17 Days Yunnan Motorbike Riding Tour from Laos (Mohan Border)

Distance: No riding today.

Riding Time: N/A

Road Condition: N/A

Activities:

• Rest day for obtaining the temporary driver’s license and motorbike plates for China.
• Take time to explore Mengla (勐拉), wander around the local markets, and get familiar with the tropical surroundings.

Attractions:

• Mengla Market (勐拉市场) offers a great chance to experience the local culture and sample tropical fruits and local delicacies.

Accommodation: Stay at King Land Hotel (勐拉国宾酒店).

Distance: Approx. 550 km

Riding Time: Approx. 8 hours 25 minutes

Road Condition:
The roads from Mengla (勐拉) to Mojiang (墨江) are mostly smooth with moderate elevation changes. However, the roads become more hilly as you approach Yuanyang (元阳), and some sections near the rice terraces may have rough patches. Expect narrow winding roads with occasional potholes near Yuanyang.

Activities:

• Depart early from Mengla (勐拉) and head toward Yuanyang (元阳).
• Enjoy scenic stops along the way, particularly near mountain passes and rivers.

Attractions:

• Yuanyang Rice Terraces (元阳梯田), known for its breathtaking beauty, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• Visit Hani Minority Villages around Bada (坝达) for an authentic cultural experience.

Accommodation: 2 nights in Yuanyang (元阳).

Distance: Approx. 40 km (local exploration)

Riding Time: Approx. 2 hours

Road Condition:
Local roads around Yuanyang (元阳) are narrow and winding, especially around the rice terraces. Some paths may be uneven, but they offer scenic views of traditional villages and mountainous terrain.

Activities:

• Explore the Yuanyang Rice Terraces (元阳梯田), one of the most spectacular landscapes in China, with vast reflective pools that are used for rice cultivation.
• Visit Bada Village (坝达村), a Hani Minority village, for a deeper understanding of the region’s ethnic culture.

Attractions:

• Laohuzui Terrace (老虎嘴梯田): The best spot for capturing the panoramic views of the terraces, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• Shengcun Terrace (胜村梯田): Another famous viewpoint offering stunning landscapes of terraced fields.

Accommodation: Stay another night in Yuanyang (元阳).

Distance: Approx. 85 km

Riding Time: Approx. 1 hour

Road Condition:

• The ride from Yuanyang (元阳) to Jianshui (建水) is short, with mostly smooth, well-paved roads. The roads are flat and comfortable for motorbiking, with a few gentle hills towards Jianshui (建水).

Activities:

• Ride from Yuanyang (元阳) to Jianshui (建水), a city with a rich historical heritage.
• Explore Jianshui Old Town (建水古城), where traditional courtyards, Confucius temples, and ancient architecture offer a glimpse of China’s past.

Attractions:

• Zhu Family Garden (朱家花园), a classical Chinese garden.
• Confucius Temple (建水孔庙) and Chaoyang Tower (朝阳楼), both cultural landmarks in Jianshui (建水).

Accommodation: 1 night in Jianshui (建水).

Distance: Approx. 316 km

Riding Time: Approx. 4 hours

Road Condition:

• The roads from Jianshui (建水) to Kunming (昆明) are well-paved highways, with moderate traffic near Kunming (昆明). Expect smooth and straight roads, but narrow roads near Kunming’s urban areas.

Activities:

• Ride from Jianshui (建水) to Kunming (昆明), the capital city of Yunnan.
• Visit the Stone Forest (石林), a UNESCO World Heritage site with magnificent karst formations.

Attractions:

• Stone Forest (石林): Known for its unique stone pillars and rock formations, this is a must-visit geological wonder.
• Jinma Biji Square (金马碧鸡坊): A traditional gate with historical significance, located in downtown Kunming (昆明).

Accommodation: 1 night in Kunming (昆明).

Distance: Approx. 345 km

Riding Time: Approx. 4 hours 54 minutes

Road Condition:
The road from Kunming (昆明) to Dali (大理) is a smooth highway with some curves as you approach the mountainous region. Expect moderate traffic, especially near Dali.

Activities and Attractions:

• Three Pagodas (三塔): Upon arrival in Dali, visit the Three Pagodas, which are symbols of the city’s Bai ethnic culture. These ancient pagodas are an architectural wonder and one of the region's most famous landmarks.
• Erhai Lake (洱海): After the pagodas, take a scenic ride around Erhai Lake, enjoying the peaceful lakeside views. You can relax here and take photos of the surrounding mountains and lake.
• Dali Ancient Town (大理古城): Explore Dali Ancient Town, with its traditional Bai architecture, charming streets, and vibrant market. Enjoy the local food and crafts as you wander through the town.

Accommodation: 1 night in Dali (大理).

Distance: Approx. 172 km

Riding Time: Approx. 2 hours 21 minutes

Road Condition:
The road from Dali (大理) to Lijiang (丽江) is a well-maintained highway with moderate curves. There may be some narrow roads as you approach Lijiang, but overall, the road conditions are good.

Activities and Attractions:

• Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城): Upon arrival in Lijiang, explore the Ancient Town, famous for its well-preserved Naxi culture and wooden architecture. The town’s labyrinthine streets and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit destination.
• Dongba Culture Museum (东巴文化博物馆): Visit the Dongba Culture Museum to learn about the Dongba script and the Naxi people’s unique traditions and history.
• Black Dragon Pool Park (黑龙潭公园): Finish the day with a visit to Black Dragon Pool Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) reflected in the pool.

Accommodation: 1 night in Lijiang (丽江).

Distance: Approx. 172 km

Riding Time: Approx. 3 hours 18 minutes

Road Condition:
The road from Lijiang (丽江) to Shangri-La (香格里拉) is a scenic route with elevated terrain and winding mountain roads. The road can be narrow, but the breathtaking views make the ride worthwhile.

Activities and Attractions:

• Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡): Ride to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. Marvel at the stunning landscapes, rugged cliffs, and the powerful waters of the Jinsha River.
• After exploring the gorge, continue to Shangri-La and enjoy its Tibetan culture and stunning landscapes.

Accommodation: 2 nights in Shangri-La (香格里拉).

Activities and Attractions:

• Sumzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺): Visit the Sumzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. The monastery offers insight into Tibetan religious practices and provides magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
• Napaihai Lake (纳帕海): After the monastery, head to Napaihai Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by pristine nature. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the serene environment.
• Shangri-La Old Town (香格里拉古城): Explore Shangri-La Old Town, which showcases traditional Tibetan architecture. The town is peaceful and offers a glimpse into Tibetan culture and life.

Accommodation: Stay another night in Shangri-La (香格里拉).

Distance: Approx. 185 km

Riding Time: Approx. 3 hours 11 minutes

Road Condition:
The road from Shangri-La (香格里拉) to Dechen (德钦) via Nixi (尼西) is winding and narrow, with some elevated sections. The road condition may vary, but the views along the way are spectacular.

Activities and Attractions:

• Nixi Village (尼西村): On the way to Dechen, stop in Nixi and learn how to make earthenware from the local artisans. This is a unique cultural experience, showcasing traditional Tibetan craftsmanship.
• First Bay of Jinsha Jiang (金沙江第一湾): Visit the First Bay of Jinsha Jiang, where the river forms a stunning U-shaped curve. The views of the river and surrounding mountains are absolutely breathtaking.
• Feilai Monastery (飞来寺): After the river, continue to Feilai Monastery, where you can overlook Meilixueshan (梅里雪山), one of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism.

Accommodation: 1 night in Dechen (德钦).

Distance: Approx. 213 km

Riding Time: Approx. 6 hours

Road Condition:
The roads between Dechen (德钦) and Tacheng (塔城) are winding, with several narrow and rocky stretches through mountainous terrain. The journey is quite scenic, with views of the Mekong River Grand Canyon (澜沧江大峡谷) and the surrounding rugged landscapes.

Activities and Attractions:

• Mekong River Grand Canyon (澜沧江大峡谷): As you ride through Dechen (德钦), you’ll pass the Mekong River Grand Canyon, offering awe-inspiring views of the river winding through a deep gorge flanked by steep cliffs.
• Cizhong Village (茨中): Stop at Cizhong, a Tibetan village known for its old Catholic church and vineyards that produce local wines. The village is located in a beautiful valley along the Mekong River, surrounded by terraced fields and lush greenery.
• Weixi (维西): After Cizhong, continue towards Weixi, another quaint town in the region with rich Tibetan culture and stunning natural surroundings.
• Tacheng (塔城): Ride through Tacheng, a remote Tibetan settlement where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the natural beauty of the mountains.

Accommodation: 1 night in Tacheng (塔城).

Distance: Approx. 365 km

Riding Time: Approx. 9 hours

Road Condition:
The road from Weixi (维西) to Baoshan (保山) involves longer stretches of paved roads, with some winding sections and gradual elevation changes. Expect moderate traffic, especially near Baoshan.

Activities and Attractions:

• Lanping (兰坪): Pass through Lanping, a town with rich ethnic diversity and Tibetan influences.
• Yunlong (云龙): Visit Yunlong, where you can see beautiful mountain landscapes and enjoy some peaceful time by the local rivers.
• Gongguo Bridge (贡果桥): Cross Gongguo Bridge, a historic suspension bridge offering magnificent views of the surrounding valleys.
• Baoshan (保山): Upon arrival in Baoshan, explore this historic city with its well-preserved ancient architecture and learn about its cultural significance as a trading hub.

Accommodation: 1 night in Baoshan (保山).

Distance: Approx. 267 km

Riding Time: Approx. 5 hours 30 minutes

Road Condition:
The road from Baoshan (保山) to Lincang (临沧) is paved and generally smooth, though expect some narrow, winding roads, particularly when passing through Changning and Fengqing. There may also be some congestion near Lincang.

Activities and Attractions:

• Changning (昌宁): Stop by Changning, a scenic area with lush greenery and famous for its tea plantations.
• Fengqing (凤庆): Ride through Fengqing, where you can learn about local tea culture and explore its beautiful surroundings.
• Lincang (临沧): Upon arrival in Lincang, explore the local tea markets and visit tea plantations, known for producing some of the best Pu’er tea in China.

Accommodation: 1 night in Lincang (临沧).

Distance: Approx. 408 km

Riding Time: Approx. 8 hours 10 minutes

Road Condition:
The route from Lincang (临沧) to Jinghong (景洪) involves long stretches of highway, including some curves as you approach the tropical climate of Xishuangbanna. Expect smoother roads, but be cautious in hilly sections.

Activities and Attractions:

• Lancang (澜沧): Pass through Lancang, a town located near the Lancang River, offering scenic views of lush valleys.
• Jinghong (景洪): Once in Jinghong, take time to explore this tropical city, the capital of Xishuangbanna, known for its rich ethnic culture and beautiful Buddhist temples.

Accommodation: 1 night in Jinghong (景洪).

Distance: Approx. 140 km

Riding Time: Approx. 2 hours 31 minutes

Road Condition:
The roads from Jinghong (景洪) to Mengla (勐腊) are mostly paved and smooth, with some winding sections. Expect light traffic as you pass through more rural areas.

Activities and Attractions:

• Wild Elephant Valley (野象谷): Start the day by visiting Wild Elephant Valley, a sanctuary where you can see Asian elephants in their natural habitat.
• Dai Village (傣族村): Visit a Dai village in Ganlan Ba to experience the local culture and traditional Dai architecture.
• Tropical Botanic Garden (热带植物园) in Menlun: Explore the Menlun Tropical Botanic Garden, home to a wide variety of tropical plants and a peaceful environment to relax.

Accommodation: 1 night in Mengla (勐腊).

Distance: Approx. 30 km

Riding Time: Approx. 30 minutes

Road Condition:
The final stretch from Mengla (勐腊) to the Mohan Border (磨憨) is a short and easy ride, with smooth, well-maintained roads. Expect light traffic as you approach the border area.

Activities:

• Conclude your adventure by crossing back into Laos through the Mohan Border, reflecting on the spectacular journey through Yunnan and the diversity of landscapes and cultures you’ve experienced.

Note: Services end at the Mohan Border (磨憨), marking the conclusion of your motorbike tour through Yunnan Province.