Best Cycling Routes in Yangshuo

Route overview

🟢 Easy

Ten-Mile Gallery · 10–20 km · 2–3 h

Flat paved road; good for beginners and families.

🟡 Moderate

Yulong River Loop · 15–25 km · 2–4 h

Quiet lanes and riverside paths; occasional rough sections.

🟠 Advanced

Yangshuo to Xingping · ~50 km round trip · 4–7 h

Longer distance with some hills; plan charging for e-bikes.

Yulong River Loop

The most popular half-day ride in Yangshuo. It follows quiet country lanes and riverside tracks parallel to the main road.

Distance: 15–25 km depending on the exact loop

Estimated time: 2–4 hours with stops

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Starting point: Fengming Parking Area or Gongnong Bridge

Ending point: Back at the starting point

Road surface: Paved country roads, narrow village lanes, some riverside gravel

Traffic: Low on backroads; moderate near Gongnong Bridge

Scenic stops: Bamboo rafts, karst peaks, rice fields, Jiuxian Village

Parking / bike parking: Fengming Parking has bike racks; many rental shops include parking

Food / rest stops: Small cafes and farm restaurants along the Yulong River; Jiuxian Village lunch spots

Best season: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November)

Weather considerations: Hot and humid in summer; paths can be muddy after rain

Safety: Watch for scooters on narrow lanes; avoid the main road with young children

Suitable for: Couples, photographers, moderately fit travelers, families with older children

Detailed Yulong River route →

Ten-Mile Gallery

The famous paved road through Yangshuo's karst scenery. It is easy to navigate but can be busy with tour buses and scooters.

Distance: 10–20 km one-way or return

Estimated time: 2–3 hours return

Difficulty: Easy

Starting point: Fengming Parking Area

Ending point: Moon Hill area, then return

Road surface: Paved two-lane road with shoulder in some sections

Traffic: Moderate to heavy; tour buses and scooters in peak hours

Scenic stops: Butterfly Spring, Big Banyan Tree, Moon Hill, karst backdrops

Parking / bike parking: Paid lots at Fengming; limited roadside parking

Food / rest stops: Cafes and restaurants along the road; more options near Moon Hill

Best season: Spring and autumn; early morning year-round

Weather considerations: Exposed to sun; uncomfortable at midday in summer

Safety: Use the shoulder where available; be visible to buses

Suitable for: Beginners, families, travelers who want a simple ride

Detailed Ten-Mile Gallery route →

Countryside Backroads

A flexible network of narrow lanes connecting villages between Yangshuo town and the Yulong River. There is no single fixed route; riders can explore at will.

Distance: 20–35 km depending on the loop

Estimated time: 3–5 hours

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Starting point: West Street or Fengming Parking

Ending point: Back at the starting point

Road surface: Mixed paved and compacted village lanes; some rough patches

Traffic: Very low outside main junctions

Scenic stops: Rural villages, rice fields, irrigation channels, local life

Parking / bike parking: Return bike to rental shop or lock at cafes

Food / rest stops: Village stalls and farm restaurants; carry water

Best season: Spring and autumn; summer starts early to avoid heat

Weather considerations: Can be muddy after rain; summer is hot

Safety: Blind corners and farm vehicles; ring your bell

Suitable for: Curious travelers, photographers, riders who like unplanned exploring

Detailed countryside route →

Yangshuo to Xingping

A longer ride toward the Li River and the famous 20 RMB viewpoint. Best attempted by fit cyclists or on an e-bike with a full battery.

Distance: ~25 km one way, ~50 km round trip

Estimated time: 4–7 hours round trip

Difficulty: Moderate to advanced

Starting point: Yangshuo town or Fengming Parking

Ending point: Xingping Ancient Town, then return

Road surface: Paved country road with some hills

Traffic: Moderate; shared with scooters and small vehicles

Scenic stops: Li River views, Fuli Town, 20 RMB viewpoint, Xingping old street

Parking / bike parking: Bike racks in Xingping; rental shops may allow overnight for multi-day

Food / rest stops: Restaurants in Xingping and Fuli; village noodle stands along the road

Best season: Autumn and spring; summer requires early start

Weather considerations: Exposed hills can be windy; rain makes roads slick

Safety: Take care on downhill sections; carry a spare battery or plan charging for e-bikes

Suitable for: Fit cyclists, experienced e-bike riders, all-day adventurers

Detailed Yangshuo–Xingping route →

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