Guangzhou's Zengcheng District is famous for two things: lychee fruit and greenways. The Zengcheng Greenway network covers over 80km of dedicated cycling and walking paths through subtropical forests, lychee orchards, riverside scenery, and traditional Hakka villages. This is China's pioneering greenway — the first dedicated cycling greenway in the country was built here in 2010, and it has been expanded and improved since. The route follows the Zengjiang River (增江) through lush subtropical vegetation, passes through centuries-old lychee orchards (Zengcheng produces China's most expensive lychee variety), and connects several traditional Hakka walled villages (围屋). The greenway is well-paved, mostly flat, and entirely car-free. Guangzhou's subtropical climate means cycling is pleasant from October to March (15-25°C), while summer (June-September) is hot and humid but still rideable early in the morning.
Easy. The entire route is on flat to gently rolling dedicated greenway paths. Total elevation gain is only about 200m over 80km. The greenway is well-paved and car-free throughout. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including families with children. The 80km full route is a full-day ride, but the greenway is divided into sections — shorter rides of 20-40km are easily done. Electric bikes are available and popular. Summer (Jun-Sep) cycling is challenging due to heat and humidity — start before 7 AM and finish by 10 AM. October to March is ideal cycling weather.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this cycling route in China.
Zengcheng has public bike share stations along the greenway (Hello Bike/哈啰单车, accessible via Alipay/WeChat). Scan-to-ride, ¥1-2 per 30 min. Private rental shops at the greenway entrance (near Zengcheng Plaza, 增城广场) offer mountain and city bikes from ¥20-40/day, passport required. Electric bikes: ¥40-60/day. The greenway also has tandem bikes and family bikes for rent at major entry points. No advance booking needed. The greenway has bike repair stations with air pumps at regular intervals. From central Guangzhou, take Metro Line 21 to Zengcheng Square Station (增城广场站) — bike rental shops are a 5-minute walk from the station.
Fly to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) — one of China's major international hubs with flights from all continents. Metro: Line 3 from the airport to the city center. High-speed train from Hong Kong (40 min, ¥80), Shenzhen (30 min, ¥50), Beijing (8h, ¥862). To reach Zengcheng: Metro Line 21 from central Guangzhou (Tianhe district) to Zengcheng Square Station (增城广场站), ~1 hour, ¥12. The greenway entrance is a 5-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, take a bus from Guangzhou Tianhe Bus Station to Zengcheng: ¥15, 1 hour. Zengcheng is about 60km east of central Guangzhou.
Start at Zengcheng Plaza (增城广场, Metro Line 21). Cycle north on the Zengjiang River greenway (增江绿道) — a tree-lined path following the river. Pass through lychee orchards and subtropical forest. At ~20km, reach Zhengguo Ancient Town (正果古镇) — a historic Hakka town with temples and traditional architecture. Continue to Baishui Village (白水寨, 35km) — a scenic area with a famous waterfall (optional 2km hike). Return via the same route or loop through Lihu Village (李花村) and Hakka walled villages. Total: ~80km, 5-6 hours. Shorter route: Zengcheng Plaza → Zhengguo Ancient Town and back, ~40km, 3 hours.
Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted everywhere — Guangzhou is a major modern city. All bike rentals, shops, and restaurants accept mobile payment. Greenway: free (no entrance fee). Baishui Village scenic area: ¥60. Zhengguo Ancient Town: free. Meals: ¥30-50 at local restaurants. Lychee (in season): ¥20-50/jin (0.5kg) for premium varieties. Budget: ¥100-200 for a day trip including bike rental and food. International credit cards accepted at some Guangzhou hotels but not at Zengcheng local shops.
Guangzhou is a major international city — English is spoken at hotels, the airport, and major tourist sites. Zengcheng has limited English. Useful phrases: 增城 (zēng chéng) = Zengcheng; 绿道 (lǜ dào) = greenway; 荔枝 (lì zhī) = lychee; 客家 (kè jiā) = Hakka; 正果 (zhèng guǒ) = Zhengguo; 自行车 (zì xíng chē) = bicycle; 白水寨 (bái shuǐ zhài) = Baishui Village. Cantonese is the local language, but Mandarin is universally understood. Download a translation app with offline Cantonese and Mandarin. Zengcheng is less touristy than central Guangzhou — be prepared for limited English signage.
Good 4G/5G signal throughout most of the greenway — Guangdong has excellent coverage. Signal may weaken in deep forest sections and near Baishui Village. Download offline maps before starting. WiFi available at restaurants and shops in towns along the route. Carry a power bank for GPS navigation. Baidu Maps or Amap (高德地图) are recommended for cycling routes in the Zengcheng area — Google Maps is less accurate here.
Zengcheng District People's Hospital (增城区人民医院): 020-82711800. Guangzhou First People's Hospital: 020-81048888. Ambulance: 120. Zengcheng has adequate medical facilities. The greenway has tourist information points at major entries. Bike repair: stations with air pumps along the greenway, plus shops in Zengcheng town and Zhengguo. If your bike breaks down, public bikes can be returned at any station. The greenway has moderate foot traffic during daylight hours — help is usually nearby.
Based on 289 reviews from international cyclists who have completed this route. Ratings reflect route quality, scenery, infrastructure, and overall experience.
Last verified: August 1, 2026