Qinghai Lake, Cycling Amidst Rapeseed Flowers
With the spring breeze brushing against our faces, this restless heart of ours—and even the bikes resting in the garage all winter—can’t help but come alive with anticipation. Truly, cycling is like a green addiction, and it’s incredibly habit-forming. No wonder: cycling is faster than walking, yet allows for a more intimate experience than driving. It’s the perfect choice for enjoying both exercise and scenery, not to mention its eco-friendly benefits. Today, let’s take a look at eight of the most scenic and most coveted cycling paradises in China. But let’s be clear from the start—if any of you collapse on the routes I recommend, don’t blame me.
Beijing’s Baihe Canyon
Difficulty Level: 4 Physical Demand: 5 Scenic Rating: 7
The Baihe River is one of the two rivers—the Chao River and the Baihe River—that flow into the Miyun Reservoir in Beijing from upstream. It originates near Yunzhou Reservoir and Tangquan Reservoir close to Chicheng in Hebei Province. After entering Beijing, the Baihe River passes through the Baihebao Reservoir in Yanqing, then flows through Yanqing, Huairou, and Miyun before reaching the Miyun Reservoir. Baihe Canyon is a classic, scenic, and lesser-known route located between these two reservoirs. This canyon has been vividly described as a silver chain around Beijing’s head. Stretching over 300 kilometers, the canyon connects the three counties in Beijing with the highest concentration of scenic spots. The section from Baihebao Reservoir to Tanghekou is especially famous as the “Hundred-Mile Gallery,” where winding mountains and flowing rivers create breathtaking views at every turn. The majority of the route sees little traffic, with smooth roads and plenty of options for camping or lodging. Depending on your fitness level and schedule, you can plan different route options.
Route Recommendation: 1. Beijing City – Juyongguan – Yanqing County – Baihebao Reservoir – Daliaogou – Qianjiadian – Gujiayao – Xiadelongwan – Tanghekou – Liuli Temple – Sihetang – Tianxian Waterfall – Kyoto First Waterfall – Heilongtan – Miyun County – Longquan Temple – Mulin – Mapo – Beijing City.
This route covers approximately 350 kilometers. If you’re pressed for time, it can be completed in 3 days; for a more leisurely pace, 4 days works well. There are lodging options at places like Baihebao Reservoir, Tanghekou, Liuli Temple, and Miyun County, though conditions vary. Most towns and scenic areas along the way have places to replenish water and food, though prices may be higher near tourist sites.
2. Tanghekou – Qianjiadian – Baihebao Reservoir
This is the condensed version of the route, skipping the less interesting stretches at either end and focusing on the “Hundred-Mile Gallery” section of Baihe Canyon. At under 100 kilometers, it’s ideal for those with a car for support. Drive to Tanghekou with your bike, begin cycling, have the support vehicle follow, and finish the ride at Baihebao Reservoir. The whole trip can be done in one day.
Tips: The Baihe Canyon route includes several long climbs, so choose a gear-shifting bike with good climbing capability. Some sections are rural roads requiring decent off-road ability. Those planning the full route should bring ample water, food, spare tires, spare chains, repair tools, and preferably camping equipment. Make sure to install bike lights with sufficient brightness—both front and rear. Not only are there several tunnels along the way, but having proper lighting ensures safety if night riding becomes necessary.
Hangzhou West Lake
Difficulty Level: 2 Physical Demand: 2 Scenic Rating: 7
Hangzhou’s West Lake is undoubtedly one of the easiest and most enjoyable cycling routes. Not only is the scenery gorgeous, but it’s also completely free of charge. The full loop is under 20 kilometers, and every turn reveals a new view. Imagine cycling with the wind in your hair, constantly changing your perspective of the lake, and stopping along the way to sample Hangzhou’s snacks or enjoy a cup of Longjing tea brewed with Tiger Running Spring water in Longjing Village. Such a relaxing ride is truly hard to beat.
Route Recommendation: 1. Cycle along the shore of West Lake. Especially in the early morning when there are fewer visitors, the views are especially enchanting. The full loop is about 12 kilometers.
2. Broken Bridge – Bai Causeway – Yuquan – Botanical Garden – Jiulisi – Lingyin – Shangtianzhu. Round trip is 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. When cycling here, be especially mindful to yield to pedestrians and avoid reckless speeding. Doing so would not only be unsafe but also rob you of the joy of sightseeing. Most scenic spots in Hangzhou offer bicycle rental services.
Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail
Difficulty Level: 5 Physical Demand: 5 Scenic Rating: 7
For those who love long-distance off-road cycling, the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail is an exceptional route not to be missed. Also known as the Xiaoyao Rock Plank Path, this ancient trail was once the essential route for Huizhou merchants transporting salt, tea, and mountain goods to and from 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—a total of over 40 li. The trail winds along mountains and rivers, with the right side bordering the Xiaoyao Gorge where a stream flows through the valley. The trail features stonework, ancient passes built into the cliffs with inscriptions such as “First Pass in Southern Yangtze” on the lintels, and rugged rocks creating a serene and beautiful landscape that has long captivated domestic hiking enthusiasts. For cyclists with strong off-road bikes, aside from two uphill stone staircases where the bike must be carried, most of the route is ridable—perfect for off-road lovers. Why ride an all-terrain mountain bike on flat asphalt? That’d be like driving a Jeep Wrangler on the Third Ring Road.
Route Recommendation: Hangzhou – (drive or hire a car to transport your bike) – Jixi – (cycle) – Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail – Xiaxuetang – Nantian’ao – (drive or hire a car to transport your bike) – Hangzhou
This route uses a vehicle to transport the bike, which incurs some cost but adds to the adventure. On the way, you can enjoy the scenery of the Western Zhejiang Grand Canyon, and staying overnight in Jixi helps you rest up for the next day’s off-road adventure.
Tips: The initial climb on the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail involves stone steps that require carrying your bike for a stretch, which is physically demanding but manageable for most riders. Most of the trail consists of farm roads that are bumpy but flat, so the intensity isn’t too high—just watch out for punctures caused by thorny plants on the road. The Nantian’ao area is the only part of the trail with mobile phone signal. Hiring a car from Hangzhou to Jixi generally costs around 400 RMB (for a small truck that can carry multiple bikes).
Hainan
Difficulty Level: 5 Physical Demand: 6 Scenic Rating: 8
If you ask me which province in China is best for cycling, I’d answer without hesitation: Hainan. Truly, Hainan is like a massive cycling arena designed specifically for riders. The roads are in great condition, and you’re accompanied by beaches, coconut groves, sea breezes, and minimal elevation changes. Most sections can even be managed with a single-speed bike. Spots like Lingshui, Bo’ao, Xinglong, Sanya, and Wuzhishan each attract cyclists from across the country with their unique scenery and charm. No wonder you’ll see groups of cyclists on Hainan’s roads all year round.
Route recommendation: 1. Hainan Island Loop — Haikou → Wenchang → Longlou → Wenchang → Xinglong → Lingshui → Sanya → Yazhou → Dongfang → Changjiang → Danzhou → Haikou
The entire route is about 800 kilometers. Except for the climb from Xinglong to Lingshui, most of the road is flat. With an 8-day itinerary and around 100 kilometers per day, it’s considered easy and enjoyable for most cyclists.
2. Hainan Eastern Route — Haikou → Wenchang → Qionghai → Wanning → Lingshui → Sanya
The total distance is about 400 kilometers. You can detour to Longlou and Bo’ao, passing by Xinglong Hot Springs and the Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden. This route is relatively short, allowing for a more leisurely pace, especially in areas like Longlou in Wenchang, the hot springs and botanical gardens in Xinglong, and the Monkey Island in Lingshui, which are all worth lingering. A 6-day or even 7-day plan with only about 70 kilometers per day makes for truly relaxed cycling.
3. Hainan Western Route — Haikou → Danzhou → Changjiang → Dongfang → Yazhou → Sanya
The total distance is about 450 kilometers. This route is better suited for those who prefer a quieter experience. Compared to the eastern route, it’s much less bustling, with fewer vehicles and tourists, but the natural scenery is just as stunning, and prices are noticeably lower, making it another great option.
Tip: You can rent bicycles of various grades in Haikou.
Hainan is located in the tropics with high temperatures year-round, especially around Sanya. Be sure to take precautions against heat and sun exposure.
Highways across Hainan are toll-free and mostly unmanned, but safety first — avoid riding on highways just because the road conditions are good.
Sanya has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, with relatively high travel expenses, so you might want to avoid staying there.
Qinghai Lake
Difficulty level: 5, Physical requirement: 7, Scenic index: 9
If there are two top cycling destinations in China, one is an island loop, and the other is a lake loop. The island loop refers to the Hainan Island ride mentioned earlier, while the lake loop definitely points to Qinghai Lake. The unique highland environment, vast fields of rapeseed flowers, distant snow-capped mountains, and the simple Tibetan culture, combined with the gently rolling loop route around the lake and excellent road conditions, make cyclists endlessly drawn to this sacred lake. Some even make it an annual trip. No wonder there are so many bicycle clubs in Xihai Town by Qinghai Lake.
Route recommendation: Xihai Town → Hudi Breeding Farm (East Lake) → Heima River → Quanji → Bird Island → Gangca → Xihai Town
The total distance is about 360 kilometers. Cycling clockwise around the lake also shows respect for the local religious beliefs, as both mountain and lake circumambulations should be done in a clockwise direction. The whole journey can be completed in 4 days, making it relatively relaxing, with a chance to visit Bird Island along the way. Road conditions are generally good, with only some small slopes and not too much intensity. But since it is still a highland area, it’s important to plan according to your abilities and avoid overly strenuous activity that could lead to altitude sickness.
Tip: There are long-distance buses from Xining to Xihai Town, about 100 kilometers away, taking just over 2 hours. Bringing a bicycle incurs a fee of around 15 yuan. Xihai Town has several cycling clubs where bicycles of all grades are available for rent. Food and lodging are available at various points along the loop; if you can’t find any, just ask — most are small shops run by local Tibetans, with modest conditions but plenty of Tibetan character, and reasonable prices. Those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other conditions unsuitable for high altitudes should avoid this route. Only Xihai and Gangca offer bike repair services, so it’s wise to carry your own tools, especially a spare tire. After purchasing entry to Bird Island, you can cycle 16 kilometers along the dedicated road to admire the birds, which are present from April to late June.
Sayram Lake
Difficulty level: 5, Physical requirement: 6, Scenic index: 9
Comparable to Qinghai Lake is Sayram Lake. Known in ancient times as the “Western Pure Sea,” it is called “Sayram Nur” in Mongolian, meaning “lake on the mountain ridge,” and “Sayram” means “peace” in Turkic. In Kazakh, Sayram means “blessing.” Legend says the lake was formed from the tears of a young couple who died for love, hence it is also known as Heaven Lake or Milk Sea. In summer, the area around the lake boasts lush forests, clear streams, abundant grass and flowers, dotted yurts, drifting smoke, herds of cattle and sheep, and galloping horses — a moving pastoral scene.
Route recommendation: Cycle counterclockwise along the shore of Sayram Lake
The total distance is about 90 kilometers. The counterclockwise direction is chosen considering that long-distance buses from Urumqi arrive at Sayram Lake, which lies on the right side of the highway. A clockwise route would require cycling over 20 kilometers before actually beginning the loop.
Tip: Take a bus from Nianzigou Long-Distance Bus Station in Urumqi to Yining, arriving at Sayram Lake in about 12 hours. It’s best to choose an evening departure so you can arrive early in the morning. The final stretch near the highway on the counterclockwise loop has many resorts and other lodging options. Sayram Lake has no bicycle service facilities — if issues arise, you’re on your own.
Kanas
Difficulty level: 7, Physical requirement: 9, Scenic index: 9
It’s been said that Kanas Lake is like a shy, quiet maiden lying in the embrace of the vast Altai Mountains. It’s hard to imagine what kind of breathtaking beauty could inspire such a metaphor. No wonder it ranks first among Xinjiang’s five major scenic spots and is China’s only distribution area for ancient Palearctic flora and fauna — its unique scenery is hailed as “the only Swiss landscape in Asia.” The color of Kanas Lake is strikingly unusual, appearing gray-blue. It’s said this is due to a special geological structure that causes the glacial meltwater to contain certain minerals, altering its color — the deeper the water, the darker the hue. UN officials have described Kanas as “the last pure land on Earth, a place of breathtaking beauty.” My first impression was simply: “Too beautiful to be real!” What would it feel like to roam such a paradise on a bicycle?
Route recommendation: Burqin → Chonghuer Town → Kanas → Chonghuer Town → Burqin
The total distance is about 360 kilometers. It’s recommended to complete it in 4 or 5 days. Cycling along the edge of the Altai Mountains, the roads are flat but involve many uphill sections, with switchbacks making up a quarter of the total distance — the ride is challenging, but the stunning scenery along the way makes every drop of sweat worthwhile.
Tip: The Fish-Watching Pavilion, which offers a panoramic view of Kanas Lake, has over 300 meters of wooden stairs — you’ll need to carry your bike.
If you’re not up for this cycling route, you can also rent a bike within the Kanas scenic area for a leisurely ride.
You can apply for a border pass in Burqin — Kanas is located near the border, and some areas require one for access.
The town of Chonghuer has inns that offer both food and accommodation.
Accommodation and meals are available within Kanas Scenic Area, but prices are relatively high.
Bicycle repair services are only available in Burqin; elsewhere, you’ll have to rely on yourself.
National Highway 318
Difficulty level: 9 Physical demand: 10 Scenery rating: 9
Extreme cycling challenge on the Sichuan–Tibet section of National Highway 318 – the dream of countless cyclists, where heaven meets hell. With altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters at its highest points, riders constantly battle steep slopes, fierce winds, and even landslides and road collapses, all while facing scarce supplies. Once you leave the towns, hundreds of kilometers may stretch without a soul in sight. Yet this is also the road hailed as China’s most beautiful national highway. Iconic destinations such as Ya’an, Kangding, Xinduqiao, Bomi, Nyingchi, Lhasa, and even Mount Everest all lie along this route. For cyclists, it’s truly hell for the body, but heaven for the eyes. If you have full confidence in your physical strength, mental endurance, and your bike, then gear up and hit the road on 318 – the gates of heaven and hell are both open to you...
Recommended route: Chengdu – Ya’an – Xingou – Kangding – Zheduo Tang – Xinduqiao – Xiangkezong – Route 158 – Litang – Batang – Markam – Rumei – Rongxu Barracks – Zuogong – Basu – Ranwu Town – Bomi – Tongmai – Palong – Lulang – Bayi Town – Gongbo’gyamda – Songduo – Lhasa The entire journey spans nearly 2,000 kilometers and is recommended to be completed in one month. Indeed, there was once a legendary solo rider who finished the route in just 8 days and 13 hours. While admiration is in order, let’s just say that was the stuff of legends. It’s better for us to take it step by step, town by town, enjoying the ride and the scenery along the way.
Tip: Cycling on National Highway 318 is not something that can be accomplished on a mere whim. In addition to thorough physical and material preparation, careful trip planning is essential. Solo cycling on 318 is not recommended; it’s best to travel in a group of around three people with similar fitness levels to avoid situations where some push too hard or hold others back. Dogs are frequently encountered on 318, and there have been multiple incidents of dogs chasing or even biting cyclists, so it’s wise to carry a high-pitched whistle or other dog-deterrent equipment. Although large stretches of the road have little traffic, never forget safety – never stand in the middle of the road to take photos or admire the view. Using electronic devices like GPS may pose charging challenges, so it’s advisable to bring solar charging equipment as a backup power source. Always fully respect the customs and religious beliefs of the local ethnic groups along the way.
Friendly reminders: 1. Always check your bike’s condition before setting off, and bring repair tools and spare parts. 2. Always wear a helmet when riding. 3. Absolutely no cycling under the influence of alcohol, no matter how short or easy the stretch. 4. Try to avoid night cycling, especially on mountain roads. If you must cycle at night, ensure you have a bike light with sufficient brightness and range. 5. Cycling is an environmentally friendly activity, so be extra mindful of protecting the environment during your ride – always dispose of any generated waste at designated collection points.