After a whole day of strong winds yesterday, the skies over Beijing have finally cleared today—and so has my mood been lifted from overcast to sunny in no time at all.
In this season of gentle spring breezes and bright sunshine, my heart is starting to stir again. My Stumpjumper is also unusually excited, imagining how wonderful it would be to ride through such spring winds. I once read somewhere that cycling is like green drugs—truly addictive. And honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Cycling is faster and less tiring than walking, yet allows you to experience the road more intimately than driving does. It lets you enjoy the scenery as you move, and breathe fresh air as you admire the views—not to mention the great environmental benefits. Today, I came across an article introducing China’s most scenic cycling paradises in spring, and I’d love to share it with you all. In this season of renewal, let’s all get out there and stretch our legs.
Beijing’s Baihe River Gorge
Difficulty Level: 4 Fitness Requirement: 5 Scenic Index: 7
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The Baihe River is one of the two rivers—the Chao River and the Baihe River—that feed into the Miyun Reservoir in Beijing. It originates from the Yunzhou Reservoir and Tangquan Reservoir near Chicheng in Hebei Province. After entering Beijing, it passes through the Baihepu Reservoir in Yanqing before flowing through Yanqing, Huairou, and Miyun into the Miyun Reservoir. The Baihe River Gorge lies between these two reservoirs, forming a classic, picturesque route that few have explored. This gorge is often poetically described as a silver chain draped over Beijing’s head. Stretching over 300 kilometers, the gorge connects three counties that boast the highest concentration of scenic spots in the Beijing area. Especially along the stretch from Baihepu Reservoir to Tanghekou, known as the “Hundred-Mile Gallery,” the winding mountains and flowing river offer breathtaking views at every turn. The towering peaks on both sides and the meandering Baihe River below create a truly magnificent landscape. Moreover, most sections of the route have little traffic, smooth roads, and plenty of options for camping or lodging. Depending on your fitness level and available time, you can plan different routes.
Recommended Routes:
1. Beijing Urban Area – Juyongguan – Yanqing County Town – Baihepu Reservoir – Daliao Gully – Qianjiadian – Gujiayao – Xiadelongwan – Tanghekou – Liuli Temple – Sihetang – Tianxian Waterfall – Kyoto’s First Waterfall – Heilongtan – Miyun County Town – Longquan Temple – Mulin – Mapo – Beijing Urban Area.
This route spans approximately 350 kilometers. With a tighter schedule, it can be completed in 3 days, or more leisurely in 4. Along the way, towns like Baihepu Reservoir, Tanghekou, Liuli Temple, and Miyun County Town offer a variety of accommodations with varying conditions. All the towns and scenic spots you pass through provide opportunities to replenish water and food—though prices tend to be higher near tourist areas.
2. Tanghekou – Qianjiadian – Baihepu Reservoir
This is the essence route, skipping the less interesting sections at either end and focusing on the “Hundred-Mile Gallery” section of the Baihe River Gorge. The total distance is under 100 kilometers, making it ideal for those who can have their bicycles transported by car. Drive to Tanghekou with your bike, start cycling, have the support vehicle follow along, and finish your ride at Baihepu Reservoir—all in one day.
Tips: The Baihe River Gorge route includes several long climbs, so it’s best to use a gear-shifting bike with strong climbing capability. Some sections are rural roads, requiring a degree of off-road ability. Those planning to cycle the full route should prepare ample supplies of water, food, spare tires, spare chains, repair tools, and ideally camping equipment. Be sure to install lights with sufficient brightness on both the front and rear of your bike. There are several tunnels along the way, and having proper lighting is essential—plus, it ensures safety in case night riding becomes necessary.
West Lake in Hangzhou
Difficulty Level: 2 Fitness Requirement: 2 Scenic Index: 7
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West Lake in Hangzhou is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing and enjoyable cycling routes. Not only is it stunningly beautiful, but it’s also completely free of admission fees. The entire loop is less than 20 kilometers, offering beautiful views at every step. Imagine pedaling with the wind in your hair, constantly changing your perspective on the lake, stopping along the way to try some local Hangzhou snacks, or sipping a cup of Longjing tea brewed with Tiger Running Spring water in Longjing Village. Such a leisurely ride is truly hard to beat.
Recommended Routes:
1. Cycle along the shore of West Lake. Especially in the early morning when there are fewer visitors, the scenery is incredibly enchanting. The full loop is about 12 kilometers.
2. Broken Bridge – Bai Causeway – Yuquan – Botanical Garden – Jiulisin – Lingyin – Shangtianzhu. A round trip of about 16 kilometers.
3. Longjing – Wengjiashan – Mangjuelong – Hupao Road – Nanshan Road. Slightly more challenging, requiring a gear-shifting bike with climbing ability.
Tips: Hangzhou is a tourist city with lots of visitors, so when cycling here, be sure to watch out for pedestrians and avoid reckless speeding. Doing so would not only reduce your enjoyment of the scenery but also diminish the overall experience. Most scenic spots in Hangzhou offer bicycle rental services.
Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Path
Difficulty Level: 5 Fitness Requirement: 5 Scenic Index: 7
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For those who love long-distance off-road cycling, the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Path is an absolute must-ride. Also known as the Xiaoyao Rock Plank Road, it was once the essential route for ancient Huizhou merchants transporting salt, tea, and mountain goods between Hangzhou. It stretches from Fuling Town in Jixi County, Anhui Province, in the west to Maxiao Township in Lin’an City, Zhejiang Province, in the east—covering a total length of over 40 li. The ancient path winds along mountains and rivers, with the right side bordering the Xiaoyao Gorge. A stream flows through the canyon, with stacked stones forming its bed. Ancient passes built into the cliffs are engraved with the words “First Pass in Southern Yangtze,” creating a serene, mysterious, and rugged landscape that has long captivated domestic hiking enthusiasts. For cyclists with good off-road bikes, most sections can be ridden—with the exception of two uphill stone staircases where you’ll need to carry your bike. This just adds to the adventure, because who wants to ride a mountain bike on flat asphalt? That’s like driving a Jeep Wrangler on the Third Ring Road.
Recommended Routes:
Hangzhou – (drive or hire a vehicle to transport your bike) Jixi – (cycle) Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Path – Xiaxue Tang – Nantian’ao – (drive or hire a vehicle to transport your bike) Hangzhou
This route relies on vehicles to transport your bicycle, which adds some expense but also enhances the fun. On the way there, you can take in the sights of the Western Zhejiang Grand Canyon, and spending a night in Jixi will help you gear up for the next day’s off-road adventure.
Tips: When ascending the stone steps at the start of the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Path, you’ll need to carry your bike for a while—an endurance test for sure, but one most riders can handle. Most of the path consists of farm roads, which are a bit bumpy but mostly flat, so the intensity isn’t too high. However, watch out for punctures caused by thorny plants and sharp debris on the road. The Nantian’ao area is the only part of the path with mobile phone signal. Hiring a vehicle from Hangzhou to Jixi typically costs around 400 RMB (for a small truck that can carry multiple bikes).
Hehe, that’s all for today. Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow (to be continued)!