Beijing by Bike
Beijing, China
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Be one of the estimated nine million bicyclists in China on this Beijing tour. Spin your wheels through the backstreets and hutongs, stopping for some market appreciation, lunch, green tea, and a game of mahjong with the locals. Good luck winning that one, you're gonna need it!
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Highlights
- Bike through the ancient alleyways and hutongs of Beijing
- Explore a neighbourhood on the cusp of development
- Indulge in a traditional Chinese lunch with locals
- Experience a local Beijing produce market
- Learn to play the popular game of mahjong (and even pick up a trick or two)
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Schedule details
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Meeting point:
Sunworld Hotel 天伦松鹤大酒店 灯市口大街88号
No. 88 Dengshikou Street, Dong Cheng, Beijing, 100006
+86 10-58168999
Directions:
Dengshikou Station, Metro Line 5, Exit A.
Turn left, then turn left at the Dengshikou Dajie, Sunworld is 250m down Dengshikou street on the left hand side of the road.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 8.30 AM
- Ending point:
Bike rental point near Drum and Bell Square, Xicheng District (GULOU area).
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, bike rental, lunch, transportation, entrance fees as indicated.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for driver or guide.
Beijing is a city that’s both modern and traditional, forward-looking and connected to its past, and in our opinion, one of the best ways to experience it all is by bike.
Although modernising at a rapid pace, for now, China's capital still preserves its ancient and traditional heart in the winding alleyways and backstreets around the Forbidden City. Known as hutongs, these lanes are still home to many of Beijing's residents as well as shops, markets, temples, and historic buildings.
As our Beijing bike tour winds through the hutongs, you'll have a unique view of this traditional way of life and witness this neighbourhood as it slowly disappears and the developers move in. Cycle to the local market to check out the fresh produce, learn more about traditional ingredients in Chinese cooking, and maybe pick up some snacks for later in the day.
Climb back on your bike and head off to visit some of our local friends and enjoy a tasty Chinese lunch. If you're up for it, help with some of the meal preparation or watch how some local dishes are prepared before sitting down for a typical Chinese meal in a traditional courtyard.
After lunch, hop back on your bike as our Beijing cycle tour continues with a short ride to our next stop where we'll learn how to play the popular game of mahjong. Discover the intricacies of this tiled game while sipping cups of green tea with our neighbourhood friends. You may not have enough time to become a mahjong expert, but you might pick up some tips and tricks from well-played locals!
In the late afternoon, we'll make the final cycle through the alleys back to the drop off point, where this revealing local Beijing bike tour comes to an end.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, bike rental, lunch, transportation, entrance fees as indicated.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for driver or guide.
Dress standard: You will need comfortable clothes for cycling.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: NOTE: Helmets are provided at the beginning of the tour.
Child Policy: Children must be 12 years of age or older.
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Local contact
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