7 Days Sichuan Heritage Cycling Tour (Chengdu-Mount Emei-Leshan-Chengdu)

Morning – Visit to Dujiangyan Panda Valley
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll depart from Chengdu and head towards the Dujiangyan Panda Valley, where we’ll spend the morning with China’s beloved giant pandas. The Panda Valley offers an up-close and personal experience with these adorable creatures. We’ll learn about the panda conservation efforts and enjoy observing them in a natural, spacious environment. It’s a rare chance to see these incredible animals in action.

Cycling to Jiezi Old Town
Following our panda adventure, we’ll hop on our bikes, which will be ready and waiting for us. Our ride begins with a 20 km cycle from the Panda Valley to Jiezi Old Town, nestled at the foot of Mount Qingcheng. Jiezi is a town rich in history, with over 1,000 years of cultural significance. It’s home to 32 temples and several other historical sites, making it an important cultural landmark. While it has gained some popularity among tourists, we’ll keep our visit short, allowing us to take in the essential sights before continuing on our journey.

Riding Through the Countryside to Anren
After exploring Jiezi, we’ll continue cycling through the serene countryside towards Anren Ancient Town. The terrain is primarily flat, making for an easy and comfortable ride. Along the way, particularly in late February and March, the fields are blanketed with the vibrant yellow of canola flowers, creating a stunning landscape that’s perfect for photos. The route is mostly on rural roads and scenic paths, ensuring a peaceful cycling experience with minimal elevation changes.

Afternoon – Explore Anren Ancient Town
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Anren Ancient Town, a historical gem known for its impressive collection of 27 mansions built during the Republic of China period. Anren provides a rare glimpse into the architecture and lifestyle of a bygone era. You’ll have time to wander the ancient streets, soaking in the Republican-era ambiance and exploring the mansion estates that are now preserved as cultural landmarks.

Cycling Information

• Total Distance: 82 km (including transfer sections)
• Cycling Distance: 62 km
• Terrain: Primarily flat, with smooth roads in rural areas and scenic spots
• Elevation Gain: +372m (ascend)
• Elevation Loss: -569m (descend)
• Difficulty: Easy, with a comfortable pace and high riding comfort

After the ride, we’ll check into our accommodations in Anren and have some time to relax. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner and perhaps take a short evening stroll through the charming streets of Anren to reflect on the day’s journey.

Morning – Departure for Tea Country
After breakfast, we leave behind the flat terrain and begin our ascent into tea country. The landscape will begin to change as we head toward the famous Mengding Mountain, known for its ancient tea gardens. Our first stop is White Horse Spring, a historic site dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The spring got its name because, as the water ebbs and flows, it creates a sound resembling the clopping of horse hooves. It’s a peaceful, serene spot to explore and reflect.

Cycling to Shangli Ancient Town
From White Horse Spring, we’ll enjoy a short downhill ride before arriving at Shangli Ancient Town, a charming town famous for its noodles. This will be the perfect spot for a delicious lunch to fuel up for the rest of the day. Shangli retains its old-world charm with narrow alleys and traditional architecture, making it an ideal place to wander before continuing on our journey.

Afternoon – Visit Mengding Mountain Royal Tea Gardens
After lunch, we’ll transfer to one of China’s most famous tea gardens – the Mengding Mountain Royal Tea Gardens. These gardens are home to the oldest living tea trees in the world, some of which are over 2,000 years old. The tea here was once grown specifically for royalty, making this one of the most historically significant tea-producing areas in China.

To reach the top of the gardens, we’ll take a gondola ride, offering spectacular views of the lush tea terraces below. Once at the top, we’ll have an hour to explore on foot, walking along trails that wind through the gardens. If the weather is clear, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the tea-covered mountains.

Cycling Information

• Total Distance: 63 km (including transfer sections)
• Cycling Distance: 43 km
• Terrain: Mountainous roads, with moderate difficulty. Say goodbye to the flat roads and begin climbing toward the tea-covered hills. Some sections have gentle slopes, and the route takes us through ancient towns and tea plantations.
• Elevation Gain: +830m (ascend)
• Elevation Loss: -451m (descend)
• Difficulty: Moderate, with uphill cycling as we approach the tea mountains, but overall a scenic and enjoyable ride.

Evening – Arrival in Ya'an
After our visit to the tea gardens, we will transfer to the town of Ya'an, where we’ll check into our hotel for the night. You’ll have time to relax and enjoy the evening, with the option to explore Ya'an at your leisure. This town is well-known as the gateway to the Sichuan Tibetan Plateau and offers a peaceful atmosphere for unwinding after a day of cycling and exploration.

This day blends the beauty of nature with the rich cultural history of tea cultivation, providing an unforgettable experience in one of China’s most famous tea regions.

Morning – Cycling Through Rolling Hills and Farmland
After breakfast, we will take a short transfer to the start of our cycling route. Today’s ride will take us through rolling hills and farmlands, providing a peaceful and scenic route. We’ll pass by the charming village of Caoyuthan, where we’ll cross a river via a small dam. After crossing, we will follow the river along a quiet country road, enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty of the river valley.

Cycling Information

• Total Distance: 67 km (including transfer sections)
• Cycling Distance: 47 km
• Terrain: The route mainly follows hilly and river valley roads. The terrain is undulating, with relatively easy cycling through country lanes and riverside roads. It’s a serene environment with little traffic, allowing for a relaxing ride. Later in the day, there will be a few short climbs.
• Elevation Gain: +676m (ascend)
• Elevation Loss: -679m (descend)
• Difficulty: Moderate. The majority of the ride is through gentle hills and valleys, but the second half of the day will involve some mild climbing.

Lunch Stop – Village and Countryside
We’ll stop for a delicious lunch after cycling through the countryside, giving everyone the opportunity to recharge before continuing our journey.

Afternoon – Ride Towards Mt. Emei
In the afternoon, we continue our ride towards the back of Mt. Emei, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China and the highest of them all. The climb begins after about 63 km of cycling, as we approach the foot of the mountain. As the terrain becomes steeper, we’ll hop into the van to transfer to our hotel in Linggongli Village, located in the shadow of the majestic Mt. Emei.

Hotel Arrival – Linggongli Village
Once we arrive in Linggongli Village, we’ll check into our hotel, which offers stunning views of the mountain. This village is situated close to the base of Mt. Emei, allowing us to feel the awe-inspiring presence of one of China’s holiest and most revered mountains.

This day’s ride blends peaceful countryside cycling with the promise of an awe-inspiring encounter with one of China’s great natural and spiritual landmarks, setting the stage for tomorrow’s exploration of Mt. Emei.

Morning – Exploring Mt. Emei
We start early today to fully explore Mt. Emei, one of China’s most revered Buddhist mountains. Cycling is not allowed on park roads, so we’ll begin with a 40-minute bus ride to the base of the mountain. From there, we’ll take a cable car that ascends to the summit at an impressive 3077 meters (10,168 feet) above sea level.

At the Summit
Upon reaching the summit, we’ll spend about an hour touring the many temples and shrines that dot the mountain’s peak, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site. The views from the top can be weather-dependent, but on clear days, the vistas are spectacular. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring place that highlights the cultural and natural beauty of the region.

Descending the Mountain
After exploring the summit, we’ll take the cable car and bus back down, this time all the way to the base of Mt. Emei. Once we arrive, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch before continuing our journey.

Cycling to Leshan
After lunch, our bikes will be ready and waiting for us. We’ll hop on and continue our ride towards Leshan, a city located at the confluence of the Dadu and Min Rivers. The cycling route for the afternoon is mainly flat, passing through countryside roads, making for a relaxing and comfortable ride.

Cycling Information

• Total Distance: 54 km (including transfer sections)
• Cycling Distance: 34 km
• Terrain: The ride consists mainly of easy, flat sections, with no major climbs. The route follows a mix of scenic park access roads and countryside lanes, passing through the area near the confluence of the Dadu and Min Rivers.
• Elevation Gain: +176m (ascend)
• Elevation Loss: -289m (descend)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with a smooth ride and high comfort level.

Afternoon – Visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha
If time allows, we’ll take a short boat ride to see the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest seated Buddha. This 71-meter (233 feet) tall stone statue, carved directly into a cliff face, was constructed during the Tang Dynasty. The sheer scale and grandeur of this historical marvel are breathtaking.

Evening – Overnight in Leshan
After visiting the Giant Buddha, we’ll head to our hotel in Leshan, where we’ll spend the night, reflecting on a day filled with both spiritual discovery and natural beauty.

Today is a perfect blend of cultural immersion at Mt. Emei and a serene cycling ride through lush landscapes, capped off by a visit to one of China’s most iconic ancient wonders – the Leshan Giant Buddha.

Morning – Cycling Along the Min River
Today we set off from Leshan and ride north along the Min River, following its course upstream. The route is incredibly scenic, passing through orchards and lush rice fields, offering a peaceful and relaxing ride. The first leg of our ride is 27 km to the Qingshanzongyan Temple, where we’ll take a break.

Qingshanzongyan Temple and Bamboo Forest Walk
At the temple, we’ll explore the surrounding bamboo mountain forest, walking along a secluded network of paths that lead us deeper into the tranquil landscape. Along the way, we’ll encounter ancient bas-reliefs carved into the shale cliffs, as well as several small shrines that add to the serene and spiritual atmosphere of the area. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and connect with nature.

Lunch – Riverside Restaurant
After our walk, we’ll head to a local riverside restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch. The setting here is charming, with views over the river, offering a perfect chance to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Afternoon – Cycling to Meishan or Transfer to Huanglongxi
Post-lunch, we’ll continue cycling towards the town of Meishan. Upon arrival, we’ll decide if we’d like to keep cycling along the river to explore more, or if we prefer to transfer to our final destination of Huanglongxi.

Exploring Huanglongxi
Huanglongxi is a quaint village that showcases classic Chinese architecture. The town has been restored and preserved, with more than 180 Chinese movies filmed here due to its picturesque, ancient setting. Although it’s a popular destination for day visitors, it remains quiet in the evenings, allowing us to explore its ancient alleys without the crowds.

Farewell Dinner
As it’s our last night of the tour, we will gather for a farewell dinner, celebrating the incredible journey we’ve had together. This dinner marks the perfect end to a tour filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable memories.

Cycling Information:

• Total Distance: 67 km (including transfer sections)
• Cycling Distance: 50 km
• Terrain: Flat to slightly rolling, with peaceful countryside roads that are mostly smooth and quiet, making for an easy and pleasant ride.
• Elevation Gain: +210m (ascend)
• Elevation Loss: -180m (descend)
• Difficulty: Moderate, but very manageable for most riders, with no major climbs.

Evening – Exploring the Streets of Huanglongxi
Once we’ve checked in to our accommodations, we’ll have the evening to explore the quiet, narrow streets of Huanglongxi, relishing the beauty of its ancient, well-preserved architecture and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the town as it comes alive with the setting sun.

This is a fitting end to our cycling adventure, as we enjoy a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and memorable moments with the group.

Departure or Extended Stay in Chengdu

Today marks the end of our unforgettable cycling journey. After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll transfer directly to Chengdu Airport, which is conveniently located midway between Huanglongxi and Chengdu. We’ll ensure you arrive in plenty of time for your onward flight, with all logistics taken care of.

For those continuing their adventure in Chengdu or looking to explore more of the city, we will drop you off at a city hotel. Chengdu is famous for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a wonderful destination for those wishing to extend their stay.

This concludes our tour, but the memories and experiences from the ride will surely stay with you for a long time. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you again on another adventure soon!