Biking the Chishui

Biking the Chishui

This bike ride centers around a long-distance cycling excursion along the Chishui River in Guizhou, China. This well-developed cycling route spans approximately 160 kilometers in total, featuring a paved red track that follows the river valley. The path is equipped with numbered stations at regular intervals, offering amenities such as share bikes, food, and accommodation. Cyclists can choose to tackle the full distance or break it into smaller segments, enjoying views that range from industrial wine-making areas to sweeping rural landscapes, often crossing wooden suspension bridges and navigating sections supported by giant columns where the path cannot hug the riverbank.

Complementing the physical exertion of the ride is the local culture of Maotai, an area famous for its rice wine production. The route passes numerous wine cellars and factories, where opportunities to taste the local “baijiu” liquor are frequent, sometimes right at the start of the trail. The journey offers a mix of athletic challenge and cultural immersion, with clear signage making navigation easy between stops. For thrill-seekers, the area also features extreme activities near the river crossings, such as zip-lining from high bridges, adding an adrenaline-filled conclusion to the scenic trek through the valley.

Read More

DIRECTIONS

1.    Start at Maotai Station (茅台驛站)

Begin at the official Maotai Service Station, the southern trailhead of the Chishui River Valley Tourist Road. Here you can rent bikes, check route maps and stock up on water and foods. As the capital of Chinese liquor, you can also sample liquor at the shops you pass by.

2.    Follow the red cycling lane out of Maotai Town

Ride north along the dedicated red asphalt bike lane that hugs the Chishui River, leaving the town and passing small liquor workshops and riverside villages.

3.    Cruise through He Ma (合马镇) and Er He (二合镇)

Continue on the riverside greenway as it rolls gently through He Ma and Er He. Wayfinding is clear, with distance markers and signboards showing the next service station along the valley.

4.    Tackle the first long climb before Sha Tan (沙滩乡)

After Er He, be prepared for one of the two longer climbs of the day: a ~4 km steady ascent with about 100 m of elevation gain. Shift to low gears to keep cadence.

5.    Recover on the descent into Sha Tan Service Area

Enjoy a long, gentle descent into the Sha Tan area. Use the local service station or small shops for a short break, refill water and check your time against the day’s schedule.

6.    Ride onward to Xi Jiu Town (习酒镇)

Follow the red lane as it contours the valley toward Xi Jiu, home to the famous Xijiu distillery. This middle section is mostly flat to rolling, with extensive views over the “River of Fine Liquor” (美酒河).

7.    Second long climb between Xi Jiu and Longxing (隆興鎮)

Leaving Xi Jiu, you’ll face the second major 4 km climb, again around 100 m of vertical gain. Pace yourself and consider a short stop at the top to enjoy the river and canyon vistas.

8.    Roll through Longxing and into Tucheng Valley

From the top, the route trends downhill, rolling through Longxing and narrowing into the historic Tucheng valley. Traffic remains light on the adjacent car lane, while the bike path stays separated and safe.

9.    Enter Tucheng Ancient Town (土城古鎮) on the riverbank path

The red cycling lane leads you directly to the riverside below Tucheng Ancient Town, a major Long March “Four Crossings of the Chishui River” site with well-preserved streets and museums.

10.  On the western side of Tucheng Ancient Town, along the Chishui River, near the Tucheng Ferry and the Tucheng Bridge next to the Four Crossings of the Chishui River Memorial Area, you can find a zipline where you can experience it.

GALLERY