The National Day holiday is the perfect opportunity to escape the crowds and embrace the great outdoors. While others wait in long lines at tourist spots, why not plan a unique holiday on two wheels?
This guide features a selection of distinctive, yet classic, short cycling loops. Whether you’re new to long-distance riding or a seasoned enthusiast, there’s a route here for you.
Are you ready? Let’s unlock a unique National Day holiday and measure the landscape with our wheels!
Route 1: Around Qinghai Lake
A Pilgrimage to the Northwest’s Sacred Lake
This route often tops domestic cyclists’ “must-ride” lists, perfectly combining high-altitude lake scenery with cultural depth.
Difficulty: ★ (Suitable for a mix of sightseeing and riding)
Distance: Approx. 360 km (Standard loop)
Recommended Duration: 4 days
Overview: Xihai Town (Start) → Hudong Sheep Farm → Heima River Town → Gangcha County → Xihai Town (Finish)
Key Highlights:
Stunning Lake Views: Each day offers a different perspective of Qinghai Lake, from former rapeseed flower fields to brilliant blue waters and grassland wetlands.
Sunrise Spot: Heima River is the best place to watch the sunrise over the lake.
Culture & Faith: Pass by ritual platforms, mani stone mounds, and prayer flags. Gangcha County features the Tsangyang Gyatso Cultural Square.
Achievement: Riding at an average altitude of 3,200 meters offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.
Essential Tips:
Acclimatize: Arrive in Xining 1-2 days early to adjust to the altitude.
Variable Weather: Be prepared for four seasons in one day. Pack windproof, waterproof, and warm cycling gear, plus sunscreen and a buff.
Route 2: Hainan Island – East & Central Line
A Tropical Blend of Coast and Rainforest
This route combines the coastal coconut groves of the east with the central rainforests and Li & Miao culture.
Difficulty: ★★ (Challenge lies in the central section)
Distance: Approx. 450-500 km
Recommended Duration: 5-6 days
Overview: Haikou → Wenchang → Boao → Xinglong → Sanya → Wuzhi Mountain → Qiongzhong → Haikou
Key Highlights:
Diverse Landscapes: From eastern coconut beaches and red rock coasts to climbing nearly 800 meters through the Wuzhi Mountain tropical rainforest.
Food Paradise: Enjoy Hainanese chicken rice, Qingbuliang dessert, seafood, and local tea.
Cultural Experience: Discover the overseas Chinese culture on the east coast and visit Li and Miao villages in the center.
Essential Tips:
Skip the West: The west coast is less developed with monotonous scenery. The East+Central combo is more classic and rewarding.
Climbing Challenge: The section from Sanya to Wuzhi Mountain involves sustained, steep climbs—be mentally and physically prepared.
Sun & Heat: It remains hot in October. Sun protection and hydration are crucial.
Route 3: Around Taihu Lake
Scenic and Culturally Rich Lakeside Riding
This is the easiest route, rich in scenery and cultural heritage, suitable for all levels, with convenient resupply points.
Difficulty: ★ (Suitable for a mix of sightseeing and riding)
Distance: Approx. 300 km (Classic loop)
Recommended Duration: 3-4 days
Overview: Start from any city like Wuxi, Suzhou, or Huzhou and ride clockwise/counter-clockwise on lakeside roads.
Key Highlights:
Lake Views: Ride by the vast Taihu Lake, passing famous spots like Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle) in Wuxi, and the “Matchbox” hotel in Huzhou.
Ancient Towns & Gardens: Detour to water towns like Zhouzhuang, Tongli, or Nanxun, or explore Suzhou’s classical gardens.
Culinary Journey: Savor “Taihu Three Whites” (whitebait, white shrimp, white fish), hairy crab (in season), Huzhou wontons, and Suzhou noodles.
Essential Tips:
Great Roads: The route is mostly flat asphalt or dedicated lakeside paths.
Holiday Crowds: The area is popular; expect significant traffic and tourists.
Flexibility: The route is mature with plentiful accommodation, allowing for easy daily adjustments.
Route 4: North Jiangxi-South Anhui-West Zhejiang Grand Loop
An Advanced Tour Through Jiangnan’s Peaks
This challenging route connects three top scenic areas: Lushan, Huangshan, and Qiandao Lake, traversing the “Ridge of Jiangnan.”
Difficulty: ★★★
Distance: Approx. 500-600 km (adjustable)
Recommended Duration: 6-7 days
Overview: Nanchang/Jiujiang → Lushan → Jingdezhen → Wuyuan → Huangshan → Qiandao Lake → Chun’an/Jiande → Quzhou → Shangrao → Return (via high-speed rail)
Key Highlights:
Top-Tier Landscapes: Traverse the foothills of Lushan and South Anhui’s mountains, enjoying challenging climbs and thrilling descents through the Xin’an River landscape gallery.
Most Beautiful Countryside: Pass through Wuyuan, where autumn morning mist, red leaves, and ancient Huizhou architecture create stunning scenes.
Cultural Corridor: Experience the “Porcelain Capital” Jingdezhen, ancient Huizhou culture, and countless historic villages.
Essential Tips:
High Difficulty: Constant climbing and descending require good fitness, technique, and a suitable bike (mountain or gravel bike recommended).
In-Depth Exploration: The area is dense with attractions; don’t just rush through.
Flexible Planning: The route is long; consider using high-speed rail to break it into segments.
Ferries: Check ferry schedules at Qiandao Lake in advance.
Route 5: Henan-Shanxi Ancient Yellow River Course
A Historical Journey Along the Mother River
This route follows the Yellow River through Henan and Shanxi, showcasing its grandeur and the cradle of Chinese civilization.
Difficulty: ★★
Distance: Approx. 400 km
Recommended Duration: 5-6 days
Overview: Zhengzhou (Henan) → Xingyang → Gongyi → Luoyang → Sanmenxia → Pinglu County (Shanxi) → Yuncheng → Yongji (End, return by high-speed rail)
Key Highlights:
Yellow River Vistas: Witness the power of the “Mother River,” especially the dramatic scenery at Sanmenxia.
Historical Immersion: Pass major sites like the Longmen Grottoes (UNESCO), Sanmenxia’s Guo State Museum, and Yuncheng’s Guandi Temple.
Diyuan Cave Dwellings: Visit the remarkable underground courtyard homes in the Sanmenxia area.
Essential Tips:
Cultural Depth: Allocate ample time for visiting historical sites.
Terrain: The route isn’t entirely flat; expect climbs and descents over the loess plateaus.
This National Day holiday, unlock a cooler way to celebrate! Remember, safety first. Check your bike, wear a helmet, and plan your accommodation and supplies. Wishing every cyclist a safe, joyful, and memorable holiday
