Motorcycle
14-Day Yunnan Discovery Motorcycle Grand Loop
Kunming · Yuanmou Earth Forest · Lugu Lake · Lijiang · Dali · Tengchong · Lincang · Pu'er · Yuanyang Rice Terraces · Jianshui · Kunming
- Kunmingstart · days 1–2
- Yuanmou Earth Forestday 3
- Lugu Lakeday 4
- Lijiangdays 5–6
- Daliday 7
- Tengchongdays 8–9
- Lincangday 10
- Pu'erday 11
- Yuanyang Rice Terracesday 12
- Kunmingday 13tour ends day 14
Route map
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Tour overview
Discover the extraordinary diversity of Yunnan on a motorcycle journey that goes far beyond the province's famous mountain destinations.
Starting in Kunming, the adventure first heads north towards the surreal landscapes of the Yuanmou Earth Forest, where dry valleys and dramatic natural formations create a completely different side of Yunnan.
Continue towards the peaceful waters of Lugu Lake before travelling through Lijiang and Dali, two of the province's most celebrated historic and cultural destinations.
The route then turns west into the mountains towards Tengchong, a fascinating borderland region known for volcanoes, geothermal hot springs and historic towns.
From Tengchong, ride south through Lincang and Pu'er into some of China's most important tea-growing regions, where mountain roads pass through tea plantations, minority villages and increasingly tropical landscapes.
The final part of the journey explores southern Yunnan, including the spectacular Yuanyang Rice Terraces and the historic town of Jianshui, before completing the loop back in Kunming.
Over 14 days, the scenery changes constantly — from dry valleys to alpine lakes, ancient towns, volcanic landscapes, tea country and vast rice terraces.
For riders who want to experience the cultural and geographical diversity of Yunnan rather than focus only on high mountains, this is one of the most complete motorcycle journeys in the region.
Day by day
1Arrival in Kunming
Welcome to Yunnan. Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport, where airport pickup and hotel check-in will be arranged. No riding is planned today, allowing time to rest, recover from your flight and explore the city at your own pace.
2Kunming – Riding Documentation & Motorcycle Handover
A full day is reserved for the required driving documentation, eligibility checks and motorcycle rental procedures. Complete the motorcycle inspection, organise your riding equipment and take a short familiarisation ride. A briefing on local traffic rules, riding safety and the full itinerary will also be provided.
3Kunming → Yuanmou Earth Forest
Your motorcycle adventure officially begins with a relaxed first riding day. Leave Kunming and travel north into the dry valleys of central Yunnan. Arrive at Yuanmou Earth Forest in the afternoon, where dramatic natural earth formations rise from the rugged landscape, creating one of Yunnan's most unusual environments.
4Yuanmou → Panzhihua Area → Lugu Lake
Continue northwest through the dry Jinsha River valleys and towards the Panzhihua region before climbing into higher mountain country. The landscape changes dramatically during the day, from dry valleys to forested highlands and finally the peaceful blue waters of Lugu Lake.
5Lugu Lake → Lijiang
Enjoy a relaxed morning around Lugu Lake, with time for a short lakeside ride or scenic stop before continuing towards Lijiang. Ride through mountain villages and countryside before arriving in the historic city. Spend the evening exploring Lijiang Old Town and discovering traditional Naxi culture.
6Lijiang – Rest & Exploration Day
Enjoy a slower day in and around Lijiang. Explore the old town and Shuhe, or take a short ride into the surrounding countryside depending on weather and group preference. This is also an ideal day to rest, organise equipment and enjoy local food and culture.
7Lijiang → Dali
Ride south from Lijiang towards Dali through rural landscapes, mountain valleys and traditional villages. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy free time around Dali Ancient Town or the shores of Erhai Lake, with the Cangshan Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop.
8Dali → Tengchong
Head west into the mountains of western Yunnan. Ride through deep valleys, rural communities and increasingly remote landscapes as the route approaches the Myanmar border region. Arrive in Tengchong, a unique destination famous for volcanic landscapes, hot springs and borderland history.
9Tengchong – Volcanoes, Hot Springs & Old Town
Spend a full day exploring Tengchong and its surroundings. Depending on local arrangements, visit volcanic landscapes, the Rehai geothermal area and historic Heshun Old Town. Enjoy a hot-spring experience and take a break from long-distance riding before continuing deeper into southern Yunnan.
10Tengchong → Changning / Fengqing → Lincang
Leave Tengchong and ride southeast through the mountains of southwestern Yunnan. Pass through the Changning and Fengqing regions, famous for black tea and Yunnan's large-leaf tea varieties. Mountain roads wind through valleys, forests and tea-growing areas before reaching Lincang.
11Lincang → Pu'er
Continue southeast through Yunnan's tea country towards Pu'er. Ride through mountain landscapes, subtropical forests, tea plantations and minority communities. Arrive in Pu'er in the afternoon with time to relax or experience some of the region's famous tea culture.
12Pu'er → Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Another significant riding day takes you across the mountains of southern Yunnan towards Honghe. The climate becomes warmer and more humid as the road passes through increasingly tropical landscapes. Arrive near the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, one of Yunnan's most spectacular cultural landscapes.
13Yuanyang → Jianshui → Kunming
Begin the day with the chance to experience sunrise and morning mist over the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Continue to historic Jianshui, known for traditional architecture, local food and centuries of cultural history. In the afternoon, ride back to Kunming, return the motorcycles and gather for a farewell dinner.
14Kunming – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule before transferring to the airport. Your 14-day Yunnan motorcycle journey comes to an end, leaving you with memories of lakes, ancient towns, volcanic landscapes, tea-growing mountains, rice terraces and the diverse cultures of southern China.
Important tour information
- Distances: All distances are approximate and may change according to the final motorcycle-permitted route, road works, weather and local traffic regulations.
- Motorcycle Rental & Driving Requirements: All riders must meet the applicable legal requirements for operating a motorcycle in China. Required documentation and riding eligibility must be confirmed before the tour begins.
- Long Riding Days: Days 4, 10 and 12 involve extended riding distances and require good motorcycle experience, concentration and physical endurance.
- Mountain Roads: Much of Yunnan is mountainous. Riders should expect winding roads, elevation changes and varying road conditions throughout the journey.
- Changing Climate: This route crosses several climatic zones, from dry valleys and highland lakes to subtropical and tropical regions. Riding gear suitable for both temperature changes and rain is recommended.
- Yuanyang Rice Terraces: The appearance of the terraces changes dramatically with the seasons. Winter and spring offer reflective flooded terraces and frequent cloud scenery, while warmer months bring lush green or golden fields.
- Night Riding: Long-distance night riding is generally avoided, particularly on mountain roads.
- Route Flexibility: Weather and road conditions may change during the journey. For safety reasons, the tour leader may adjust the itinerary while preserving the main highlights whenever possible.
Ways to ride this route
Join a group
Fixed dates, a tour leader up front and riders from around the region beside you.
Add to any trip
Ask for a quote
Ask for a quote
Ask for a quote
What's included
Included
Fees for the motorcycle ride leader; costs for obtaining a temporary driver’s license; accommodation in 3- to 4-star hotels throughout the trip (double rooms, including breakfast); personal insurance.
Not included
Lunches, dinners, and beverages; motorcycle fuel; vehicle shipping; motorcycle rental fees; motorcycle security deposits; and any other expenses not explicitly listed as included
Questions riders ask
How to Join Our Boutique Group Trips
1.We regularly update our schedule with the latest travel dates for each year. You can browse our available itineraries, select the one that suits you best, and get in touch with us to sign up. Once your booking is confirmed, simply make your own way to our designated meeting point—we’ll take care of everything else.
2.For your trip, you'll need to prepare your own equipment, such as cycling gear and a helmet, for safe driving.
How to Customize Your Own Itinerary
1.If you have your own group and require a custom travel itinerary, please contact us to arrange a tailored service.
2.We offer a range of options, including support vehicles, photographers, maintenance technicians, motorcycle ride leaders, and translator-guides.
3.If you have specific itinerary requirements for entering China by private vehicle, we can also provide customized arrangements.
How do I apply for a temporary Chinese driver's license?
1. We require an image of your home-country driver’s license in order to translate it and prepare the necessary documentation.
2. Currently, this service is available in Kunming, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Urumqi.
3. Regarding vehicle pickup in Chengdu: due to recent policy adjustments, it is no longer possible to process temporary driver’s licenses there. You must obtain your temporary license elsewhere; therefore, we recommend securing it in advance before traveling to Chengdu to pick up your vehicle.
4.The process for obtaining a temporary driver's license typically takes about two hours to complete.
5.Service hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.