Xishuangbanna is a stunning region in Yunnan Province, China, known for its lush landscapes, diverse ethnic cultures, and warm climate, making it an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. Here are some highlights that contribute to its reputation as a cycling paradise:

1. Scenic Routes

• Lush Nature: Cyclists can ride through picturesque landscapes, including tropical rainforests, tea plantations, and vibrant flower gardens. The region’s natural beauty provides an inspiring backdrop for every ride.
• Cultural Villages: Many cycling routes pass through traditional Dai (傣族) villages, allowing cyclists to immerse themselves in local culture, try traditional foods, and interact with friendly residents.

2. Diverse Terrain

• Varied Difficulty Levels: Xishuangbanna offers routes for all skill levels, from flat, leisurely rides along rivers to challenging climbs in the mountains. This diversity allows both beginners and experienced cyclists to enjoy the area.

3. Rich Biodiversity

• Flora and Fauna: As one of China’s biodiversity hotspots, Xishuangbanna is home to numerous species of plants and animals. Cyclists can enjoy spotting unique wildlife and exploring diverse ecosystems.

4. Cultural Experiences

• Ethnic Diversity: The region is home to several ethnic groups, including the Dai, Jinuo, and Hani, each with its own unique traditions and festivals. Cyclists can participate in local festivities and experience authentic cultural exchanges.

5. Mild Climate

• Pleasant Weather: The subtropical climate of Xishuangbanna means that it is generally warm throughout the year, making it an attractive cycling destination for most of the year.

6. Cycling-Friendly Infrastructure

• Well-Marked Trails: Many cycling routes are well-marked and maintained, with facilities for cyclists, including rest stops and bike rental services.
• Supportive Community: The growing popularity of cycling tourism has led to increased support for cyclists, including guided tours and local expertise in bike maintenance.

7. Adventure Opportunities

• Beyond Cycling: Besides cycling, visitors can engage in other adventure activities like trekking, birdwatching, and river rafting, enriching their experience in this vibrant region.

Top Ten Cycling Tour Routes in Xishuangbanna (西双版纳)

1. Jinghong (景洪) — Manlongfeng (曼弄枫) — Manjingbao (曼景保) — Gasa (嘎洒) — Manmeihei (曼么黑) — Yuxuanyuan (鱼轩缘)

Experience the Dai (傣族) village culture and savor fresh fish from mountain springs.

Starting from Jinghong, take the Xuanwei Avenue, and after reaching Manlongfeng, turn right at the small road at the foot of Nanlian Mountain. Pass through Manjiangman, then ride along the secondary road to Menghai after crossing the Manjingbao village. After about two kilometers past the toll station, you’ll arrive at Manmeihei (you can turn right to enter the Manyangli Village before the toll station, then weave through rubber forests up to Manmeihei). Continue to reach “Yuxuanyuan,” a large fish pond, with a total distance of about 17 kilometers. The road is flat with no steep slopes.

• Intensity: 5 (out of 10)
• Star Rating: 4 (out of 5)

2. Jinghong — Manwaixinzai (曼外新寨) — Tuanshan Old Village (团山老寨) — Menghan (勐罕, also known as Ganlanba)

Enjoy the scenery of the Lancang River (澜沧江) and admire the “Golden Peacock’s Tail” (孔雀之尾) in Menghan.

Cross the new Lancang River Bridge from Jinghong to the northern bank, and ride down the riverside road. You’ll pass through the Pineapple Mountain (菠萝大山), where pineapple lovers shouldn’t miss out! After reaching the town, you can visit the Dai Ethnic Garden or ride around Longde Lake, and explore several lesser-known beautiful Dai villages: Man Guanglong (曼广龙), Manlao (曼老), Manfeilong (曼飞龙), and Manfadai (曼法岱). Enjoy a leisurely return in the afternoon! The one-way distance is 30 kilometers, with mostly good asphalt roads except for a well-maintained gravel road through the villages, but there are many cars on the road, so be cautious.

Additionally, you can enjoy a relaxing trip at my private treasure spot “Taiji Bend” (太极弯). Play in the sand, go rock climbing, skip stones, fish, barbecue, or sing and dance, and you can also organize a one-day camping trip.

• Intensity: 6
• Star Rating: 4

3. River Tracing Adventure!! Explore the Closest Primitive Forest to Jinghong.

Jinghong — Manwaixinzai — Manwaizao (曼外老寨) — Primitive Forest Park (原始森林公园) — Bangen Valley (板根谷)

A one-way distance of 15 kilometers, all on asphalt roads. Ascend through the primitive forest outside the Primitive Forest Park, walking through the valleys, listening to the symphony of the rainforest, crossing countless natural log bridges, and discovering impressive banyan roots. You can make bamboo tube rice, gather wild vegetables, and experience true wilderness fun!

• Intensity: 5
• Star Rating: 4

4. Jinghong — Manmi (曼咪) — Huihui (回会) — Mengyang (勐养)

Ride wildly in the mountains, let your heart run free!

Take the gravel road behind the Jiangbei Agricultural Hospital to go uphill. There’s a unique large blue tree halfway up, and a bamboo forest embraces the Manmi Dai village. At the top of the mountain, there’s a Huihui village. After visiting Huihui, take a small path down the mountain (accessible only by motorcycle). After crossing a small stream at the foot of the mountain, enter the rubber forest and ride through Mengyang town before returning via the Jingmeng secondary road. The outbound journey is about 38 kilometers, and the return trip along the Jingmeng secondary road is 31 kilometers.

• Intensity: 7.5
• Star Rating: 4.5

5. Jinghong — Tuanshan New Village (团山新寨) — Tuanshan Old Village (团山老寨) — Akannan (阿克南奔) — Manhuai (曼怀)

Ride along the river and the stream, singing lightly as you pedal.

Start by cycling to the northern bank along the Lancang River, then ride along the Nanbo River to Jinuo Village (基诺寨) Manhuai, enjoying the picturesque scenery and the gentle sound of flowing water. There’s a small waterfall in the bamboo forest about a kilometer past Akannan Village, which is quite nice, and you can hear its roar clearly on the road. The one-way distance is about 19 kilometers.

• Intensity: 6
• Star Rating: 4

6. Jinghong — Gadong (嘎栋) — Nanuo Mountain (南糯山) — Gasa

Cross mountains and ridges, challenge yourself; enjoy tea and songs in the Hani (哈尼族) village.

After passing Gadong, ride along the Liushah River to the old road to Menghai, mostly uphill (about 17 kilometers uphill; Jinghong to Gadong is about 5 kilometers), but the scenery is beautiful (and there are not many vehicles). After the Binfang Hydropower Station, cross the Liushah River Bridge and enter the Nanuo Mountain secondary road, which features another long climb of about 4 kilometers. The view at the top is stunning (tea gardens, ponds, bamboo forests, and villages)! You can access the secondary road leading back to Jinghong from Xiangyang Village and have a great meal in the village or at roadside restaurants. In the afternoon, return along the secondary road (starting with a 15-kilometer downhill, which is exhilarating!).

• Intensity: 8
• Star Rating: 4.5

7. Jinghong — Manlongfeng — Manhenna (曼贺蚌)

Fruit picking and flower admiring.

On the way, take the Mengla Avenue to reach Manlongfeng Village, cross through the village’s primary school, and go to Manhenna (曼贺纳). From Manhenna, you’ll ride through many mango orchards (ripe in July and August). On the way back, you can ride along the foot of the mountain to reach Manhebang (曼贺蚌), an environment-friendly and simple Dai village. Enjoy lunch at a small bamboo building of the village accountant. Return to Jinghong via the under-construction Buddhist Academy and the Manlongfeng villa area. The entire journey is about 18 kilometers, with a flat road, but the Manlongfeng area is under heavy construction with many vehicles.

• Intensity: 3.5
• Star Rating: 4

8. Jinghong — Gadong — Man Guanglong (曼广龙) — Gasa

A charming route through Dai villages.

The journey goes through Damame (大曼么), Manla (曼腊), and Mandong (曼栋) to Gadong. After crossing the Liushah River Bridge, pass through Manjingdai (曼景代) to Manwarmian (曼暖典), then go through Manmai (曼迈), the Sanfen Factory Headquarters (三分厂厂部), Man Guanglong, Man Guangmai (曼广迈), and Manba (曼坝) to reach the Sifen Factory Headquarters (四分厂厂部). The scenery in the village of Mandou (曼丢) is unique. You can have lunch in Gasa, and if time allows, you can visit the Manfeilong Reservoir (曼飞龙水库). On the way back, follow the road beside the airport, passing through Manwarmian to return to Jinghong. The entire distance is 22 kilometers, all on a cement road (only a section near the airport is somewhat rough). This route is suitable for leisurely tours for visitors.

• Intensity: 3.5
• Star Rating: 4

9. Jinghong — Primitive Forest Park — Caiyang River Village (菜秧河寨) — Situ Small Village (司土小寨) — Situ Old Village (司土老寨) — Wuxiang (五乡) — Alu Old Village (阿鲁老寨) — Yanuo (亚诺) — Baka Small Village (巴卡小寨) — Manlun (曼仑) — Chengzi (城子) — Wuxiang — Sanxiang (三乡) — Menghan — Jinghong

Explore the origin of the Jinuo ethnic group (基诺族) and breathe deeply in the rainforest.

The entire journey is about 160 kilometers, with the segment from Caiyang River to Wuxiang being part of the secondary road along the Kunman Highway (昆曼公路). The Situ Old Village is one of the origins of the Jinuo ethnic group. The stretch from Alu Old Village to Yanuo goes through a primitive forest with beautiful scenery. On the return trip, go from Menglun towards Menghan via the Kunman Road, and then turn back to Jinghong along the Lancang River.

• Intensity: 8
• Star Rating: 4.5

10. Jinghong — Flower Garden (花卉园) — Hot Work Institute Team 3 (热作研究院三队)

Ride leisurely through the scenic flower gardens.

Enjoy the beautiful flowers blooming along the road; this route features a winding stream, paths through flower gardens, and several scenic viewing spots. You can easily stop to take pictures, relax, or enjoy the beauty of the flowers. The total distance is about 10 kilometers, mostly flat, perfect for a family outing.

• Intensity: 2
• Star Rating: 5

These cycling routes in Xishuangbanna provide a mix of culture, nature, and adventure, making them suitable for different levels of cyclists. Whether you seek challenging climbs or leisurely rides, Xishuangbanna has something for everyone!