Top Recommended Biking Routes in Hangzhou

How can you enjoy the poetic Hangzhou in a different way? Hangzhou has long been a popular destination for cyclists and active travelers. The city was the first in China to develop a public bicycle sharing system, which today more than a dozen sharing bikes dot around West Lake area. China Discovery suggests you try short-distance biking trips which offer you more freedom and leisure for exploration and, more importantly, you are much closer to beautiful nature.

You can cycle along the picturesque West Lake to explore the “Ten Scenes”, ride a bike to enjoy the idyllic scenery of emerald Longjing tea plantations at Longjing village and Meijiawu village, have a spiritual cycle by taking the route from Quyuanfenghe to Linyin Temple to feel the blend of nature and landscape. Besides, tourists may also bike around famous historical blocks to visit typical museums, or along Qingtang River to enjoy the splendid night scene. For those who are planning to visit Qaindao Lake, you can instead arrange a biking experience there, as it’s one of the most popular vacation destinations and biking places in Zhejiang, China.

We have carefully selected the most popular biking routes with detailed distance, suggested time, physical demand, highlights of the routes and scenic spots introductions. You can choose the most suitable cycling route according to your own condition and preference. Begin your cycling exploration in Hangzhou 2023!

(Please Note: the following biking routes can be adjusted according to your likes and convenience.)

Hangzhou Biking Routes - West Lake

West lake, the most popular scenic area in Hangzhou, is located in the middle of the city with plenty of landscapes surrounded, like mountains, creeks, gardens, pagodas, temples and bridges. The cycling routes around West Lake are the hottest in Hangzhou. Among which the northwest route from the Broken Bridge to Taiziwan Park (Prince Bay Park) passing Yanggong Causeway, and the southeast route from Nanshan Road (South Entrance of Yanggong Causeway) to West Lake World are the two most popular biking route around West Lake bank. Or if you are a serious cyclist, you can also spend half a day to one day cycling and touring around the lake.

Northwest Route: The Broken Bridge – Yanggong Causeway – Taiziwan Park

  • ● Features: “Classic”, “Most Chosen by Tourists”, “Not Long and Scenic”
  • ● Distance: about 6-7 kilometers
  • ● Estimated Time Consume (without sightseeing): 30-50 minutes
  • ● Cycling Difficulty Index & Physical Demand: ★★
  • ● Highlights & Sightseeing along the Route: Taiziwan Park, Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, Yanggong Causeway, Zhaogong Causeway, Hangzhou Flower Nursery, Guo’s Villa, Lotus Swaying in the Breeze, Gushan Mountain, Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, Lingering Snow over the Broken Bridge in Winter, Xileng Printing Society, etc.

This biking route is the most classic one which starts from Broken Bridge where the Chinese Romeo and Juliet love story began and ends at the south of Yanggong Causeway near Taiziwan Park, where you can enjoy the sea of tulips in full bloom in spring. The route is flat and easy to visit by bike, making it ideal for leisure cycling. Moreover, it connects more than 70% of scenic spots in West Lake.

It is suggested to take this route in spring and autumn because the weather is gentle and cozy and also you can experience the most beautiful and colorful West Lake. However, taking the route in summer and winter might provide you with a different travel experience. If lucky, you may have a chance to enjoy the snow scene of West Lake in winter or lotus blooms all over the ponds and surrounding riverside pavilion in summer.

Hot West Lake Tour: ✔ 2 Days Essence of Hangzhou Tour

Hangzhou West Lake Biking Route
Hangzhou West Lake Biking Route Lotus Swaying in the Breeze

Southeast Route: Nanshan Road – Leifeng Pagoda – West Lake World

  • ● Features: “Looking for Spring”, “The Collision of Nature and Culture, Ancient and Modern”
  • ● Distance: about 3-4 kilometers
  • ● Estimated Time Consume (without sightseeing): 15-20 minutes
  • ● Cycling Difficulty Index & Physical Demand: ★★
  • ● Highlights & Sightseeing along the Route: Su Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda, Jingci Temple, Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill, Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset, the Long Bridge, Orioles Singing in the Willows, Zhejiang Art Museum, Hefang Street, Xihu Tiandi, Music Fountain, Hubin Road, etc.

The cycling route goes through the Su Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda, Prince Bay Park, Zhejiang Art Museum and to the West Lake World. The road is smooth, featuring tall and flourish plane trees on both sides. There are also many scenic spots, scenes and featured shops along the route. However, there are many vehicles in this section, so tourists should follow traffic rules and watch for traffic on the road.

Spring is the best season for the route. West Lake cultivated various willows on the east bank, and in March, the orioles will start singing in the willows. The beautiful environment it offers is beyond your imagination with the surrounding green space. Moreover, you can also stop by Hefang Street and visit the famous Chinese Medicine Museum - Hu Qing Yu Tang, China National Silk Museum and Former Residence of Xueyuan Hu, etc. If it’s time for lunch or dinner, you may head to Hubin Road, where you can find food from all over the world.

Hangzhou West Lake Biking Route Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset
Hangzhou West Lake Biking Route Orioles Singing in the Willows

Hangzhou Biking Routes - Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Route 1: West Lake (Quyuan Fenghe) – Hangzhou Botanical Garden – Lingyin Temple

  • ● Features: "A Spiritual Cycle"
  • ● Distance: about 3.6 kilometers
  • ● Estimated Time Consume (without sightseeing): about 20 minutes
  • ● Cycling Difficulty Index & Physical Demand: ★★★
  • ● Highlights & Sightseeing along the RouteLotus Swaying in the Breeze, Hangzhou Botanical Garden, Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds, Hangzhou Botanical Garden, Qingzhiwu, Lingyin Temple, etc.

This biking route is from West Lake’s northwest corner toward Lingyin Temple, a beautiful and well-maintained Buddhist temple in Hangzhou. In 20 minutes, you’ll leave the bustle and hustle West Lake area, make a stop at Hangzhou botanical garden to appreciate different kinds of flowers, plants and trees, see numerous Longjing tea plantations along Lingyin Road. Continuing westward, over a small, strenuous uphill climb, you reach the hidden spirit place - Lingyin Temple. It is worth your time and exploration. This route is suitable for spring, summer and autumn.

Hot Lingyin Temple Tour: ✔ 2 Days Essence of Hangzhou Tour

Lingyin Route 2: Tianzhu Road (Near Faxi Temple) – Lingyin Temple

  • ● Features: "All the Way Downhill", “Exciting”, “Short and Easy”
  • ● Distance: about 1.6 kilometers
  • ● Estimated Time Consume (without sightseeing): about 10 minutes
  • ● Cycling Difficulty Index & Physical Demand: ★
  • ● Highlights & Sightseeing along the Route: Faxi Temple, Tianzhu Road, Lingyin Temple, etc.

Meiling North Road from the Tianzhu Bus Station, is a super cool downhill riding road! Across the stream on one side is Tianzhu Road. Tourists can start from Tianzhu Bus Station, passing through the middle Tianzhu, the lower Tianzhu and finally arrive at Lingyin Temple. This ride will give you the pleasure of wanting to do it again. You may have a great time here all year around.

Lingyin Biking Route Map 1
Hangzhou Biking Routes - Lingyin Temple Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Biking Route Map 2

Hangzhou Biking Routes - Longjing Tea Plantations

Meijiawu Village Route: Meijiawu – Yunqi Zhujing – Waidaqiao

  • ● Features: "Pristine and Halcyon", “Pure, Fresh and Unique”, “Quiet”
  • ● Distance: about 2-3 kilometers
  • ● Estimated Time Consume (without sightseeing): about 15-20 minutes
  • ● Cycling Difficulty Index & Physical Demand: ★★
  • ● Highlights & Sightseeing along the Route: Meijiawu Village, Bamboo-lined path at Yunqi, Zhijiang Road, Song Dynasty City, etc.

Passing through the Xuefeng Meiling Tunnel is a way out, suddenly. Not many cars on the road, but “Paradise" like Meijiawu Village in the front. Wandering in Meijiawu Village, with the refreshing fragrance of the wide range of tea, you can close the eyes to hear the melodious singing of the little birds and nests and the whisper of the tea leaves in a breeze. After leaving the village, the whole stretch of Meiling South Road is accompanied by metasequoia trees and expansively tea hills. Most of the rides are downhill, so it’s also an effortless biking route suitable for most visitors.

Hot Longjing Tea Plantations Tour: ✔ 2 Days Hangzhou Sightseeing Tour with Cycling Fun

Meijiawu Village Biking Route Map

Longjing Village Route 1: Maojiawu – China National Tea Museum – Longjing Village

  • ● Features: "Challenging Route", “Classic Uphill Route”, “Steep and Winding”
  • ● Distance: about 5-6 kilometers
  • ● Estimated Time Consume (without sightseeing): over 60 minutes
  • ● Cycling Difficulty Index & Physical Demand: ★★★★
  • ● Highlights & Sightseeing along the Route: Maojiawu, Zhejiang Hotel, China National Tea Museum, Longjing Village, etc.

Longjing Mountain Road is probably the most classic climbing route in Hangzhou, well-known for its winding bends and steep slopes. It's quite difficult to ride, suitable for those with good physical strength to challenge themselves. It's a tough ride, but you'll pass attractions like China Tea Museum where you can learn about the tea culture and tea history from more than 4700 years ago and Longjing Tea Room, have a pot of tea at Longjing Tea Room and after fully relaxing, you can take the interesting and basic trekking route at Shililangdang.

Hot Longjing Tea Plantations Tour: ✔ 3 Days Classic Hangzhou Tour (at Leisure Pace)

Longjing Village Route 2: Siyanjing - Manjuelong - Longjing Village

  • ● Features: "Best Autumn Scenery", “The Most Challenging Route”, “Walk Your Bicycle”
  • ● Distance: about 4-5 kilometers
  • ● Estimated Time Consume (without sightseeing): over 60 minutes
  • ● Cycling Difficulty Index & Physical Demand: ★★★★★
  • ● Highlights & Sightseeing along the Route: Siyanjing (Four-eyed Well), Shiwu Hole, Shuile Hole, Yangmeiling Village, Yanxia Hole, Wengjiashan, Longjing Village, etc.

This route can be recognized as the short-biking route with the highest cycling difficulty index, because when passing some extremely steep uphill sections, it takes more effort to ride a bike than to push it. But the scenery of Manjuelong Village is idyllic and astonishing, especially in autumn when the sweet-scented osmanthus fragrance, and the colorful Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies is like God’s Palette being knocked over. When you see this marvelous scenery, you will feel that all the physical hard work is worth it.

Longjing Village Biking Route Map
Hangzhou Biking Routes - Longjing Tea Plantations Longjing Tea Pluckers in Longjing Village
Hangzhou Biking Routes - Longjing Tea Plantations Take Pictures in Meijiawu Village

Other Recommended Hangzhou Biking Route

Qiantang River Side Biking Route: Liuhe Pagoda – Qianjiang New Town

  • ● Features: "A Modern Ride around Qianjiang CBD", “Suitable for Night Biking”
  • ● Distance: about 10 kilometers
  • ● Estimated Time Consume (without sightseeing): about 60 minutes
  • ● Cycling Difficulty Index & Physical Demand: ★★★
  • ● Highlights & Sightseeing along the RouteLiuhe Pagoda, Qiantang River Bridge, Third Qiantang River Bridge, urban balcony, Qinatang CBD, etc.

This riding route helps travelers feel the new fashion along Qiantang River, experience the development process from the first highway-railway bridge to the modernization bridge. On a relaxing bike ride, you’ll also travel from the West Lake era to the Qiantang River era, from the old to new, from ancient to modern. Qiantang riverside biking route is also suitable for both daytime and nighttime. If you are lucky, you may have a chance to see the light show of Qianjiang New City at the end stop - Qianjiang New Town at night.

Qiantang River Side Biking Route Map

Historical Block & The Grand Canyon Biking Route: Qingfang Bridge – Xiaohe Road – Qiaoxi Historical Block

  • ● Features: "Grand Canal Scenic Belt", “ Local Folk Culture Museums Worth Visiting”
  • ● Distance: about 3.5 kilometers
  • ● Estimated Time Consume (without sightseeing): about 20-30 minutes
  • ● Cycling Difficulty Index & Physical Demand: ★★
  • ● Highlights & Sightseeing along the Route: Qingfang Bridge, Grand Canyon Park, Qiaoxi Historical Block, Gongchen Bridge, China Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Museum, etc.

This biking route is at the ancient Grand Canal side of Gongchen Bridge Historical Block. The red biking road starts from Lishui Road under the Qingfang Bridge. Visitors can enjoy the view of the canal and explore typical museums of local culture and handicrafts. The route will pass through the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Museum, Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum, Handicrafts Living State Hall, Chinese Fan Museum and The Museum of Chinese Knives, Scissors and Swords.

Gongchen Bridge Historical Block Biking Route Map

Qiandao Lake Biking Route: Pailing Peninsula – Shangjiangwu Bridge – The Harbor Bridge

  • ● Features: "Peninsula Cycling", “biking route crossing fishing harbor, flower sea, bamboo forest, long bridge”, “Top Biking Route in Zhejiang Province”
  • ● Distance: about 10-11 kilometers
  • ● Estimated Time Consume: about 2.5-3.5-30 hours
  • ● Cycling Difficulty Index & Physical Demand: ★★★★
  • ● Highlights & Sightseeing along the Route: Dapaidang Fishing Boat Harbor, Bingtanghulu Island, Cycling Bridge, Bamboo Forest & Flower Sea, Forest Greenway, Shangjiangwu Bridge, the Harbor Bridge, etc.

The beauty of the road around Qiandao Lake is no less than the road around the lake in Denmark. It’s also being praised as "Seto Inland Sea in China". What's more surprising is that there are both convenient service points for driving and riding along the highway, and scattered farmhouses and agritainments along the lake. You may also enjoy the flower sea in spring, bamboo forest in summer, and colorful falling leaves in autumn...

Hot Qiandao Lake Tour: ✔ 3 Days Hangzhou Highlights Tour with Qiandao Lake

Qiandao Lake Biking Route Map
Hangzhou Biking Route - Qiandao Lake Biking Route Qiandao Lake

Hangzhou Public Bicycle Renting & Sharing Bike Tips

Hangzhou Public Bicycle Renting Tips

1. Bring your ID card or passport to open an account.

2. Visitors can open a bike-rental account at Longxiang Qiao, Xueshi Road & Hubin Road, Third Park, Sixth Park, Shao Nian Gong, Orioles Singing in the Willows, Wushan Square, Huanglong Bus Station, etc.

3. You'll need an RMB 200 deposit to open a bike rental account, all of which is refundable after the account is closed.

4. Renting fare: For the first hour -- free; 1 - 2 hrs. -- CNY1; 2 - 3 hrs. -- CNY2; Over 3 hrs. -- CNY3/hr.

5. Before taking a ride, you should examine every part of the bicycle, and report to the sfatt it there is a problem so as to change a good bicycle beforehand to avoid potential risks.

6. After returning the bicycle, please make sure it says “successfully returned” on the auto machine. The result shows “this card does not rent a bicycle or the bicycle is returned” means returning bicycle successfully.

7. The card holder should top up the IC card accordingly, to avoid not being able to rent or return the bicycle (when there is less than 200 RMB in the card).

Hangzhou Biking - Tips Hangzhou Public Bicycle
Hangzhou Biking - Tips West Lake Biking

Hangzhou Sharing Bikes Renting Tips

Nowadays, sharing bikes is also very famous in Hangzhou, you can find sharing bikes almost everywhere. There are brands like Mobike and Hello Bike, etc. You need to download and install a bicycle APP; then pay the deposit to complete the APP real-name authentication; Open the APP to scan the QR code to unlock the bike you want to use; Click the "Use the Car Now" button and you can start using the bike; When you arrive at your destination, please park your bike on a road that will not interfere with public transportation and is convenient for others to find; After the bicycle is parked, manually lock the mechanical lock on the bike; Open the APP to find “End of the Car” and click.

If you have your questions about renting a bike in Hangzhou, please feel free to contact our professional travel consultants who are here ready to help!

Hangzhou Biking - Tips Hangzhou Sharing Bikes

How to Plan a Hangzhou Tour

Things to Do in Hangzhou: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea Plantation, Hefang Street, Xixi National Wetland Park, China National Tea Museum, China National Silk Museum…

How to Get to Hangzhou: International flights from Singapore (5 hrs.), Seoul (6.5 hrs.), etc., domestic flights from Guangzhou (2 hrs.), Beijing (2 hrs.), etc., or high speed trains from Shanghai (1~2 hrs.), Suzhou (1.5~3 hrs.), Huangshan (1.5~2 hrs.), etc.

Best Time to Visit Hangzhou: all year around

Usually, visitors spend 2 days around to enjoy a classic Hangzhou tour to visit the West Lake Scenic Area, including the amazing West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Tea Plantations, etc. If you want an in-depth Hangzhou tour, you can also pay another half day or so to visit Xixi National Wetland Park, one day around to Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, or one day or so to Thousand Islands Lake, etc. Check all Hangzhou Tours >>

☛ 2 Days Essence of Hangzhou Tour

☛ 3 Days Classic Hangzhou Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration

Also, you can spend 1 day to take a side trip to the nearby water towns like Wuzhen and Xitang in Jiaxing, 2~3 days to Putuoshan - one of the four sacred Buddhist Mountains in China, or 1 day to the popular Nanxun Old Town in Huzhou. Check more about Zhejiang Tours >>

☛ 3 Days Best Hangzhou Tour with Wuzhen Water Town

Besides, compared with just travelling Hangzhou, most of the visitors prefer to travel the metropolis Shanghai, Suzhou Gardens and Hangzhou Lakes in One Go! Such an amazing tour will take 5~6 days.

☛ 3 Days Hangzhou & Suzhou Beauty Tour by High Speed Train

☛ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

Some visitors also ride a high speed train to Huangshan to visit the world-famous Yellow Mountain. A Hangzhou Huangshan tour needs about 5 days around.

☛ 5 Days Yellow Mountain Tour from Hangzhou

Have your preferences? Please feel free to tell us your likes and let our professional travel consultants customize a personal tour for you!

Hangzhou West Lake Hangzhou West Lake Summer Sightseeing Our Customers visited Meijia Dock Longjing Tea Plantation, Hangzhou Our Customers visited Meijia Dock Longjing Tea Plantation, Hangzhou

Get Inspired by Real Travel Stories of Our Customers

Since 2012, we China Discovery have helped numerous customers to visit Hangzhou and surroundings. With our fully-inclusive private tour packages, all of our customers enjoyed their trips to the West Lake, Lingyin Temple, etc. Some of them kindly shared their precious photos and stories about their Hangzhou journey, just get inspired now.

"Impression Show is a must see when visiting Hangzhou…" - shared by Nguyen (Read her entire travel story: The Pursuit of Natural Beauty with the Beloved one - 14 Days Beautiful China Exploring Tour)

"This last night in Hangzhou led us to explore a different side of West Lake, vastly changing our erstwhile bland impression of the famed tourist site…" - shared by CS from Singapore (Read her entire travel story: Delightful Journey to Poetic Jiangnan Area)

Besides the wonderful travel stories, many customers who visited Hangzhou with China Discovery also send us their first-hand feedbacks about their trip, feel free to read the Hangzhou Reviews and learn what they say about their experience. If you want to start your Hangzhou tour now, don't hesitate to contact us.

Our Customers visited the West Lake, Hangzhou Our Customers visited the West Lake, Hangzhou (Check more Customers Hangzhou Travel Photos)

Recommended Hangzhou Tours

Top 3 Hangzhou tours chosen by most customers to explore Hangzhou in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

West Lake Sunset at Changqiao Park
2 Days Hangzhou Essence Tour (Most Time-Efficient)

Hangzhou

West Lake Summer
5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

Shanghai / Hangzhou / Suzhou / Shanghai

Humble Administrator's Garden
3 Days Hangzhou Suzhou Beauty Tour by High Speed Train

Hangzhou / Suzhou

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Customize a Trip

Questions & Discussions

Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.

Renting bike in Hangzhou
Hello,
I have been reading that you can rent public bikes all over Hangzhou. However, somewhere I read that sometimes the brakes don't work well. Is it also possible to rent from a bike shop? If yes, are there any near the Hangzhou Goethe Hotel or Courtyard by Marriott. I have not booked my hotel yet.
2018-08-20 14:40
Hi Fran,

Greetings from China! I am not sure about whether it is possible to rent a bike from a bike shop. And there is one bike shop called “Jiuyi (久亿)” closer to Goethe Hotel on Qingtai Street in Hangzhou, maybe you could call to know the details at (0571)87833270.

Enjoy your great day!
Renting Bike
Can I ask how much deposit money should we pay? because there are other information we just have to pay deposit money 100 RMB, or we should pay 200 RMB?

And another question, we top up our card 250 RMB and we use 25 RMB, can we get payback 225 RMB or just deposit moner 200 RMB?

Thank you
2018-07-30 13:48
Hello Lisa,

Greetings from China! Usually, for tourists in Hangzhou, you need to apply for the Z Card for renting the Hangzhou Public Bicycles, which need a deposit of 200RMB/person. And each time, you need to top up at least 50RMB. If you return the bicycle within 10 days from the last time you using it and the Z Card is maintained well, all your deposit the remaining sum would be given back. To know more details, you could go to Service Hall at No.25 Ding’an Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou (杭州是上城区定安路25号 - 市民卡城南服务厅) in person.

Wish you a nice day!
Smart card
Hi.
If I apply the smart card already.
I want to return and refund the card to another center can or not ?
2018-03-21 22:19
Hello Naphasin,

Good morning from China. Yes, you can rent the bike at one site and return it to another center.

Have a nice trip in Hangzhou!
Public bike
Hi,
I will visit Hangzhou one single day, from the morning to 7p.m. I would like to rent a puplic bike, but I don't know if I can do it just for one day. How can I return my card after using the bike? Maybe at 7 p.m the office is closed.
Thanks
2018-03-12 12:42
Hi Almudena,

Thanks for your message. You have to apply for the biking card at and return the card at the Smart Card Center on Long Xiang Lu, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou. The office is closed at 5 pm.
bike rental
can i rent a bike for 24 hours in Hangzhou without returning it at all? if so how much would it cost?
2017-08-28 12:08
Dear Meir,

Thanks for your message. Yes, you can rent a bike for 24 hours or more. You can negotiate with the Bike Store. It costs about 50~100 CNY for a full day. The price differs by types of bikes, mountain bike or regular bike.

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