Shanghai Biking Tour: Modern Skyline or Historic Shanghai

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shanghai Biking Tour
   Cycle Through Modern Skyscrapers or Historic Districts Base on Your Preferences

   Explore Shanghai in a different way by cycling through the city streets and riverside greenways. Choose one of the two routes: bike along the Huangpu River and see Shanghai’s modern skyline, or explore the old town’s streets and alleys—with garden villas, Shikumen buildings, and local life.

   Option 1: Huangpu Riverside Greenway - Modern Shanghai

   • Distance: about 22 - 24 km
   • Time Needed: about 2-3 hours

   Route: Xupu Bridge → Qiantan Park → Houtan Park →Lupu Bridge → the Bund Architectural Complex (distant view) → Lujiazui → North Bund Riverside → Yangpu Bridge

   Start from the Xupu Bridge and cycle along the Huangpu River all the way to Yangpu Bridge. During the ride, feel the river breeze, enjoy the expansive riverbank view and watch the changing urban landscapes.

   First, cycle to Lupu Bridge, passing the wetlands of Qiantan Park and Houtan Park, with open river views.

   As you approach Lujiazui, the most representative modern skyline of Shanghai unfolds - skyscrapers such as the Shanghai Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin MAO Tower line the Huangpu River.

   At 632 meters high, Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building. Ascend its 118^th-floor observation deck for a bird’s-eye view of the city.

   

   Along the way, you can also admire the historic Western-style architectural complex on the Bund across the river. Continue cycling northwards, past sections of the former Expo area, waterfront parks, and old industrial sites.

   

   Conclude your trip at Yangpu Bridge and take a final look back at the contrasting view of city skyline and ancient architecture.

   Travel Tip: There is a service station about every 1 km, with public toilets, lounges, drinking water, and charging facilities.

   Option 2: Ancient Streets and Alleys - Old Shanghai

   • Distance: about 10 km
   • Time Needed: about 4 hours

   Route: Xintiandi → Zizhong Road → Madang Road → Sinan Road → Xiangshan Road → Fuxing Road → Tianzifang

   This route begins at the lively Xintiandi, where the traditional Shikumen architecture with brick walls and stone-framed black wooden gates catches your eye. Step inside these buildings, and you'll find stylish cafes and boutiques.

   

   Continue cycling along the streets shaded by Chinese parasol trees. Passing through Zizhong Road, Madang Road and Sinan Road, appreciate the Western-style garden villas and distinctive buildings lining the quiet streets. You can also catch a glimpse of local life, with residents strolling and chatting over coffee in cafes.

   

   Stop at Fuxing Park on the way and see the fountains, flower garden and corridors of this French-style park. Then ride to Tianzifang. Wander around to visit art studios, special stores, cafes and handicraft stores in the old streets and alleys.

   Bike

   Lunch