8-Day Motorcycle Riding Itinerary – Southern Silk Road (The Ancient Shudao Path)

What is the Ancient Shudao Path?

• The Silk Road was the main channel for exchanges and trade between ancient China and the West, carrying the important mission of spreading the culture of the Central Plains to the Western Regions. Through such an important channel, the sericulture culture and textile skills of mainland China were spread to every corner of the world. The Silk Road is divided into three routes: the Southern Silk Road, the Northern Silk Road, and the Maritime Silk Road.
• These three Silk Roads happen to be the core components of the Belt and Road Initiative, which is the most important in China’s current foreign relations. Today we will introduce the Southern Silk Road, which was the earliest of the three Silk Roads. The Shu-Shen (yuán) Du (dǔ) Road is one of the oldest international passages in my country. It is about 200 kilometers long and is an important transportation line to India. It is called the “Silk Road” of the southwest land. It was developed as early as the Western Han Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago.

During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang set up a “Jinguan” in Chengdu to manage the production and sales of Shu brocade, so Chengdu was named “Jinguan City”. Take a look at Jinjiang River. It is said that the ancients used the water of the Minjiang River flowing through Chengdu to wash brocade. The river water is colorful and gorgeous like brocade, so it got the name.

8-day Motorcycle Riding Itinerary on the Southern Silk Road

Day 1: Gathering in Chengdu

• Pre-trip briefing
• welcome dinner
• learn about the history of the Southern Silk Road

Day 2: One-day tour in Chengdu

• The origin of Jinguan City
• learn about the starting point of the Silk Road
• the Panda Base
• Jinmen
• Shujin Museum
• Jinli
• a night tour of Jinjiang

Day 3: Chengdu – Qionglai Pingle Ancient Town – Mengding Mountain (135km)

• Learn about Qiong bamboo canes
• porcelain-based bamboo weaving
• Mengding Mountain tea

Day 4: Mengding Mountain – Niba Mountain – Hanyuan (165km)

• Niba Mountain with two different views
• Daxiangling Silk Road
• Wang Jiancheng ruins on the Tea Horse Road
• Qingxi Confucian Temple
• Gongjiao

Day 5: Hanyuan – Ganluo – Yuexi – Xide (228km)

• Wenchang hometown
• Xiaoxiangling scenery
• Dengxiangying
• Xide hot spring

Day 6: Xide-Xichang Qionghai-Dechang (143km)

• Sunshuiguan
• Xichang Satellite Base
• Xichang Qionghai

Day 7: Dechang-Lugu Lake (286km)

• Continental Trough Primeval Forest
• Yalong River Ferry
• Lugu Lake

Day 8: Lugu Lake – Lijiang (210km)

• Lijiang Old Town

Main Attractions During the Cycling Journey

Shu Brocade Museum

Walking into the Shu Brocade Museum, it seems as if you have traveled through time and space and returned to the prosperous era of the Silk Road. This place carries the millennium of brocade culture and is an important base for the research of silk and brocade, and the protection and reproduction of ancient Shu brocade. The museum has extremely rich collections, which are divided into six categories: the origin of silk, Shu brocade of various dynasties, the history of embroidery, Ming and Qing costumes, the evolution of looms, and Shu brocade skills. Among them, Shu brocade flourished in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and flourished in the Han and Tang Dynasties. It is an important part of Chinese silk culture. We can also experience the fun of making Shu brocade in the museum. Under professional guidance, operate the loom by hand and feel the charm of traditional craftsmanship.

Dengxiangying

Dengxiangying, located at the southern foot of Xiaoxiangling in Mianshan Town, Xide County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, is one of the important post stations on the ancient “Southern Silk Road”. The Dengxiangying city wall is the best-preserved section of the post station ruins in Liangshan, witnessing the comings and goings of pedestrians from all ages on the ancient “Southern Silk Road”. The layout of the city has maintained its original appearance in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The simple and natural bluestone roads and ancient buildings of different shapes are quietly watching, which contains a rich cultural heritage.

Xichang Satellite Base

Take a close look at core areas such as the command and control center, the rocket and star test center, and the launch site, witness the magnificence of the rocket launch tower, and feel the tremendous power of aerospace technology.

Continental Trough Primeval Forest

The continental trough primeval forest has rich ecological resources, including rare animals and plants and a unique ecosystem. Cycling here allows you to observe traces of various wild animals and feel the magical charm of nature.

Lijiang Old Town

In Lijiang Ancient Town, you can deeply experience the unique charm of the Southern Silk Road culture. As an important channel for ancient China to conduct trade with South Asia and Southeast Asia, Lijiang Ancient Town, as one of its important nodes, carries a rich historical and cultural heritage.

Inclusions

• Accommodation Booking
• Eight nights in high-standard local hotels (standard rooms, 2 people per room; participants can freely choose their roommates or follow the leader’s arrangement. A single room supplement is required for solo occupancy).
• Guidance and Support Services
• A lead vehicle equipped with emergency supplies.
• Tickets and Meals
• Entrance to the Panda Base, Jinjiang Night Tour, Mount Mengding, Lugu Lake, motorcycle ferry, and support vehicle ferry.
• Support Vehicle Services
• Free luggage transport throughout the trip, with a support vehicle accompanying the group.

Exclusions

• Personal Expenses
• All drinks, entertainment, and other personal expenses during the trip.
• Vehicle Expenses
• Fuel, tolls, and other expenses for personal or rented vehicles.
• Additional Costs
• Extra entrance fees and other services not included in the main itinerary.
• Vehicle Transport Fees
• Shipping and packing fees for picking up or returning vehicles in different locations.
• Optional Services
• Any additional optional services during the trip.
• (Note: All costs are subject to the terms and conditions of the contract.)