Spring has brought warmer weather and blooming flowers and there's no better time to get outdoors. Below are four recommended spring cycling routes in Shanghai.

Route one: Changning Ecological Greenway

Linkong Music Park - West Tianshan Road - West Xianxia Road - Youle Road

Adjacent to the Waihuanxi River, the Changning Ecological Greenway starts from Shanghai's first music theme park near the Suzhou Creek, the Linkong Music Park, and extends southward along the Wusong River to the nursery of the airport on the west side of the Huqingping Highway.

The greenway, with a variety of flowers and trees along the way, runs through roads, forests, boardwalks, and nine bridges. Its total length reaches 6.25 kilometers, with four stations to rest.

Route two: Jiangnan Ancient Town Tour in Qingpu

Jinze Town - Forest reserves along the Taipu River - Liantang Ancient Town - Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

The three Jiangnan ancient towns in Qingpu district have long histories, among which the Liantang Ancient Town can be traced back more than 1,100 years. The towns are intertwined with small rivers and old streets, with buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) along the water, creating a scene of simplicity, peace, and poetry.

In addition, the forest reserves along the Taipu River cover an area of nearly 20,000 acres, including a 12-kilometer ecological trail. Diving deep into the forest is like entering a huge natural oxygen bar.

Route three: Yun Jian Tour in Songjiang

Wazi Alley - Yun Jian Di Yi Lou - Fangta Park - Yunjian Grain Warehouse

The Wazi Alley is around 700 meters long and 10 meters wide, with maple trees on both sides.

The Yun Jian Di Yi Lou is the entrance not only to the history of Songjiang but also to the Shanghai Songjiang No 2 High School.

Built on the original site of the Chenghuang Temple, Fangta Park is a successful example of integrating traditional gardening techniques into modern gardens.

The Yunjian Grain Warehouse is a new cultural landmark that covers an area of 136 acres and consists of more than 60 buildings. It was renovated from the Nanmen Granary in the 1950s, aiming to showcase its culture and history.

Route four: Coastline Cycling in Jinshan

Jinshan Beach - Huhang Highway - Jinshanzui Fishing Village - Shanyang Tianyuan

The Huhang Highway connects the southwest of Shanghai to the north of Zhejiang province, with a length of 216 kilometers. Along the coastal route, there are sites such as the Jinshanzui Fishing Village, the Jinshan City Beach, and the Shanyang Tianyuan. The Jinshanzui Fishing Village is famous for its fresh seafood, including silverfish, white clams, and shrimp.

Source: culture and tourism administrations of Changning, Qingpu, Songjiang and Jinshan districts