【Complete Guide to Cycling Around Qionghai Lake in Xichang | Lakeside Ride + Hidden Gems + Food Map】

Hey guys! This guide covers everything you need to explore Qionghai Lake thoroughly—cycling routes, photo spots, and local food secrets are all organized here. Save it for later!

🚴♀️【Recommended Cycling Routes】

Bike Rental Guide: Plenty of rental shops at the entrance of Qionghai Park!
Mountain bikes: 30 RMB/day, but note the full loop is long (35km)—skip if you're not confident in your stamina.
E-bikes: 60 RMB/day (prices may rise during holidays). Opt for bikes with baskets for storage, and test them first—some e-bikes aren’t great for passengers.

Classic Loop (35km):
📍Start: Moonlight Square, Qionghai Park

1. Qionghai Park → Bird Island Wetland (5km)
Perfect for morning rides! Glide through wisteria tunnels and spot egrets skimming the lake—bring bread to feed the birds!

2. Bird Island → Fishing Village (10km)
Pass through Misty Egret Wetland—endless rapeseed fields and wooden boardwalks are pure therapy! Must-try: Drunken Shrimp 🦐. Spicy fish ribs at "Kaiwanxiao Midnight Snack" are fire!

3. Fishing Village → Qinglong Temple (8km)
The Moon Bay slope is challenging, but the view of the crescent-shaped lake, the temple’s red walls against blue water is breathtaking! Best light at 3-4 PM.

4. Qinglong Temple → Walnut Village (7km)
Cherry Blossom Avenue is dreamy! Buy fresh strawberries from Yi ethnic grannies—10 RMB/jin, super sweet!

5. Walnut Village → Qionghai Park (5km)
Coast along Binzhong Road to catch the sunset at Golden Sand Beach 🌅—coconut trees + glass boats = Sanya vibes!

Beginner-Friendly Half-Loop (18km):
Moonlight Square → Bird Island → Fishing Village → Return. Easy 2-hour ride, ideal for photo-focused trips!

📸【Instagram-Worthy Spots】

1. Qinglong Temple’s Red Wall
Ming Dynasty temple walls + lake blue = cinematic shots! Wear light-colored dresses—side lighting in the afternoon is flattering!

2. Gangyao Pottery Village
New hotspot! Giant pottery installations, ancient kiln ruins, and workshops. Wear neutral tones—silhouettes against the "World’s Largest Pot" are epic!

3. Fishing Village Boardwalk
Morning mist + stilt houses = ink-painting vibes! A bamboo bag makes the perfect prop.

4. Moonlight Town
Colorful houses + bougainvillea walls—every corner is photogenic! Sip iced coffee at lakeside cafés as the water glitters at dusk.

🍢【Local Foodie Trail】

1. Fishing Village BBQ
"Heji BBQ": Must-order Drunken Shrimp—live shrimp "drunken" in baijiu, so bouncy! Also try grilled small intestines and molten tofu.
"Tianjian Courtyard": Gorgeous setting! BBQ sets are a steal—book a courtyard seat in advance!

2. Lushan Mountain Snacks
"Zhouji Roll Noodles": Chicken-fire silk rolls with sour soup + peanuts = perfection! "Li Xiaochang BBQ": Locals’ childhood favorites—grilled beef and molten tofu.

3. Jianchang Ancient City Late Eats
"Hu Sige BBQ": Garlic-lover’s dream—grilled catfish and eggplant. Stroll lantern-lit ancient streets post-meal!

🏨【Stay Recommendations】

1. Lakeside Luxury
"Qionghai Yunli·Mirror Lake Homestay": Rooms with bathtubs + balconies facing the lake! Ultra-photogenic common areas.

2. Artsy Vibes
"Moonlight Town Homestay": White walls + lake-view terraces, 5 mins to the shore—serene and stylish.

3. Budget Pick
"Qingwa Inn": Steps from the wetland park, clean rooms, and insider tips from the owner!

⚠️【Pro Tips】

1. SUNSCREEN x3!
Xichang’s UV is brutal—sunglasses, hats, arm sleeves, and Anessa Gold are musts. Spray sunscreen for reapplication!

2. Bug Defense
Wetland mosquitoes are vicious! Pack repellent + anti-itch cream, or wear long sleeves/pants.

3. Cycling Notes
E-bikes: Brake carefully downhill! East shore has steep slopes—newbies beware. Check brakes/tires before renting!

4. Eco Reminder
No littering or ash-scattering in Qionghai—keep it pristine for future visitors!

✨Xichang is the kind of place you’ll never want to leave! Cycling, BBQ, sunsets—every moment is magic. Save this guide, grab your squad, and go! Don’t forget to share your adventures! 💕