Motorcycle
14-Day Yunnan & Western Sichuan Grand Shangri-La Motorcycle Adventure
Kunming · Dali · Lijiang · Meili Snow Mountains · Yading · Xinduqiao · Ya'an · Huize · Kunming
- Kunmingstart · days 1–2
- Daliday 3
- Lijiangdays 4–5
- Feilai Templeday 6
- La Town (Yading)day 7
- Yadingday 8
- Xinduqiaoday 9
- Ya'anday 10
- Suijiangday 11
- Huizeday 12
- Kunmingday 13tour ends day 14
Route map
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Tour overview
This spectacular motorcycle journey connects the diverse landscapes of Yunnan with the dramatic highlands of western Sichuan and the greater Shangri-La region.
Starting in Kunming, ride west towards Dali and Lijiang, discovering ancient towns, ethnic cultures and the beautiful landscapes of western Yunnan.
The journey then turns north into the Hengduan Mountains, passing through Shangri-La before reaching Deqin and the magnificent Meili Snow Mountains.
From Deqin, cross the deep valleys of the upper Yangtze region and enter western Sichuan via Derong and Xiangcheng, eventually reaching the legendary landscapes of Yading.
Continue across the Tibetan Plateau through Daocheng and Litang before joining the famous G318 highway. Ride through the spectacular mountain scenery of Xinduqiao, cross Zheduo Pass and descend through Kangding and Luding towards Ya'an.
The return journey travels through southern Sichuan and northeastern Yunnan, with a final overnight stop in historic Huize before returning to Kunming.
With ancient towns, sacred mountains, alpine grasslands, deep river valleys and some of China's most memorable mountain roads, this is a wonderfully varied motorcycle adventure through the heart of the Grand Shangri-La 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, giving you 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 Chinese traffic rules, riding safety and the upcoming journey will also be provided.
3Kunming → Dali
Your motorcycle adventure officially begins. Leave Kunming and ride west across the mountains and valleys of central Yunnan towards Dali. Arrive beneath the Cangshan Mountains in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the atmospheric streets of Dali Ancient Town.
4Dali → Lijiang
Continue northwest through countryside, mountain landscapes and traditional Bai villages. Arrive in Lijiang in the afternoon and enjoy free time exploring its famous old town, cobbled lanes and fascinating Naxi culture.
5Lijiang – Rest & Exploration Day
Enjoy a relaxed day in and around Lijiang. Explore Lijiang Old Town and Shuhe, or take a short scenic ride towards the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain area depending on weather and group preference. This rest day also allows additional time to prepare for the higher-altitude riding ahead.
6Lijiang → Shangri-La → Deqin / Feilai Temple
Ride north into the greater Shangri-La region along the G214 highway. Pass through dramatic mountain valleys, Shangri-La, Benzilan and the Baima Snow Mountain region before reaching Deqin. Stay near Feilai Temple, one of the best viewpoints for the spectacular Meili Snow Mountains.
7Deqin → Derong → Xiangcheng → Shangri-La Town (Yading)
One of the most demanding yet rewarding riding days of the tour. Leave the Meili Snow Mountains behind, cross the deep upper Yangtze valleys and enter western Sichuan. Ride through Derong and Xiangcheng before continuing towards Shangri-La Town, the gateway to Yading. Expect plenty of mountain roads and an early start.
8Yading – Scenic Exploration Day
Leave the motorcycles behind for most of the day and explore the spectacular Yading Scenic Area using the required local transport system. Depending on conditions, discover Chonggu Temple, Luorong Pasture and views of the sacred peaks of Chenrezig, Jampelyang and Chanadorje. It is both a major sightseeing day and a welcome rest from long-distance riding.
9Yading → Daocheng → Litang → Yajiang → Xinduqiao
Return through Daocheng and cross the extraordinary high-altitude landscapes around Haizi Mountain before reaching Litang. Join the legendary G318 highway and continue through grasslands, mountain passes and river valleys via Yajiang to Xinduqiao, one of western Sichuan's most celebrated scenic regions.
10Xinduqiao → Zheduo Pass → Kangding → Luding → Ya'an
Follow the G318 east and begin descending from the Tibetan Plateau. Cross Zheduo Pass before riding through Kangding and the Dadu River valley towards Luding. Continue to Ya'an as snow mountains and highland scenery gradually give way to lush forests and the humid landscapes of western Sichuan.
11Ya'an → Leshan Area → Yibin Area → Suijiang
Begin the return journey towards Yunnan. Travel south from Ya'an through the southern edge of the Sichuan Basin, passing the Leshan and Yibin regions before reaching Suijiang beside the Jinsha River. This is a longer transition day, with landscapes gradually changing from basin country to mountain valleys.
12Suijiang → Zhaotong → Huize
Cross back into Yunnan and ride south through the mountains of northeastern Yunnan. Travel through the Zhaotong region, passing valleys, highland farmland and rural landscapes before arriving in historic Huize. The shorter distance makes this a much more relaxed final stage of the expedition.
13Huize → Kunming
Enjoy your final riding day as you travel south from Huize towards Kunming. Arrive in the city around midday or in the afternoon, return the motorcycles and organise your luggage and equipment. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner and celebrate the completion of the journey.
14Kunming – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule before transferring to the airport. Your 14-day motorcycle adventure through Yunnan and western Sichuan comes to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of ancient towns, snow mountains, highland roads and the landscapes of Grand Shangri-La.
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.
- High-Altitude Riding: Deqin, Yading, Litang and Xinduqiao are located at significant altitude. Riders should allow adequate time for acclimatisation and monitor their physical condition.
- Long Riding Days: Days 7, 9 and 11 involve extended riding distances and require good motorcycle experience, concentration and physical endurance.
- Mountain Roads: Northwestern Yunnan and western Sichuan include steep valleys, numerous mountain passes and winding roads. Weather and geological conditions may affect the route.
- Night Riding: Night riding is generally avoided. Mountain sections around Deqin and Yading should be completed during daylight whenever possible.
- Yading Scenic Area: Access inside Yading is subject to local scenic-area transport and visitor-management regulations.
- Route Flexibility: Weather and road conditions can change quickly in the mountain regions. For safety reasons, the tour leader may adjust the itinerary while preserving the main travel experience 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.