The girl in charge of the boat from Yangshuo saw me and tried persuading me to return by her boat, saying I was crazy to think of cycling, but my mind was made up! I was determined to cycle what would become one of the finest China bike adventures I had experienced up to that time.

Xingping was much quieter than Yangshuo — a small town that could be walked across in under 15 minutes, but I would love to have stayed there for several days. At that time it boasted a small hostel and guesthouse, where I had my simple lunch. Today Xingping is definitely on the tourist trail. In response, resort hotels have opened, there are several guesthouses and cafes offering Chinese and Western cuisine.