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James and Keli expect a relaxed ride but end up cycling 65 km, or 40 miles, through the Yangshuo countryside over seven hours. Their tour starts at 8:30 AM and takes them past small villages and alongside the Li River, away from the main tourist routes. They stop for photos, water and lunch at a local restaurant, where they try Cantonese tea. The 38°C heat makes hydration important, but they enjoy the scenery and the chance to see rural life. They describe the route as demanding but manageable for moderately active riders.
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More about the current video:(Published on 2021-08-23)

An early start from Yangshuo
James and Keli begin a guided bicycle tour at 8:30 AM, hoping for a relatively easy ride through Yangshuo. The route becomes a 65 km journey, or 40 miles, lasting about seven hours. They travel through small villages, along the Li River and across countryside away from the usual tourist paths. Bike Asia is one option for a guided route outside the main tourist areas.
The heat reaches 38°C, so they stop to refill water and take breaks. They also pause for photographs and take in the landscape as the route changes from village streets to open countryside. Their ride is more challenging and longer than expected, but they keep going and enjoy the views along the way.
Villages, lunch and local tea
A stop at a countryside village gives them a look at local life beyond the center of Yangshuo. They have lunch at a local restaurant and try local food and Cantonese tea. The refreshments provide a break from the heat and a chance to experience local cuisine during the ride. James and Keli describe several pit stops that help them rest, take photos and continue the route.
The video captures their shared laughter and determination as the hours pass. They did not expect the cycling tour to take so long, and the distance makes the heat more demanding. The route is considered harder than a casual ride, but they say moderately active people can manage it. Starting early helps avoid some of the midday heat, while bringing water remains important.
What to plan for the ride
For a similar trip, consider a guided tour if you want to see routes beyond the main tourist areas. The tour in the video began at 8:30 AM. Bring enough water for the heat and plan to stop along the way to refill and rest. Local restaurants can provide food and tea during a long outing.
James and Keli’s ride combines physical effort with the scenery of Yangshuo’s countryside. The route passes villages and the Li River, and the couple see parts of the area that they would not have reached by staying in town. Their experience shows that an apparently easy ride may cover a long distance in hot weather, so moderately active riders should consider the duration and prepare accordingly.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How far did James and Keli cycle?
- A: They rode 65 km, or 40 miles, on a tour that lasted about seven hours.
- Q: What was the temperature like?
- A: The ride took place in 38°C heat, which made carrying and refilling water important.
- Q: Is the Yangshuo bike tour suitable for beginners?
- A: The route was harder than the couple expected, but they describe it as manageable for moderately active people. A guided tour can help with the route.


