Bicycle Tour Description

Beijing to Chengde and Shanhaiguan Great Wall 7-Day Bike Tour

Dates: Contact us with the dates that work for you.

Great Wall

Beijing to Chengde and Shanhaiguan Great Wall 7-Day Bike Tour

Dates: Contact us with the dates that work for you.

This 7-day bicycle tour begins and ends in Beijing, China's capital. This tour is designed as an easy ride with average daily cycling mileage will be about 23 miles (36 km). On some days we will use vehicle transport to supplement the cycling to get us to the next destination. This will be a vehicle-supported tour so riders will carry only their day gear. This tour will visit both well-known and little-known sights and will appeal to those who have cultural, social and geographical interests.

Starting early on the first day, the group will go for an easy ride around Tian'anmen and the outside of Zhongnanhai (residence of current leaders) and "hutongs" (the soon-to-be-extinct small alleyways of old Beijing). The group will visit the Forbidden City (about 2 hours), Tian'anmen Square, Summer Palace, and Tiantan Park (Temple of Heaven).

On day two, we will take transport about 2.5 hours north of Beijing to Liulimiao and then cycle the scenic road part way around Miyun Reservoir and spend the night at a simple guesthouse.

On the third day, we will cycle to Simatai in the morning and then hike the Great Wall in the afternoon. A four-hour hike to Jinshanling is possible with transport back to Simatai where we spend the night.

On day four, the group will go to Chengde cycling about half the distance on quite country roads.

On the fifth day, we will explore Chengde, site of the 18th century Imperial Summer mountain resort. This is a small city with several temples within easy cycling distance.

On day six, we will take transport for about six hours to Shanhaiguan, where the Great Wall meets the sea, and explore this historic area.

On the seventh day, we will cycle to Beidahai, China's seaside resort for cadres. Afterwards, we will take transport for about three hours to Beijing, completing the tour.

Itinerary

Day	Location	Cycling Distance Miles/KM	BEIJING AND HEBEI PROVINCE
1	Beijing	20/36	Cycle Beijing's "hutong" - narrow allies to get a feel for the rapidly disappearing Old Beijing. Visit Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven.
2	Bulaotun	30/48	Drive about 2.5 hours north of Beijing and cycle to Miyun Reservoir scenic area.
3	Simatai	30/48	Cycle to Simatai Great Wall Site. Four-hour hike on the Great Wall to Jinshanling, then return to Simatai to spend the night.
4	Chengde	30/48	Cycle 30 miles and take transport 30 miles to Chengde.
5	Chengde	10/16	Explore Chengde Imperial Summer Resort and surrounding temples.
6	Shanhaiguan	0/0	Drive about six hours to Shanhaiguan and visit the Great Wall where it enters the sea.
7	Beijing	0/0	Explore Shanhaiguan Great Wall and Temples. Cycle 18 miles to Beidahai, China's seaside resort for cadres. Afterwards, drive about three hours to Beijing, completing the tour.
	Total Distance	158/254

Details

Dates: Contact us with the dates that work for you.

Start location: Beijing, China

Finish location: Beijing, China

Tour type: Support vehicle will be provided for the tour - riders will carry only their day use gear.

Geographical location: Northeast China Elevation range: 350 feet (100 meters) to 5,000 feet (1,500 meters)

Terrain: Flat and rolling hills

Cycling tour level: Easy - alternative transportation will be used when needed

Total cycling distance: Approximately 158 miles (254 km): Average distance per ride day: 23 miles (36 km). Cycling will be supplemented with vehicle transport on some days to reach the next point of interest. Total distance including driving and cycling is 600 miles (984 km).

Days: 7, Nights: 8

Climate: The best time of year is spring and fall.

Group size: 1 - 8

Private room supplement: US$280

Rental bike: US$0 included.

Accommodations will be Chinese hotels generally of the 3 star variety, or if none, then best available. It may be necessary to use a simple but clean guesthouse. The prices are for double occupancy rooms, and will vary depending on the number of people who participate.

This tour is limited to no more than eight people. This will permit more flexibility in the program and allow more spontaneity for taking photos or exploring villages along the way.

Prices include the following:

1. All hotel accommodations for eight nights.
2. Meals eaten as group (private meals, snacks and alcoholic beverages are not included).
3. All group transportation costs (buses, trains, and taxis).
4. All group entrance fees.
5. A bilingual bicycle tour guide.
6. Rental bicycle and related gear including helmet and gloves.

This will be a vehicle-supported ride. This means that each rider will carry only their day-use gear. A support vehicle will follow the group and carry luggage (and cyclists if desired).

If you decide to do something on your own, you will be responsible for those costs.

Cost: Prices depend on the tour level, total number of people going on the tour, and the time of year. Below is the price per person (pp) and quoted in US dollars (US$) for non-holiday periods:

Group size:
1 person: $2,780
2 people: $1,760 pp
3 people: $1,480 pp
4-8 people $1,280 pp

Holiday Periods: Require a 30% surcharge to the basic price due to increased costs of hotels and transportation. Tours with overlapping dates will be prorated. These periods are: Chinese New Year (Jan. 26, 2009) from Jan. 19 to Feb. Feb.2, 2009; and National Day Sep. 25 - Oct. 10.

An announcement of the cost of the tour will be made to the group 45-days prior to the start based on the number of registered members.

A deposit of $500 per person is required. This is fully refundable up to 45 days prior to the start of the tour. Submission of a deposit will guarantee your place on the tour. Balance is due at least 45 days prior to the beginning of the tour and payable by credit card, wire transfer, or personal check.

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