🚴 Why Shanghai Is One of the Best Cities for Cycling in Asia
Shanghai has three key advantages:
- Flat terrain - Alluvial delta with no hills
- 1,300 km of dedicated bike lanes - Expanded 40% since 2018
- Best bike share system - 115,000 bikes across 4,300 stations
Cost: 1.50 CNY per hour for the first 2 hours. International phone numbers work with the app.
Route 1: The River Loop - 22km, 3-4 Hours, Medium Difficulty
The River Loop is the signature Shanghai cycling route: flat 22km along the Huangpu River on separated bike paths.
📍 Route Details:
- Start: Century Avenue Metro (Line 2 and 7), Exit 1
- Route: North through Lujiazui → Yangshupu industrial heritage area → Yangpu Bridge pedestrian/bike lane
- Highlights: Spectacular skyline views from Yangpu Bridge
- Difficulty: Almost entirely on separated bike paths
Route 2: The Old City and Canal Run - 18km, 4-5 Hours, Easy
The Old City route goes through the water towns that formed the original settlement.
📍 Route Details:
- Start: Laoximen Metro (Lines 8 and 17), Exit 2
- Route: Original Qing Dynasty stone slab canal paths
- Experience: Boats still passing underneath, entirely local food markets
- Finale: Walk your bike across Nanpu Bridge pedestrian lane (free) for classic overhead view of Lujiazui skyline
Practical Information: Bike Rental, Navigation, and Rules
📅 Best Cycling Months:
March to May and September to November. Summer is hot (30-38°C) and cycling is unpleasant 11 AM-4 PM.
🚲 Bike Rental Options:- Shanghai Public Bicycle: Requires 200 CNY deposit
- Mobike and Hello Cotech: Dockless and cheaper (1.50 CNY per ride, no deposit)
- Dismount at pedestrian overpasses
- Park at designated areas only
- Use lights after dark