Cycling is the greenest form of eco-tourism.
Recommendation One: Challenge Yourself and Follow in the Footsteps of Ironmen
Route: Nangong World Geothermal Expo Park – Nangong Hot Spring Water World – Qinglong Lake Park – Qianling Mountain Scenic Area
The 40-kilometer cycling course of the 2012 Beijing International Triathlon passed through challenging mountainous terrain, main roads, and the Nangong Hot Spring Resort. From the World Geothermal Expo Park to Qinglong Lake, the route is mostly flat, then becomes gently uphill from Qinglong Lake to Qianling Mountain, featuring undulating terrain. Upon reaching Qianling Mountain, there are winding mountain roads with continuous uphill sections. Some parts are steep slopes so tough that low-powered cars or inexperienced drivers might stall—perfect for seasoned cyclists to take on.
Recommendation Two: Rejuvenate Yourself Amidst Nature
Route: Qinglong Lake Park – Qianling Mountain Scenic Area
With over 1,000 acres of water area, the historically rich Qianling Mountain Scenic Area, and Beijing’s longest sightseeing cable car—the Qianling Mountain Cable Car—as well as the unique Lime Kiln Ruins Park, this small town surrounded by lush mountains and clear waters offers both cultural depth and stunning natural scenery. It caters to diverse interests and allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in this serene paradise.
Recommendation Three: Live Your Way, Ride the Slow Life
Route: Qianling Mountain Scenic Area or Qinglong Lake Park – Nangong World Geothermal Expo Park or Nangong Hot Spring Water World, Nangong Hot Spring Resort Hotel
Qianling Mountain Scenic Area is the closest ancient Buddhist cave cluster to downtown Beijing, making it an ideal destination for hiking, fitness, and enjoying mountain views. The mountain paths are tough, and you’ll likely feel tired upon reaching the entrance. After a short rest, head to Nangong Hot Spring Water World to soak in natural hot springs and relieve fatigue. You can also visit the Nangong Sports Experience Hall to play badminton, tennis, basketball, or pick fruits and vegetables at the Nangong Greenhouse Park. Families can bring kids to see the smart temperature-controlled greenhouses and various tropical fruit plantations.
By car: Exit at Nangong Wangzuo 19A on the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway, then follow the signs.
By bus: Take bus routes 321, 458, 459, 662, or 983.
With just a bicycle and two wheels, your journey unfolds beneath your feet, immersing you completely in nature without barriers. Ride through the wind and enjoy scenic views along the way. Early summer is the perfect time for suburban cycling—cool, refreshing, and full of rustic flavors to savor.
Yanqing Cycling Routes
The best cycling routes in Yanqing include the Guishui Ecological Corridor, Xianglong Road, and the Hundred-Mile Landscape Gallery. Among them, the Guishui Ecological Corridor, ranked among Beijing’s top ten cycling routes, features flat roads and pleasant scenery, suitable for cyclists of all levels. Choose a nice day, gather a few friends, take the suburban S2 train to Yanqing, and then cycle around to breathe fresh air and connect with nature.
Guishui Ecological Corridor Cycling Route
Stretching approximately 70 kilometers, this route runs close to the county town and circles the Guishui River, passing attractions such as Xiadu Park, Guishui Park, and the Ten-Thousand-Mu Riverside Forest Park. Folk villages and fruit-picking gardens are scattered along the way. While exercising and enjoying spring blossoms, you can also savor the “Fire Pot Tofu Feast” in Liugou, the “Li Family Fried Cake” in Xiashuimo, and the “All-Fish Banquet” at Wild Duck Lake. Between May and June, you can admire over 400 acres of locust blossom forests in Qingfeng Garden.
Xianglong Road Cycling Route
Spanning about 26 kilometers, this route stretches from Happy Holiday Hotel in the west to Qingshan Garden in the east. Highlights include North China’s “Li River”—Longqing Gorge—and Yunpu Gorge, along with folk villages and fruit-picking gardens. You can try the “Basin Feast” in Penyao and admire the vast apricot blossoms in Xinzhuangbao.
Qianjiadian Hundred-Mile Landscape Gallery Cycling Route
Covering around 30 kilometers, this route starts at Xiushui Bay and ends at Dishuihu. Attractions include the Silicon Forest National Geopark, Dishuihu, and Wulong Canyon, with folk villages and fruit-picking gardens along the way. Local specialties like free-range chicken eggs and scutellaria tea are healthy and green, while the “Baihe Fish” in Hekou is uniquely delicious.
Driving Route:
Drive along the Beijing–Hohhot Expressway to Exit 62, head north to the north side of Xiadu Bridge, rent a bicycle at the Northwest Beijing Outdoor Club, then cycle along Hunan West Road, cross Yan Kang Road, and enter the southern section of the Guishui Ecological Corridor for a ride along the south bank. After crossing Kang Zhang Road, follow the signs to Wild Duck Lake National Wetland Park. Then, retrace your route up Kang Zhang Road, head north onto Yannong Road to explore the northern section of the Guishui Ecological Corridor, and finally take Hubei West Road back to the Northwest Beijing Outdoor Club to return the bicycle.