Registration has opened for the Shanghai Cycling Carnival Dongtan stop and the inaugural Xingzhe Riders' Festival, both part of the 2026 Shanghai Mass Sports Season and the 9th Shanghai (Chongming) Leisure Sports Games.

The event will take place on Oct 17 and 18 at the Starry Camp in Chongming district, bringing together racing, exhibitions, camping, and family activities.

The main event is a 68-kilometer Dongtan cycling challenge, restricted to 2,000 riders with some cycling experience. Unlike typical races, it lacks rankings and timing, focusing instead on enjoyment. The route traverses embankments, wetlands, and migratory bird habitats, allowing participants to appreciate Dongtan's autumn scenery at a leisurely pace. Two supply stations will be positioned along the course.

Beyond the main event, the festival features several competitions:

• A 6-km gravel race offers a closed-course time trial limited to 100 riders, testing both explosive power and bike-handling skills.
• A roller challenge lets participants sprint for 30 seconds on indoor trainers to see who covers the greatest distance.
• A kids' balance bike race provides more than 200 parent-child slots for a 2-km race, with heats on Saturday and finals on Sunday, giving young riders their first taste of competitive cycling in a safe, closed course.

The Starry Camp will transform into a cycling-themed carnival throughout the weekend. More than 100 brands will gather for product launches and equipment showcases. A riders' night will feature a bonfire, camping, and a barbecue. Other outdoor activities include water sports, horseback riding, go-karting, archery, and parent-child workshops on intangible cultural heritage.

If you go

When: Oct 17–18

Where: Starry Camp, No 88 Yingchen Highway, Chenjia town, Chongming district

Registration: Via the Xingzhe website (search for "imxingzhe")

Fees: 69 yuan ($10.28) to 199 yuan, depending on the selected event or package

Source: Chongming district government