohe (漠河).
Southwest Hidden Challenges
Bingzhongluo to Chawalong to Zayu (丙察察线)
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Distance: 270 km
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Duration: 5-8 days
This highly challenging off-road route is often referred to as the "Seventh Road to Tibet." It traverses through Nujiang Grand Canyon (怒江大峡谷), ancient Tibetan villages, and remote mountain passes, offering cyclists an unparalleled sense of adventure.
Erhai Lake Circuit (环洱海骑行)
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Distance: 130 km
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Duration: 1-2 days
This is an easy and scenic cycling route in Dali (大理), Yunnan (云南), taking you around Erhai Lake (洱海). You can enjoy the local Bai ethnic culture, visit traditional villages, and stop by Shuanglang (双廊) and Xizhou (喜洲) to sample local delicacies.
China offers a wide range of cycling routes, from the challenging high-altitude routes in the Tibet Plateau (青藏高原) to the serene coastal routes along Taiwan (台湾) and Hainan Island (海南岛). Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just looking for a relaxing ride, there’s a route for everyone to explore and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of this vast country.
Top 40 Premium Cycling Routes in China | Complete Cycling Destination Guide
This comprehensive guide gathers 43 top-tier cycling routes across China, compiled from mainstream outdoor travel resources nationwide. Each route covers cycling duration, total mileage, stopover destinations, 1 to 5-star difficulty rating, core sightseeing themes and featured natural & cultural landscapes. Well-structured for travel website publishing and cycling guidebooks, this collection caters to professional long-distance riders, intermediate cycling enthusiasts and casual beginner travelers alike.
Extreme Level ★★★★★
Exclusive for skilled riders, featuring high altitude, ultra-long distances and rigorous outdoor challenges.
1. G318 Sichuan-Tibet South Route (Chengdu → Lhasa)
2. G219 Xinjiang-Tibet Route (Yecheng → Lhasa)
3. Bingchacha Route (Bingzhongluo → Chayu)
- Cycling Days: 4–6 days
- Total Mileage: Around 270km
- Route Stops: Bingzhongluo (丙中洛) → Chawalong (察瓦龙) → Xiongzhula Pass (雄珠拉) → Yixiula Pass (益秀拉) → Chayu (察隅)
- Difficulty: ★★★★★
Frequent landslides, falling rocks and narrow cliff roads, steep rugged paths, not recommended for novice cyclists.
- Sightseeing Theme: Nujiang Grand Canyon exploration, primitive hidden land, iconic Tibet-bound dangerous mountain roads
- Landscape Highlights: First Bend of Nujiang River (怒江第一湾), dry-hot river valleys, untouched primeval forests, snow-capped mountain passes, ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) and diverse ethnic minority villages.
4. G217 Duku Highway (Dushanzi → Kuqa)
- Cycling Days: 6–7 days
- Total Mileage: 561km
- Route Stops: Dushanzi (独山子) → Tangbula Grassland (唐布拉) → Nalati Grassland (那拉提) → Bayanbulak (巴音布鲁克) → Kuqa (库车)
- Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Dramatic weather changes with four seasons in one day, long steep slopes, sharp winding curves, only accessible in summer seasons.
- Sightseeing Theme: Tianshan Mountain backbone scenery, alpine grasslands and snow peaks, grand canyon landscapes
- Landscape Highlights: Anjihai Grand Canyon (安集海大峡谷), Nalati Grassland (那拉提草原), Bayanbulak Nine Curves & Eighteen Bends (巴音布鲁克九曲十八弯), Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (天山神秘大峡谷) and serene alpine lakes.
5. Ali Grand Loop (Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Mount Everest → Mount Kailash → Lhasa)
6. Gansu-Qinghai Silk Road Route (Dunhuang → Xihai Town → Qinghai Lake Loop)
7. Yunnan-Tibet Route (Dali → Lhasa)
Advanced Level ★★★★☆
Boasting top-tier natural scenery, suitable for riders with solid physical strength and rich cycling experience.
8. Qinghai Lake Loop (Xihai Town → Xihai Town)
9. Greater Shangri-La Loop (Sichuan-Yunnan-Xizang Border Area)
10. Kanas Loop (Burqin → Hemu → Kanas → Burqin)
11. Western Sichuan Grand Loop (Chengdu → Siguniang Mountain → Danba → Xinduqiao → Seda → Chengdu)
12. Taihang No.1 Highway (Jincheng → Changzhi → Handan)
13. Taihu Lake Loop (Suzhou → Wuxi → Huzhou → Suzhou)
14. Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Route (Beijing → Hangzhou)
15. Yunnan Three Parallel Rivers Route (Lijiang → Bingzhongluo → Tengchong)
Classic Level ★★★☆☆
Picturesque landscapes with moderate difficulty, perfectly friendly for beginner riders looking to level up.
16. Hainan Island Coastal Loop (Haikou → Sanya → Haikou)
17. Qiandao Lake Loop (Chunan → Chunan)
18. Dali Erhai Lake Loop (Dali Ancient City → Dali Ancient City)
19. Hulunbuir Grassland Route (Hailar → Manzhouli → Shiwei → Hailar)
20. Gannan Rock Road (Lanzhou → Zagana → Langmusi → Lanzhou)
21. Fujian-Zhejiang Coastal Route (Ningbo → Xiapu)
22. Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route (Ningguo → Jingxian)
23. Fuchun River Greenway (Tonglu → Jiande)
24. Dianchi Lake Loop (Kunming → Dianchi Lake → Kunming)
25. Northern Guangdong Karst Loop (Guangzhou → Qingyuan → Yingde → Shaoguan → Guangzhou)
26. Guangxi China-Vietnam Border Route (Nanning → Detian Waterfall → Jingxi → Beihai)
27. Ejin Populus Euphratica Loop (Yinchuan → Ejin Banner → Zhangye → Yinchuan)
28. Yunnan Fuxian Lake Loop (Yuxi → Fuxian Lake → Yuxi)
29. Fujian Tulou Loop (Xiamen → Zhangzhou → Longyan → Xiamen)
30. Lishui Ancient Village Route in Zhejiang (Lishui → Songyang → Suichang → Lishui)
31. Shandong Jiaodong Peninsula Route (Qingdao → Weihai → Yantai → Qingdao)
32. Chengdu Urban Ring Greenway (Chengdu → Ring Expressway Greenway → Chengdu)
33. Guilin Yangshuo Cycling Route (Yangshuo → Ten-Mile Gallery → Xingping → Yangshuo)
Leisure Level ★★★☆☆
Effortless and stress-free riding, perfectly tailored for cycling beginners and casual travelers.
34. Yanqing Hundred-Mile Landscape Gallery in Beijing (Yanqing → Qianjiadian → Yanqing)
35. Taihu Xishan Island Route in Suzhou, Jiangsu (Suzhou → Xishan Island → Suzhou)
36. Zhuhai Lover’s Road in Guangdong (Zhuhai → Lover’s Road → Zhuhai)
37. Wujiang River Gallery in Chongqing (Pengshui → Gongtan → Youyang)
38. Qiandongnan Dong Village Loop in Guizhou (Kaili → Zhaoxing → Tang’an → Kaili)
39. Western Hunan Fenghuang Ancient Town Route in Hunan (Fenghuang → Dehang → Aizhai → Fenghuang)
40. Dalian Coastal Road in Liaoning (Dalian → Xinghai Square → Bangchui Island → Dalian)
China Cycling Destination Ranking
1. Ultimate Long-Distance Challenge
G318 Sichuan-Tibet South Route (Chengdu (成都) → Lhasa (拉萨)) — A lifetime must-ride trail, national classic route and sacred pilgrimage path
G219 Xinjiang-Tibet Route (Yecheng (叶城) → Lhasa (拉萨)) — Roof of the World, polar wilderness and the toughest Tibet access route
G217 Duku Highway (Dushanzi (独山子) → Kuqa (库车)) — Four seasons in one day, Tianshan backbone and world-class landscape avenue
Gansu-Qinghai Silk Road Route (Dunhuang (敦煌) → Xihai Town (西海镇)) — Ancient Silk Road civilization, Gobi lakes and stunning visual feast
Taihang No.1 Highway (Jincheng (晋城) → Changzhi (长治)) — Cliff hanging sky road, canyon sea of clouds and the most beautiful cycling route in North China
2. Plateau Lake Cycling
Qinghai Lake Loop (Xihai Town (西海镇)) — Top lake in China, famous rapeseed blossom season and professional international race route
Dali Erhai Lake Loop (Dali Ancient City (大理古城)) — Cangshan and Erhai scenery, artistic healing vibes and premier cycling paradise
Dianchi Lake Loop (Kunming (昆明)) — Plateau bright pearl, Spring City views and all-season cycling friendly
Fuxian Lake Loop (Yuxi (玉溪)) — Glassy clear water, Class I water quality and relaxing healing lake scenery
Namtso Lake Loop (Damxung (当雄)) — Hidden sacred lake, pure plateau blue and brilliant starry galaxy
3. Grassland & Forest Cycling
Hulunbuir Grassland Route (Hailar (海拉尔)) — China’s most stunning grassland, border customs and unrestricted natural freedom
Kanas Loop (Burqin (布尔津)) — Northern Xinjiang fairyland, golden autumn birch forests and intertwined forests & alpine lakes
Gannan Rock Road (Lanzhou (兰州)) — Hidden Tibetan land, sacred mountain grasslands and profound temple culture
Aershan Loop (Inner Mongolia (内蒙古)) — Volcanic forests, hot spring wetlands and tranquil grassland starry skies
Western Sichuan Colorful Forest Route (Chengdu (成都)) — Snow mountain foliage scenery, Tibetan village culture and remote hidden landscapes
4. Coastal & Island Cycling
Hainan Island Loop (Haikou (海口) → Sanya (三亚)) — Tropical coconut groves, blue sea & beaches and ideal winter cycling retreat
Fujian-Zhejiang Coastal Route (Ningbo (宁波) → Xiapu (霞浦)) — East China Sea landscape corridor, tidal flat fishing ports and diverse island scenery
Jiaodong Peninsula Route (Qingdao (青岛) → Weihai (威海)) — Fairyland coastline, coastal bathing spots and authentic seafood delicacies
Zhuhai Lover’s Road (Zhuhai (珠海)) — Seaside greenway, urban waterfront and romantic coastal scenery
Taiwan Island Loop (Taipei (台北) → Kenting (垦丁)) — Treasure island landscapes, coastal highways and rich local culture & cuisine
5. Jiangnan Water Town Cycling
Taihu Lake Loop (Suzhou (苏州) → Wuxi (无锡)) — Jewel of Jiangnan, ancient water towns and picturesque lake and mountain views
Qiandao Lake Loop (Chunan (淳安)) — Layered green islands, panoramic waterscape and professional international cycling track
Fuchun River Greenway (Tonglu (桐庐) → Jiande (建德)) — Poetic river landscapes, painting-style Jiangnan and ancient town heritage
Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route (Ningguo (宁国) → Jingxian (泾县)) — Jiangnan sky road, vast bamboo seas, mountain streams and ancient village charm
Lishui Ancient Village Route (Lishui (丽水) → Songyang (松阳)) — Hidden southern Zhejiang, ancient village terraces, sea of clouds and bamboo valleys