A cycle of endeavor and safety

Sichuan province's Chengdu, undoubtedly among the most attractive tourism destinations in Southwest China, is celebrated for its internationally acclaimed cuisine, natural wonders and cultural heritage, both within the city and in its surroundings, as well as the relaxed and laid-back lifestyle of its residents. Additionally, its welcoming and open social atmosphere has given rise to various young and trendy cultures.

For many, even a simple stroll through the streets of Chengdu would be a source of pure enjoyment. As for me, there's another, more recently implemented allure to this vibrant city — Chengdu's greenway system.

The city has planned a 16,900-km-long Tianfu Greenway within its 14,300-square-kilometer urban sprawl.

One of the primary components of this expansive system is the Chengdu Ring Greenway, a 100-kilometer circular green trail built alongside the Chengdu Ring Expressway. This particular greenway, which boasts 78 scenic bridges that connect 121 ecological parks, including Guixi Ecological Park, Qinglong Lake Park and Jincheng Park, was opened to the public in early 2022.

As a visitor with a penchant for exploring new destinations in active ways, during my recent visit to Chengdu, my main goal was to rent a bike and conquer the 100-km greenway.

Before setting off, I was able to check information on bike rental stations along the way using the WeChat mini program called Tianfu Greenway.

Through this online platform, riders can access the greenway map, find information about food and supply points, seek assistance, or connect with fellow riders in online communities to tackle challenges together. They can also sign up for cycling events, and those who complete the 100-km challenge will receive a commemorative medal.

I noticed that many bike rental points in Chengdu are part of chain networks.

For instance, I selected a rental shop near Jincheng Park. The shop has a total of six rental points along the 100-km greenway, allowing riders to return their bikes at any of these points. This flexibility is beneficial for riders who may not have the stamina to complete the entire journey, as they can choose a distance that suits them for their ride.

The shop owner told me that typically, by 10 am on weekends, around 80 of their road bikes at the rental point near Jincheng Lake are already taken.

"I often encounter foreign travelers who bring their own cycling gear, including clothing and helmets, and then rent bikes at my shop to experience Chengdu's greenway. That's why all our signage is bilingual," he said.

He added that during the recent Chengdu FISU World University Games, athletes from representative teams of such countries as Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea came to the shop to rent bikes for their rides.

"Wuhou district in Chengdu has now emerged as a hub for trendy sports and activities," he said.

It was when I was cycling through the Jincheng Park section of the greenway in Wuhou district that I truly understood what he meant by that. The park is well-equipped with a diverse range of sports facilities, including basketball courts, a cycling experience area, kayaking and paddleboarding clubs, as well as a children's sports park.

On the greenway, the most prominent features are the creatively designed and colorful bridges. They catch your attention not just because they offer riders challenging ascents and thrilling descents, but also because they span roads, fields and flower meadows, allowing riders to overlook the juncture between the city and its outskirts. From these bridges, you can witness the bustling traffic on the expressway on one side, and a rural tableau of suburban farmers tending to their fields on the other.

When passing through the rice fields, there are large signboards that introduce the varieties of crops being cultivated.

Along the way, there are numerous supply points that host drinks vending machines, restrooms and even portable power bank rental services. The cycling path is well-marked with signs indicating the proximity of these supply points. Each supply point has security personnel who can help watch over your bicycles, making it convenient for lone riders like myself to use the restroom. At steep slopes and sharp turns, there are warnings and barriers to prevent collisions resulting from oncoming traffic.

Being a solo rider on this vehicle-free greenway, I can freely enjoy my ride without concerns about thirst, hunger or my phone's battery. I can unwind or listen to an audiobook as I cycle.

As darkness descended, I began to feel a bit anxious, but my worries were alleviated when I spotted security personnel patrolling the greenway on their scooters.

I cycled on and off, covering 100-km from 1 pm to 7 pm. Along the way, I met countless riders of all ages, whether on mountain bikes, professional racing bikes with drop handlebars or using shared bicycles.

Regardless of the type of two-wheeled transport they were using, I believe they all appreciated the thoughtful service and rider-friendly design of the greenway, making them more inclined to choose eco-friendly modes of transportation.