This urban cycling route connects two of Beijing's most iconic imperial sites: the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) and the Summer Palace. Starting near Tiananmen Square, you'll cycle north through the historic hutong neighborhoods, past the lakes of Houhai and Qianhai, along tree-lined avenues, and finally to the Summer Palace — the Qing Dynasty's magnificent garden retreat. The route passes through layers of Beijing's history: Ming Dynasty walls, Qing-era hutong alleyways, Republican-period architecture, and modern boulevards. It's a cultural immersion as much as a bike ride. The route is mostly flat with a gentle northward rise toward the Summer Palace. Beijing traffic can be intimidating, but dedicated bike lanes on most major roads make this route manageable for experienced urban cyclists.
Moderate. The route is almost entirely flat, but the challenge is Beijing traffic and navigation. Major roads have dedicated bike lanes, but intersections can be chaotic. The hutong sections require slow, careful navigation through narrow alleys. Total distance is manageable for anyone who cycles regularly. Not recommended for first-time cyclists or those uncomfortable in traffic. Electric bikes are a good alternative.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this cycling route in China.
Beijing has an excellent public bike share system: Meituan Bikes (yellow) and Hello Bikes (blue) are available via their respective apps or Alipay/WeChat mini-programs. Scan-to-ride, ¥1-2 per 30 min, no deposit needed. For better quality bikes, private rental shops near Houhai (后海) and Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷) offer mountain bikes and hybrids from ¥30-50/day. Passport required for private rentals. Electric bikes available from ¥60-80/day. Given the traffic, a sturdy bike with good brakes is essential — don't skimp on quality.
Beijing is China's primary international gateway. Fly to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Airport Express train from PEK to city center: ¥25, 30 min. High-speed rail from Shanghai (4.5h, ¥553), Xi'an (4.5h, ¥515). Metro: The starting point (Tiananmen East, 天安门东) is on Metro Line 1. The ending point (Summer Palace, 颐和园) is near Metro Line 4 Beigongmen Station (北宫门站). You can cycle one way and Metro back, or cycle round-trip.
Start at Tiananmen East Metro Station (天安门东). Cycle north along Nanchizi Street (南池子大街) — a tree-lined avenue parallel to the Forbidden City's east wall. Turn west at Jingshan Park (景山公园) — climb the hill for Forbidden City panoramic views (park your bike outside, walk up). Continue north through the hutongs to Di'anmen (地安门). Turn west along Di'anmen Outer Street to Houhai (后海) lakes — cycle along the waterfront. Continue northwest along Jiugulou Street (旧鼓楼大街) — Beijing's most beautiful tree-lined cycling boulevard. Follow Xinjiekou Outer Street (新街口外大街) northwest to the Summer Palace (颐和园). Total: ~18km, 2-3 hours with stops. The route passes numerous cafes, restaurants, and historic sites — plan for a 4-5 hour leisurely exploration.
Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted everywhere — Beijing is fully cashless. The public bike share systems work through their apps. Forbidden City entrance: ¥60 (book online in advance at least 1 day ahead — same-day tickets often sell out). Summer Palace entrance: ¥30 (¥60 with garden areas). Jingshan Park: ¥2. All accept Alipay/WeChat. Bring your passport for all ticket purchases. International credit cards not accepted at ticket booths.
Beijing is a major international city — English signage is common at tourist sites. Hotel staff speak English. However, hutong shop owners and bike rental staff may speak limited English. Useful phrases: 故宫 (gù gōng) = Forbidden City; 颐和园 (yí hé yuán) = Summer Palace; 景山公园 (jǐng shān gōng yuán) = Jingshan Park; 后海 (hòu hǎi) = Houhai; 南锣鼓巷 (nán luó gǔ xiàng) = Nanluoguxiang; 自行车 (zì xíng chē) = bicycle. Download Baidu Translate for offline use in hutongs.
Excellent 4G/5G throughout the entire route. Free WiFi at most cafes and restaurants. Beijing's public WiFi ('Beijing WiFi') is available in some public areas near tourist sites. Signal is strong everywhere — no dead zones. Google Maps works in Beijing but is less accurate than Baidu Maps for cycling routes — use Baidu Maps or Amap (高德地图) for the best cycling navigation.
Beijing Union Medical College Hospital (北京协和医院): 010-69156114. Beijing Hospital: 010-85133122. Ambulance: 120. Tourist police hotline: 12301. The Forbidden City and Summer Palace both have first aid stations. Bike repair shops are common along the route — look for shops with bicycles outside. If you have a mechanical issue near a subway station, you can always park the bike and take the Metro.
Based on 389 reviews from international cyclists who have completed this route. Ratings reflect route quality, scenery, infrastructure, and overall experience.
Last verified: August 1, 2026