Cycling enthusiasts stroll in a meadow in the Yuandang Scenic Area in East China's Jiangsu Province, on May 18, 2025. Photos: VCG

For many countries, cycling is simply another mode of transport. But lately in China, this two-wheeled pastime has become unexpectedly popular, even amid the sweltering summer heat, with enthusiasts of all ages venturing out to explore new routes.  

In Beijing's Mentougou district, for example, a cycling route stretching from the Tangu business district to the historic Jietai Temple has emerged as a favorite among local riders. Since the start of summer, the route has seen an average of over 4,000 cyclists per day.  

The full length is around eight kilometers, more than 90 percent of which winds through scenic mountain curves. For casual riders, a one-way trip can be completed within an hour, offering a refreshing blend of exercise and nature.

Liu Ming, an avid cyclist, told the Global Times that this stretch has now attracted multiple cycling groups. When he first took up the sport, it was because cycling put less strain on his knees compared to running, while still providing a good cardio workout, helping him break a sweat, boost his metabolism, and ease anxiety. But before long, he found himself hooked.

"I'm over forty and I thought I might be too old to start cycling," Liu said. "But out on this route, you'll see plenty of riders in their fifties, sixties, even people in their seventies."

Liu Mingyi, a researcher at the China Youth Sports and Physical Education Integration Public Policy Research Center, told the Global Times that while other niche sports - like ultimate frisbee and rock climbing - have experienced explosive booms in recent years, cycling has never had one single breakout moment. Instead, it has seen a steady, growing fan base.

"This is a sport that you can start and stop at your own pace, it doesn't require expensive gear, and it's suitable for almost every age group," Liu said. "Plus, it combines well with travel and outings, making it a truly universal sport for the public."

City and countryside 

Data backs this up. According to The Paper.cn, one major e-commerce platform reported that its cycling category has logged annual growth of over 50 percent for three consecutive years. From January to August 2024, cycling-related sales on the platform rose 77.8 percent year-on-year. Bicycles, cycling apparel, shoes, helmets, and sunglasses have become the fastest-growing subcategories in this so-called "cycling economy."

Zhang Yi, CEO of iiMedia Research Institute, told the Global Times that their industry research report for the first half of 2025 shows transaction volumes for cycling-related goods continue to climb compared to last year.

Indeed, the trend stretches far beyond Beijing. From a newly opened cycling-themed street in Nanjing, nestled against Purple Mountain, to the iconic loop around Qinghai Lake, cyclists are finding routes that suit them - be it on urban streets or in the open countryside.

Li Xinpeng, who once attempted to cycle around all of China, has been an avid rider for eight years. He told the Global Times that while he's checked off classic routes like Seda, the Duku Highway, and Qinghai Lake, his priorities have shifted since starting a family. Finding big blocks of time for long cycling expeditions has become harder.

"These days, I spend more time on routes closer to home, like Shougang Park or Jietai Temple and other suburban rides around Beijing," Li said. "As cycling becomes more and more popular, these city routes are actually a great option - and they're getting better."

Cyclists race during the 24th Tour of Magnificent Qinghai in Datong county, Northwest China's Qinghai Province, on July 7, 2025.

Beyond bike rides

The cycling craze is also fostering a new kind of social ecosystem. Restaurants catering to cyclists, art installations designed as photo ops for riders, and dedicated public bike parking areas are popping up. As dusk falls, summer night concerts, foam pools, and even kayaking experiences draw crowds of visitors eager to combine sport and leisure, according to CCTV News.

"We set off from downtown at around 5 pm and rode more than 20 kilometers, just in time to catch the bonfire party at a lakeside camping site. Right next to the tents was a foam pit - some people were tossing frisbees, others were brewing coffee. It felt like stumbling into a summer camp movie," Yang Gen, a post-90s outdoor enthusiast who works at a government agency in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, told the Global Times.

"Sometimes, the destination doesn't even matter that much. What's important is chatting, stopping, and playing along the way with friends - and wrapping up the ride in a beautiful spot," he added.

According to Yang, in recent years, many villages and suburban areas have begun to respond to this trend by offering support and rest facilities for cyclists - setting up temporary water stations, installing lighting for night rides, and establishing simple rest stops along popular cycling routes. These services have made cycling more ceremonial and exploratory, turning it from a mere mode of transport into an entry point to a different way of life.

"I think many people are no longer satisfied with just finishing a ride. They're more into 'cycling-plus' experiences," Yang said. "Like cycling plus picnics, exhibitions, or night tours, some even ride out to a countryside guesthouse just to soak in a hot spring or stargaze. That sense of immersion and atmosphere just can't be found on a treadmill or in the gym.

"Once you've got these social stops along the route, cycling stops being a task to complete, it becomes something to share and be part of," he said.