The itinerary is just recommended to tourists, but not an evaluation standard for riding a bicycle along the southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway to Tibet. We signed the detailed mileage in the itinerary, accommodation and food suggestions just for your reference.
There are two railway stations in Chengdu City, Chengdu Eastern Railway Station and Chengdu Northern Railway Station. You could package your bicycle on the exit gate and then ride to Temple of Marquis.
If you would like to fly to Chengdu, you'd better take the airport shuttle bus to the city center. You can put your baggage and bicycle into the luggage carrier.
As for the accommodation, we kindly suggest you to stay in Jiulongding Youth Hostel at the Temple of Marquis Street, or Tibetan Sky Hostel nearby the airport. Tibetan Sky Hostel is popular as it is the reception center of Sichuan-Tibet Highway.
It is asphalt road about 155 kilometers long. You need to be careful today as there are many cars along the way. There is little scenery on the way, but you can find the restaurant easily. The first difficulty of Sichuan-Tibet Highway can be seen near Qionglai City. It is a small up slope when you turn left out of Qionglai City. After about 25 kilometers riding, you will be in Black Bamboo Town. The first milestone written by G318 K2345 is located nearby the Helin Village. Besides, there is a toll station located about 25 kilometers far. Afterwards, you will ride downwards and reach Mingshan County. Mingshan County is about 7 kilometers far from Ya an.
As for the accommodation, we kindly suggest you the Ya an Yatong Hostel which is located on the right of Ya an Bridge, about 200 meters far. It is healthy and clean.
It is approximately 87 kilometers long in total. It is asphalt road. The Ancient Tea-horse Road can be appreciated not far from Ya an City. We may reach the entrance of the Ancient Tea-horse Road at noon. The second milestone written by K2641 can be appreciated around. When we are close to Tianquan County, you will meet many local sellers who sell the honey along the way. You'd better wrap your head well to avoid the bees.
After lunch, you could go ahead to Zishi Village. It is a very small village with few dwellings. If you feel tired, you may overnight here. Afterwards, you should ride upwards to Xingou which is about 1300 meters high, but the slope is relatively gentle. The beautiful Qingyi River scenery can be appreciated along the way.
As for the accommodation, we kindly suggest you Xingou Hostel. The free internet and hot water are both provided there. But you can not wash your clothes there, as they can't be dried in a short time.