Chengdu, Sichuan --Shangri-La, Yunnan --Chengdu, Sichuan 

Shangri-La in Yunnan 

Cycling routes: Chengdu (Sichuan) →Dujiangyan →Xiaojin County →Danba County →Xinduqiao Town → Litang County →Daocheng County → Xiangcheng County →Shangri-La County (Yunnan) →Lijang City →Luguhu Town (Sichuan) →Yanyuan County →Xichang →Ya'an →Chengdu

Distance: 1,500km

Duration: 20 --30 days

Expenses: 4,000 --6,000 yuan

Best time for cycling: May, September --October

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is one of the best-known cities in China for its pleasant climate, natural scenery and spicy cuisine. Shangri-La, an ethnic-Tibetan town in northwest Yunnan Province, is considered a hidden paradise of spectacular landscapes and ethnic culture. Of the routes on our list, this route has the most stunning scenery. Attractions along the route include the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Molto Holy Mountains, Daocheng Yading, Shangri-La, Lijiang Old Town, Lugu Lake, Tiger Leaping Gorge and the Ya'an Giant Panda Base.

Xining, Qinghai -- Lhasa, Tibet 

Namsto Lake in Tibet [Photo by Yang Jia/China.org.cn] 

Cycling routes: Xining (Qinghai) →Huangyuan County →Heimahe Village →Chaka Town →Dulan County →Nuomuhong Village →Golmud City →Budongquan →Tanggula Town →Yanshiping Town →Amdo County (Tibet) →Nagqu County →Damxung County →Yangbajain Town → Lhasa

Distance: 1,900km

Duration: 20 --30 days

Expenses: 3,000 --5,000 yuan

Best time for cycling: July --August

As the capital of Qinghai Province, Xining is the largest city on the Tibetan Plateau. Being a home of Zhuang, Hui, Qiang, Tibetan, Uygur and other 28 ethnic minorities, the city combines various ethnic cultures and different religions. Lhasa, located in the center of Tibet, is labeled as one of the most dreamed-about destinations around the world. The cycling route from Xining to Lhasa is the most popular one for bicycle lovers entering Tibet. The blue sky, boundless desert, green meadows, sapphire lakes, winding roads, herds of cows and flocks of sheep, and snow-wrapped mountains present travelers the true beauty of the nature and bring the true peace of mind.