Once known as the kingdom of bicycles, China has pushed cycling to the roadside—and gradually out of Beijing’s urban landscape—with the explosive rise of private car ownership. As the capital became notorious as the “capital of traffic jams,” many have suddenly turned their attention back to the once-neglected bicycle. In developed countries like Europe, the bicycle has gradually transitioned from being a mere mode of transport to serving functions such as fitness, environmental protection, tourism, and fashion, making cycling a beloved outdoor lifestyle. Influenced by this global trend, cycling has also become a fashionable favorite in China’s outdoor sports community.
Cycling is a healthy lifestyle
The Three “Bests” of Cycling: Cycling Makes Us Freer
Traveling by bicycle “disrupts” the conventional ways of traveling by train, plane, or car, presenting a new way to explore. Many people are astonished to learn that someone like me—a seemingly delicate woman—or a septuagenarian, or even a teenager, can cycle all around Beijing and its surroundings, or even make it to Lhasa. They ask: Traveling by bicycle? Really? Yes. It’s absolutely possible. JUST DO IT!
Cycling: A Trendy Leisure Fashion
Today’s bicycles are no longer the “26-inch” women’s bikes or “28-inch” heavy-duty bikes of memory. Mountain bikes, touring bikes, road bikes, folding bikes, and more not only offer visual impact but also significantly enhance performance, enabling them to take on the challenge of “travel.” Cyclists are no longer limited to working-class individuals but have become a “leisure-class” symbol of healthy and fashionable travel.
Frankly speaking, when you’re cycling on the road, those driving luxury SUVs often find themselves envying cyclists on their “BMW” bikes—their brightly colored cycling gear, fit and powerful physiques, and the effortless control of their bicycles—all exuding fashion, confidence, and attitude. Green, eco-friendly, and joyful living—bicycles can truly embody the essence of modern style.
If you’re not cycling, you’re out of the loop!
Cycling: A Healthy Lifestyle
While cycling, feel the breeze brushing every inch of your skin under the blue sky and white clouds, listen to the rhythm of your heartbeat harmonizing with nature—it’s a natural remedy that eases the heavy pressures of work and life without you even noticing.
Giant Chairman Liu Jinbiao once said: “Driving is too fast, walking is too slow—only a bicycle can capture the beauty of life.” This statement perfectly captures the essence of cycling as a lifestyle, and it has gained increasing endorsement from more and more people.
So I say: “If you love someone, take them cycling—let them see the most authentic scenery and hear the most genuine sounds. If you hate someone, take them cycling too—they’ll be hopelessly hooked, repeatedly lost in the pain and joy of the ride...”
Beijing’s 5 Coolest Cycling Routes
There are plenty of great cycling spots around Beijing. Gather your friends, pack your gear, and set off together to discover the city’s beautiful landscapes.
Cycle Through the Most Scenic Routes
Yongning Ancient Town in Yanqing – Gangu Village – Baili Gallery – Tanghekou Fork – Labagoumen – Tanghekou Town – Fenshuiling Tunnel – Kuliu Tree Roundabout
Route Description: From Yongning Ancient Town, head to the intersection of Liugan Road, where you’ll begin a gentle climb followed by descents toward Gangu. This section has very little traffic; there’s a small shop at the hilltop where you can refill water and snacks. The stretch from Gangu to Tanghekou is mostly flat with gentle descents, and you can refill water at the Baili Gallery exit along the way. The section from Tanghekou to Labagoumen is slightly narrower, with some damaged road patches—ride with extra caution. This part can be split into a two-day ride. From Labagoumen to the Forest Park three-way fork, you have three path options: the middle route takes you through birch forests; the right route leads you to oak woodlands.
Scenic Highlights: Yongning Ancient Town, Silicon Wood National Geological Park, Baili Gallery, Primitive Forest Park, glaciers, birch forests, oak forests.
Cycling Intensity:
Recommended For: Cyclists who enjoy a blend of sightseeing and riding.
Cycle Through History’s Embrace
Shuangyu Roundabout – Shifo Village – Shuangyu Roundabout
Route Description: The Lutan Ancient Trail (from Jietai Temple to Shifo Village) is a famously historic path. It’s said that Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong once traveled this very trail when visiting Jietai Temple. Though Shifo Village is just a small settlement in Yongding Town, Mentougou District, it’s world-renowned for housing Beijing’s largest—and only—cliffside stone carving Buddha statues. The road leading into Shifo Village is quite undulating, so watch your speed.
Scenic Highlights Along the Way
Scenic Sights: Lutan Ancient Trail, “Eternal Guardian of the Empire” Memorial Archway, cliff carvings, stupas of eminent monks from Jietai Temple.
Cycling Intensity:
Recommended For: Those who enjoy both “reading” history and cycling.
Cycle Through High Mountains and Far Waters
Yanqing County Town – Dahaotuo Pass – Diaoyu Town – Chibi – Houcheng Township – Baihebao Reservoir – Yanqing County Town
Route Description: The scenery gets more beautiful and the area quieter as you cycle from Yanqing to Dahaotuo Pass. Dahaotuo is a well-recognized great camping spot among cyclists and hikers. On the ride to Houcheng, keep an eye out for Chibi, the largest monolithic rock mountain in Asia, which appears reddish due to its high iron content. When approaching the slope top near the “Yanshan Tianchi” (Yanshan Heavenly Lake) stele by Baihebao Reservoir, there are slightly more large vehicles—please stay safe.
Scenic Views Along the Way: Dahaotuo scenery, Chibi, Baihebao Reservoir scenery.
Cycling Intensity:
Suitable For: Cyclists who enjoy both scenic views and the ride.
Cycling in a Paradise of Scents
Sihui Bridge – Wufang Bridge – Xiji First Bridge – Prague Farm
Route Description: Prague Farm is the closest comprehensive modern herb-themed sightseeing park to downtown. The entire route is within the city and its suburbs—stay safe. At Prague Farm, you can experience the fragrances of various herbs from around the world, including lavender from Provence and European-style charm reminiscent of Prague.
Scenic Views Along the Way: Tonghui River scenery, Prague Farm.
Cycling Intensity:
Suitable For: Those who love romance, a touch of “petite bourgeoisie” lifestyle, and cycling.
Lavender Manor
Cycling Through the Most Quaint Ancient Streets
Niujie Mosque – Caishikou – Liulichang West Street – Liulichang East Street – Yangmeizhu Xiejie – Dashilan – Huangchenggen Relics Park – Nanluoguxiang – Senggelinqin Ancestral Hall – National Academy of Drama – Yuer Hutong – Wanrong’s Former Residence – Mao Dun’s Former Residence – Huangwa Caishen Temple – Bell Tower – Drum Tower – Di’anmen Outer Street – Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Jishuitan Port Ruins – Jinding Bridge – Qianhai – Yinding Bridge – Yan Dai Xie Street – Houhai – Jiumen Snacks – Prince Gong’s Mansion – Fu Jen Catholic University – Mei Lanfang’s Former Residence
Route Description: A famous Beijing city tour route that lets you “taste” authentic old Beijing. This route passes numerous restaurants and supermarkets where you can easily restock. Have lunch in Niujie and try halal snacks, Wei’s Cheese, Donglaishun hotpot, or Turpan Restaurant. Shichahai has many bars and the famous Barbecue Season. In the northwest corner of Houhai is Jiumen Snacks, offering a wide variety of traditional old Beijing flavors. You can also walk along Dingfu Street to Huguo Temple Street and dine at the authentic Huguo Temple Snack Shop, sampling many classic old Beijing treats.
Scenic Views Along the Way: Niujie Mosque, Niujie Mosque, Liulichang, Yangmeizhu Xiejie, Dashilan, Huangchenggen Relics Park, Nanluoguxiang, Senggelinqin Mansion, National Academy of Drama, Yuer Hutong, Mao’er Hutong, Wanrong’s Former Residence, Shuijiandian, Wanqing Pawnshop, Huangwa Caishen Temple, Houyuan’ensi Hutong, Mao Dun’s Former Residence, Bell and Drum Towers, Jinding Bridge, “Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Jishuitan Port Ruins”, Yinding Bridge, Yan Dai Xie Street, Houhai, Soong Ching Ling’s Former Residence, Jiumen Snacks, Prince Gong’s Mansion, Fu Jen Catholic University, Mei Lanfang’s Former Residence, and more.
Cycling Intensity:
Suitable For: Those who enjoy exploring authentic old Beijing.