BEIJING'S BEST

Road Cycling

ROUTES

For Visitors

Visiting Beijing and curious about the cycling scene? Well, wonder no more!

Beijing is one of Asia's best-kept cycling secrets! Gone are the days of bad air; with industries relocated and electric vehicles on the rise, blue skies are now the norm. The mountains surrounding the city are a cyclist's playground, offering stunning routes and scenic views. Plus, the COVID cycling boom means you'll find plenty of locals on the roads and cool coffee shops along the way.

The roads and terrain are so good here; we'd consider Beijing for a team training camp

-- Dan Martin (Multiple Grand Tour Stage Winner)

The scenery just blew me away—and so close to Beijing!

-- Dominic Barton (Former McKinsey Global MD)

Riding past the Great Wall was an amazing experience

-- Eric Min (Zwift Founder)

Ride from the city centre or drive out to the mountains

BIKE RENTAL

We offer a fleet of well-maintained titanium road and gravel bikes for rent—We take care in ensuring your fit is dialled and we can even deliver to your hotel.

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CYCLING RETREAT

This self-service cycling retreat is in the mountains near many of Beijing’s top riding routes. It features a clean, modern setup designed with cyclists in mind. Surrounded by coffee shops, scenic hikes and close to The Great Wall, it’s a convenient and comfortable base for both rides and rest days.

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TRANSPORT + GUIDE

Would you like a local rider to be your guide and for added convenience, we offer hotel drop-off and pick-up services starting at 250 RMB each way, making it easy to get to and from your ride. If you'd like some company on the road, we can also arrange a ride companion or guide to join you—whether you’re looking for local route knowledge, pacing support, or just someone to share the miles with.

Route Information

GREAT WALL

108km / 1900m elev.

MOUNTAIN RIDE

*****

More Details ↓

No trip to Beijing is complete without experiencing the Great Wall of China. Fortunately, you can combine a scenic bike ride with a visit to the Wall in a single half-day adventure. The journey begins at our cycling retreat, The Serk Silver House, and follows an anti-clockwise route toward Yongning before looping back through the cross roads of Si Hai.

This route features many quiet, secluded back roads and peaceful villages, ensuring a tranquil and authentic experience. Keep your eyes open—the Wall comes into view at least five times along the way. Around the 90 km mark, you’ll pass directly alongside the Wall. This is a perfect spot to pause for a coffee at The Verse or one of the other nearby cafés.

If you’re interested in climbing the Wall itself, we can arrange a private tour tailored just for you.

SCENERY / PHOTOS

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HISTORIC LANDMARKS

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RIDING DIFFICULTY

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Coffee / FOOD

*****

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BAI HE VALLEY

74km / 2050m elev.

MOUNTAIN RIDE

*****

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Baihe Valley in Miyun is a must-do ride for anyone cycling around Beijing. This road is one of the most scenic in the region, winding and twisting high above the Baihe River. Locally known among Beijing riders as the "100 km Natural Art Gallery" for its breathtaking views, this route will truly knock your socks off.

The ride follows a smooth, perfectly paved road that snakes its way along the white cliffs lining the valley. At the end of the route, you’ll make a U-turn and retrace the best sections before setting off on an additional loop through quiet back roads.

Well worth the drive of 90 minutes each way to the start point. Contact us to arrange transportation.

SCENERY / PHOTOS

*****

HISTORIC LANDMARKS

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RIDING DIFFICULTY

*****

Coffee / FOOD

*

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BEIJING STELVIO

67km / 1649m elev.

MOUNTAIN RIDE

*****

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The “Beijing Stelvio” is one of the finest switchback roads in the Beijing area. While it may not rival the iconic Stelvio Pass in Italy, it’s the closest equivalent you’ll find near the city. The journey to this mountainous route requires a bit of a drive, but the effort is well rewarded. Stretching over 68 kilometers, the loop offers a peaceful and spectacular ride, featuring a perfect blend of smooth tarmac, winding switchbacks, and varied elevation. This combination makes for an idyllic 2 to 3-hour cycling experience you won't forget.

SCENERY / PHOTOS

*****

HISTORIC LANDMARKS

*

RIDING DIFFICULTY

****

Coffee / FOOD

*

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MInG TOMBS BACKROADS

66km / 1387m elev.

MOUNTAIN RIDE

*****

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This route begins approximately 50km outside the city and winds its way along quiet, twisting back roads, with frequent climbs and descents—there’s barely a stretch of flat terrain. We love this ride for its ever-changing scenery, peaceful roads surprisingly close to the city, and the occasional glimpse of the historic Ming Tombs nestled on the hillsides.

SCENERY / PHOTOS

*****

HISTORIC LANDMARKS

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RIDING DIFFICULTY

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Coffee / FOOD

***

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WENYU LOOP

78.9km / 198m elev.

RIDE FROM CITY

**

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Wenyu Loop is a scenic cycling route just outside Beijing’s 5th Ring Road, tracing the serene Wenyu River. The route is flat and runs parallel to riverside gravel paths, often dotted with local recreational fishermen. With a mild elevation gain of just under 200 meters, it’s an ideal early morning ride—relaxing yet engaging, perfect for riders looking to escape the city for a few hours.

SCENERY / PHOTOS

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HISTORIC LANDMARKS

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RIDING DIFFICULTY

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Coffee / FOOD

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JIETAISI

77.8km / 569m elev.

RIDE FROM CITY

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Jeitaisi is a renowned temple located west of Beijing, nestled in an area home to some great climbs in the West. The ride begins with mild gradients and long false flats leading through Mentougou, before kicking up into a steady, slow burn that tops out around 340 meters of elevation. On the return leg, don’t miss a stop at the Tanko cafes—perfect for a well-earned coffee and a slice of cake.

SCENERY / PHOTOS

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HISTORIC LANDMARKS

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RIDING DIFFICULTY

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Coffee / FOOD

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DEATH VALLEY

117.3km / 754m elev.

RIDE FROM CITY

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The Ride to Death Valley in Beijing is a thrilling cycling route that winds through the dramatic mountains of Miyun District. Known for its steep climbs, sharp switchbacks, and narrow descents, this ride challenges even experienced cyclists while rewarding them with breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and deep ravines. The route has earned the nickname “Death Valley” for its intense terrain, but for those who crave adventure on two wheels, it’s an unforgettable experience just a short trip from the city.

MIAOFENGSHAN

123.7km / 2117m elev.

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The ride to Miaofengshan in Beijing is a challenging and scenic cycling route, featuring a 13.3 km climb with a 5.8% average gradient. Located in the Mentougou District, it offers cyclists stunning mountain views and winding roads. Known for its tough terrain, this route is a favorite among serious cyclists and a must-ride for those seeking both adventure and breathtaking landscapes.

Route Downloads

Gallery

Great Wall, Great City, Great Ride!!!!

October 19, 2024

Bassam Iteif

Nice ride with a few hills and snacks to finish

October 15, 2024

Fun ride up to the Great Wall with fast descents and delicious cheese and fruit to finish! Thank you to the Serk team for making my two-day business trip a joy!

Flavio Santos

Perfect roads and amazing service

August 3, 2024

The roads and terrain are so good here; we'd consider Beijing for a team training camp.

Dan Martin

I rode past The Great Wall!

July 27, 2017

Riding past the Great Wall was an amazing experience.

Eric Min

Amazing scenery

July 14, 2016

The scenery just blew me away—and so close to Beijing!

Dominic Barton

BAI HE VALLEY LOOP

Beijing Stelvio Loop