Cycling is a deep way to experience China. The classic entry route circles Qinghai Lake (360 km, 4 days); Hainan east coast (400 km) and around Dianchi Lake are good next steps; the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Chengdu-Lhasa, 2,200 km) is the challenge.
Bike rental: tourist cities along the routes have shops renting mountain bikes for 30-80 yuan/day; serious riders bring their own or buy from a store; shared bikes are for city trips, not long distances.
Gear: helmet, gloves, repair kit, patches, front and rear lights; sunscreen, water bottles, energy food; rain gear for long rides (plateau weather shifts fast).
Safety: drive on the right; watch for e-bikes and buses in cities; ride the shoulder on national highways and wear bright colours; avoid night riding, especially in mountains.
Stays: hostels and inns line the routes; book ahead in peak season (July-August along Qinghai Lake).
Routes: read ride books on Xingzhe or Strava; download offline maps - signal is weak in places.
