BJ-BK05: Cycle around Beijing's CBD

This one day bicycle tour mainly covers the CBD (Central Business District) in the east and north areas of Beijing. During the cycling, you will have a chance to witness modern Beijing and its rapid development. You can also visit the Sanlitun or the Sun Park on the way, both of which are popular destinations for relaxation and entertainment. 

Route: SKP - International Trade Building – CCTV Tower – Tuanjie Lake Park – Sanlitun or Chaoyang Park or Both
Distance: around 5.5-7 kilometers (3.4-4.3 miles) 

This biking tour will start from Beijing SKP (Shin Kong Place) in the bustling CBD center. SKP is one of the most luxurious shopping malls in the city, with stores of HERMÈS, CHANEL, LOUIS VUITTON, DIOR, GUCCI and PRADA, etc. 

Ride west along Jianguo Road to a flyover, and view the many skyscrapers standing along the road, including Wanda Plaza and Shimao Mansion. Then, turn right to ride north along the East Third Ring Road and have a close look at the International Trade Building on your left.

Then after the first intersection, you will see the CCTV Tower (China Central Radio and Television Tower), an unusual skyscraper like a big short pants on your right.

Continue cycling north for about 1 km, you will see Tuanjie Lake Park (Tuanjiehu Park). The park is free of charge. You may have a stroll inside and relax among the green plants and the peaceful lake. Different from the garden architecture in North China with its red columns and painted beams, you will see classical buildings from South China, with white walls, grey tiled roofs, and maroon doors and windows. 

Then, bike northward for another 1 km to a large intersection, and turn left to Sanlitun. The area is a fashionable commercial area with modern shopping malls, fancy restaurants and starred hotels. The most famous ones are Taikoo Li and Sanlitun SOHO. It is also noted for its bar streets. Though a little quiet during the day, the area is turned on at night, when young local people and foreigners of different nationalities gather for the colorful night life.

If you turn right instead of left at the large intersection, you will get to Chaoyang Park (Sun Park), a quite large city park mostly covered by green landscape. There are many theme zones inside, including an art gallery, children's park, theatre, and scenic park; the Beach Theme Park was the venue for 2008 Beijing Olympic Volleyball matches. Moreover, Sun Park is an exciting place for young people, for there are various rides such as roller coasters, flying swings, and bungee jumping. The admission fee for the park is CNY5, and there is an additional charge for the rides and theme parks. 

If time permits and you feel energetic, you may visit Chaoyang Park first and then go west to Sanlitun to spend a colorful night. 

Both subway line 1 and line 1 east section can send you there. You may get off at Dawang Road and SKP is by the northeast corner of the subway station. 

By the south gate of Chaoyang Park, there is a subway station of line 14 and you may take it to return to your accommodation point. 

If you plan to visit Sanlitun, go east to Tuanjiehu subway station at the end of the day and take subway line 10 to leave. If it’s too late, hire a cab. 

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