China Bicycle

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China Bicycle

Updated:
Aug 24, 2009;
by:
China Highlights;
Clicks:
1951;

bicycle travel

bicycle travel

Bicycles are an excellent method for getting around China's cities or looping tourist sights. Actually, China impresses many as the kingdom of bicycles. China had 500 million bicycles by 1987. One bicycle for every two people of its population. Bicycles in China are ingrained in every day life and are an important means of transportation and are visible everywhere, which is quite different from that bike-riding is just one way of physical exercise or a sport.

Though multi-geared "mountain" bikes are starting to become more and more popular, most Chinese still ride the venerable all-purpose 1-speed commuting bike. The basic model is the one with fenders, chain guard, kickstand, rod brakes, bike bell, rear package carrier, and usually a front handlebar basket. None come equipped with lights of any kind for nighttime riding. It was quite common to see, in 1980's, an entire 3-person family commuting around on a single bike, usually with the father pedaling, the kid perched on an improvised seat squeezed in behind the handlebars, and the wife sitting side-saddle on the rear rack. However, this scene tends to vanish with the improvement of living standard -- one family is rick enough to afford two or more bikes.

Bikes are found in almost every village, town or city, except Chongqing which is built on several such steep mountains that it is a painful thing to ride bikes in the street. Bikes are so essential in people's life that it is so weird if you don't know how to ride a bike. Roads are swarmed with hundreds and thousands of bikes in rush hours of going on and off work. People have to be very skillful of riding bikes in order that he or she can struggle to move forward in such a crowd. In some remote regions where only bikes are able to enter, people are very good at the technique of carrying as much goods as possible when they go downtown faraway, for example, you may amazingly find that one bike carries nearly ten piggies. Bike-riding program in Chinese acrobatics also indicates this.

Bicycles give feelings of freedom and of returning to nature. Cyclists can visit ancient sites, and stop and explore things along the way. Cycling does not harm the natural environment and doesn't cause pollution. It is also a convenient way of traveling that is becoming more and more popular. Take Yangshuo of Guilin for instance. Cycling the countryside to enjoy the breathtaking scenery beside the road or along the river is an activity that can't be missed. Here in Guilin there are not only bicycles available but tandem bicycles and even bicycles for three.

Destinations for a Bicycle Tour

China is a country full of contradictions. On the one hand, modern high-rise buildings are being fast constructed in the cities; while on the other hand, its countryside remains relatively unchanged. Cycling through the cities and towns provides you with a first-hand view of how ordinary people live in this fast-changing country. There are of course countless places where you can cycle; however, we present to you the following highlights.

Hutong area, Beijing

The Hutong (old lane) plays a very special and important position in the rich history and culture of Beijing. It gives you an authentic glimpse into the preserved tradition of this capital city. While cycling slowly through the winding Hutongs, you will see the old houses and courtyards (some look ordinary from the outside, but used to be the residence of a personage in the past), big old trees, vendors, character shops and restaurants and so on. Some of them might have undergone over a hundred years’ time. The Hutongs are especially bustling in the early morning, when people are busy preparing to start a new day.

Tips:

  1. Bicycle rental stands can be found at touristy areas. Usually 300 – 400 Yuan is required as deposit, which is refundable, and 30 – 40 Yuan is charged as rental for a day.
  2. You can either cycle for one or two hours, or even a whole day, depending on your interest and energy.
  3. Please keep your valuable safe, and don’t simply put your bag in the basket. It is advisable to tangle the belts around the handlebar.
  4. Please watch out and keep off from busy traffic, and be ready to get off if there is too much crowd.
  5. You will need to return the bike to the stand where you rent it.
 

Ancient City Wall, Xi’an

Built in the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 AD), the Ancient City Wall is the longest and best-preserved city wall in China. The city wall, with the ancient city neatly arranged along it, stretches 11.9 km (7.4 miles) round the city, and is considered a landmark dividing the city into inner and outer parts. The four main gates are still used as the only way in and out of the city, with watch towers, moats, drawbridges, battlements, etc. designedly located around the wall. You can imagine how the ancient soldiers defended the inner city from invasions. Biking on the magnificent wall gives you an enjoyable experience and great view of the city on either side.

Tips:

  1. Bicycle rental stands can be found at south, north and east gates of the wall. Usually 200 Yuan is required as deposit, which is refundable, and rental fee is 20 Yuan / 100 minutes for a regular bike or 40 Yuan / 100 minutes for a tandem.
  2. Usually 100 minutes is enough for cycling around the wall, but if you want to stop here and there for pictures, or are not sure to return to the starting point in time, you can rent for another 30 minutes ( another 5 - 10 Yuan will be charged).
  3. Please keep your valuable safe, and don’t simply put your bag in the basket. It is advisable to tangle the belts around the handlebar.
  4. You will need to return the bike to the stand where you rent it. 

Yangshuo, Guilin

The little town of Yangshuo, which is 65 kilometers (40 miles) away from Guilin City, is an internationally acclaimed tourist destination. Experience the hustle & bustle of the Yangshou traffic for 5 minutes before you escape onto the paths of the countryside. Biking through the paddy fields and orchards that surround the famous mountains will give a fascinating view and a chance to see how the local farmers live off the land in traditional way. You will also pass some famous sights along the way, such as the Moon Hill, the Banyan Tree and so on.

Tips:

  1. Bicycle rental stands can be found almost everywhere in town. Usually 100 Yuan is required as deposit, which is refundable, and 5 - 10 Yuan is charged as rental for a day.
  2. Usually half a day is suggested, but times vary according to different routes.
  3. Please keep your valuable safe, and don’t simply put your bag in the basket. It is advisable to tangle the belts around the handlebar.
  4. You will need to return the bike to the stand where you rent it. 

West Lake, Hangzhou

This symbol of Hangzhou is considered one of the most beautiful sights in China. Besides its impressive beauty, the West Lake also features rich cultural heritage. Numerous verses, poems, paintings, and other works of art were made about the West Lake. Many ancient buildings surrounding the Lake are of significant artistic value, and are listed among the most treasured assets of the nation. It is absolutely an enjoyable experience to bike around the West Lake.

Tips

  1. The Hangzhou Municipal Government has set up over 30 public bicycle stands, where you can rent the bike for free (for the first one hour) and can return the bike to any of its 30 stands. The bikes are red ones. 300 Yuan is required as deposit, and the first one hour is free of charge, 1 Yuan for the second hour, 2 Yuan for the third hour, and for using more than 3 hours, 3 Yuan / hour is charged. The cost is deducted from the 300 Yuan deposit. Your passport is needed for rental registration.
  2. There are also privately-run bicycle rental stands. Usually 300 Yuan is required as deposit, which is refundable, and around 10 Yuan is charged as rental for each hour. You will need to return the bike to the stand where you rent it.
  3. Usually 2 hours is suggested for the biking, however, if you intend to visit intensively, you might consider sparing half a day.
  4. Please keep your valuable safe, and don’t simply put your bag in the basket. It is advisable to tangle the belts around the handlebar.

 

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