As Shanghai's peak summer heat begins to ease, early mornings and evenings are ideal times to head out by bike.

Two greenways along the city's belt of ecological parks are worth exploring: the Kangqiao section of the Outer Ring Greenway in Pudong New Area, which links three nature-filled parks, and the tree-lined Changning Outer Ring Ecological Greenway. The routes offer options for families, pet owners, recreational cyclists, and those seeking a longer workout.

Part 1: Pudong Kangqiao section (from Zhouyuan Road to Shenjiang Road)

The Pudong Kangqiao section of the outer ring greenway spans about 5 kilometers, providing an uninterrupted connection among Yanbei, Tangxiang, and Hengmian.

1. Yanbei Park: Pet-friendly family outing

The park offers a main cycling route of 1.2 km and a branch route of 1.8 km, along with a service hub and two bike parking areas. Designated camping areas, a sandpit, and a pet interaction zone make it especially suitable for families with children and pets. After cycling, visitors can relax in the camping area while children play in the sandpit.

How to get there

• Public transport: Take Metro Line 11 to Xiuyan Road Station, Exit 2. Walk about 800 meters to Gate 3 on Zhouyuan Road.
• Driving: Parking is available at Gate 1 on Junmin Highway.

Open: 24/7

2. Tangxiang Park: Sports and outdoor activities

This park offers a main cycling route of 2.2 km and a branch route of 1.3 km, along with a service hub and four bike parking and rest stops. Along the way, visitors will find a treetop exploration area, a vast lawn, and a soccer field. It is an excellent choice for cyclists who want to combine biking with other outdoor activities.

How to get there

• Public transport: Take Metro Line 11 to Kangxin Highway Station, Exit 2; Metro Line 2 to Zhangjiang High-Tech Park Station, Exit 5; or Metro Line 13 to Zhongke Road Station. Transfer to Pudong Bus Line 25, get off at the Kangxin Highway–Tangxiang Center Village stop, and walk about 300 meters.
• Driving: Parking is available at No 570 Kangren Road or No 5777 Kangxin Highway.

Open: 24/7

3. Hengmian Park: A quiet forest escape

This park has a main cycling route of 1.8 km and a branch route of 0.8 km, along with a service hub and a bike parking area. It also features forest yoga spaces and boardwalks nestled among the trees, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet, immersive ride through nature.

How to get there

• Public transport: Take the Airport Link Line to East Kangqiao Station, Exit 4, and walk to the west gate.
• Driving: Parking is available near the west gate of Hengmian Park.

Open: 24/7

Part 2: Changning Outer Ring Ecological Greenway

The Changning Outer Ring Ecological Greenway was named among China's top 100 cycling routes. It runs 6.25 km from Suzhou Creek in the north to the Hongqiao Road landscape belt in the south.

The fully enclosed route has a smooth surface and is free of motor vehicles and traffic lights. Trees shade most sections. Cyclists can also watch planes take off and land at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Along the way, there are rivers, wetlands, nine scenic bridges, and art tunnels.

Entrances and opening hours

The greenway has four main entrances: North Guangshun Road, West Xianxia Road (Kele Road), Konggang Road Number Eight (Youle Road), and Quankou Road.

The greenway is open daily from 5 am to 11 pm, with lighting for night rides.

The Quankou Road entrance is open from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm, while the others operate under the greenway's regular hours.

How to get there

The Konggang Road Number Eight entrance is near Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1 Station on Metro Line 10. The West Xianxia Road entrance is served by bus routes 54, 88, and 141. The North Guangshun Road entrance is served by bus routes 836 and 190.

Drivers can park in the underground lot at Linkong Music Park and then walk a short way to the greenway.

Facilities

The greenway has four themed service stations — Cailyu Ting, Yuli Ge, Zhenlu Xuan, and Younian Tang — along with rest areas offering bike repair and refreshments.

Bike rentals

Shared bikes brought in from outside are not permitted on the greenway.

Visitors can either bring their own bikes or rent from designated stations, including those at North Guangshun Road, Konggang Road Number Eight, and West Xianxia Road, by scanning a QR code. No deposit is required.

Scenic highlights

Southern section (Konggang Road Number Eight to West Xianxia Road): Highlights include a greenery-covered art tunnel, a lotus pond rest stop, and close-up views of planes overhead.

Middle section (West Xianxia Road to Beidi Road): A metasequoia grove and rain garden create a densely wooded habitat where cyclists may spot squirrels, egrets, and other wildlife.

Northern section (Beidi Road to North Guangshun Road): Close to Suzhou Creek, this section features an elevated green corridor with open views of the waterway and surrounding cityscape.

Part 3: A few reminders

• Keep your speed down: The speed limit is 15 km per hour. Yield to pedestrians. Racing, chasing other riders, and blocking the path are prohibited.
• Protect the environment: Do not ride over lawns or damage plants or public facilities. Take your trash with you.
• Follow temporary closures: The greenway may close during heavy rain, typhoons, maintenance, or safety work. Do not enter a closed section.
• Ride safely: Helmets are recommended, as are bike lights for night rides.

 

Sources: Shanghai Morning Post, Shanghai Public Green Space Construction Affairs Center