8 Best Cycling Routes in Beijing for Various Needs

The 7.8-km-long (4.8 mi) Central Axis of Beijing with over 750 years' history extends from Yongding Gate to Bell Tower. Around it, there are 3 cycling routes with different distances. The biggest feature of the 3 routes is the numerous classic historical attractions like Yongdingmen, Qianmen, Tiananmen, and Forbidden City.
 

Beihai Park

Distance: 11.5km / 7mi
Note that the distance here and below all refer to the single-trip distance.
Time needed: within 2 hours
Difficulty: ⭐⭐
 

Bikers Cycling along the Central Axis

Distance: 10 km/6 mi
Time needed: within 2 hours
Difficulty: ⭐⭐
 

Forbidden City

Distance: 29 km/18 mi
Time needed: about 8 hours
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐
  The Hundred Mile Gallery is one of the best routes for cyclers to take in a variety of landscapes. Along the route, you will see the grand Baihe Valley, Heihe Valley, Dishui Waterfall, mysterious secondary virgin forest, as well as some historical buildings like Chaoyang Temple and Guandi Temple. There are routes of different distances along Hundred Mile Gallery.

Hundred Mile Gallery

 Short Route: Yongning Ancient Town - Xiushui Bay – Dinosaur Footprint Site – Shujianfeng – Changshou Mountain – Hundred Mile Flower Sea – Longwan Lake – Naishan Lake – Dishuhu Waterfall – Yingxiu Pavilion
Distance: 30 km/19 mi
Time needed: 8 hours
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐

 Long Route: Sihai Town – Yongning Town – Baihebao Reservoir – Hundred Mile Gallery – Qianjiadian Town – Guihuamu National Geological Park – Dishui Lake Scenic Area – Xiaochuan Village – Pearl Spring – Sihai Town
Distance: 132 km/82 mi
Time needed: 2 days
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Highlights
Yongning Ancient Town: Yongning Ancient Town can date back to Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). In the Town, the buildings like Yuhuang Pavilion and Gongcheng Ancient Street are filled with historical atmosphere.

Dishui Lake Scenic Spot: Dishui Lake Scenic Spot is like a summer resort for its yearly average temperature of 8℃(46℉) and abundant rainfall. In the spot, the 20-meter-high (65 feet) waterfall with the thin stream on the upper side looks like a titled kettle.
 In the entire Beijing, Sihai Town is very famous among cycling lovers. Every weekends, many cyclers would gather to go cycling toward Sihai. It is also a scenic cycling route, especially in spring. At the time, you would see clusters of pink peach flowers and white apricot flowers.

Route: Beijing downtown – Ansi Road – Xiaotangshan – Xingshou Town – Cibei Ravine – Huanghuacheng – Xingshutai – Yanshou Mountain – Sihai Town
Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
Time needed: Half a day
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Highlights:
Yinshan Tower Forest: Yinshan Tower Forest is the Buddhist holy land in northern China. In the Forest, there are 17 towers of different heights in 3 shapes, among which the highest can reach 20 meters (62 feet). 

Huanghuacheng Great Wall: After seeing the solo Great Walls, you may marvel at Huanghuacheng as it combines the solemn Great Wall and waters.
 Yanqi Lake got its name from many rare cute birds like wild gooses and swans that inhabit the Lake. In addition, the abundant and clear water resource also creates a good living environment for animals like fish, turtles, and shrimp. Along the below cycling route, you can see the panorama of Yanqi Lake.

Route: Guhuaixiyu – Yanqi Lake North Bank – Yanqi Lake West Bank – National Exhibition Center – Yancheng Ancient Street – Dingxiumeiquan Town – Yanqihu Dam – Yanqi South Road No.2 Bridge – Guhuaixiyu – Yanbo Villa
Distance: 28 km/17 mi
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐
 The road conditions of above cycling routes are comparatively sound, without too much slope rise, thus easy for beginners to try. While, Beijing still has some bicycle routes with huge slop rise.
 Miaofeng Mountain cycling is like a legend among cyclers in Beijing for its long-distance of uphill riding. Along the 120 km cycling, you need to cycle uphill for about 20 km. As a result, it will be a challenge for both your strength and will. It is recommended for mature cyclers to challenge.

Route: Shijingshan District – G108 Highway – Tanzhesi Town – X004 Highway – Tanwang Road – G109 Highway – X002 Highway– Miaofeng Mountain – G109 Highway – Downtown Beijing 
Distance: 120 km/75 mi
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What to See
Jietai Temple: The 1,400-year-old Jietai Temple is known for the largest Buddhist altar in China and its unique pine trees. It is also one temple that preserves the most relics with strong construction style in Liaojin Dynasty (960 – 1279). Here, you can not only see majestic buildings but also lilac and peony flowers.

Tanzhe Temple: Tanzhe Temple enjoyed a glorious history like many ancient Chinese emperors giving names to it or granting funds to reconstruct it. In addition, it even worked as an imperial temple for a period in history.
 Compared with Miaofeng Mountain cycling route, Bianqiangzi Road cycling not only challenges your strength, but also riding techniques for its steep and narrow roads. Therefore, it is recommended to cycle with your team mates if you decide to cycle there, even if you are experienced cyclers.

Beijing Bianqiangzi Road

Route: Tailing Village – Shili Road – Bianqiangzi Road – Duibian Road – Tielu Village
Distance: 15 km/9.3 mi
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 1. The uphill road after you cycle past Duijiuyu Village is comparatively dangerous. For your safety, please ride your bicycle a little slower.
2. It is wise to wear safety equipment like helmets and kneepads.
3. The mobile phone signal may not be stable in some sections.
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