Recommended Cycling Routes for Autumn Scenery in Beijing: These 11 Routes Are Worth a Try

This year’s autumn scenery has come a little faster, mainly because the temperature has dropped relatively quickly. Many friends may not have realized it’s already here. In this season, which is very comfortable for cycling, you can not only enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery but also exercise. So, what are some good cycling routes for autumn scenery in Beijing? Today, we will recommend 11 very good routes for you!

1、Xicheng District

Zhonglou & Gulou – Yanjiedie Street – Yinding Bridge – Shichahai

Difficulty: ★

Scenery: ★★★★★

Beijing’s Zhonglou & Gulou (Bell Tower & Drum Tower) are a tangible embodiment of the centuries of history of this ancient city. If you want to experience the history of the capital while cycling, the Gulou – Shichahai route is a good choice. Riding your bike to Shichahai, you will pass the oldest commercial street in Beijing – Yanjiedie Street. Continue on, and you will see the willows along the shore, the lotus flowers in summer, the ice rink in winter… Shichahai offers different scenery in every season.

Riding your bike to Shichahai, you will pass the oldest commercial street in Beijing – Yanjiedie Street. Continue on, and you will see the willows along the shore, the lotus flowers in summer, the ice rink in winter… Shichahai offers different scenery in every season.

2、Haidian District

Haidian Park – Beiwu Park – Yuquan Park – Xiangshan Park – Xishan National Forest Park

Difficulty: ★★

Scenery: ★★★★★

Sanshan Wu Yuan Greenway: Known as the green corridor that connects the most historical gardens and scenic spots, it is 36.09 km long with a green area of 51.34 hectares, definitely a worthy cycling choice. Starting from the greenway entrance by Huoqiying Bridge, head north. The scenery on both sides of the greenway is very open, and along the way, you can encounter many rare native plants.

3、Tongzhou District

Caoyun Wharf – Grand Canal Culture Square – Liuyin Square

Difficulty: ★★

Scenery: ★★★★★

The Beijing Grand Canal cycling route in Tongzhou starts at Caoyun Wharf, ends at Grand Canal Culture Square and Liuyin Square, with a dedicated cycling lane about 50-60 km long. Pavilions, blue waters, and green trees are scattered along the waterway.

4、Xicheng District

Mudi – Baiyun Temple – Tianning Temple – Beijing Binhe Park – Jinzhongdu Park – Daguanyuan – Taoranting – Yongdingmen Park

Difficulty: ★★

Scenery: ★★★★★

Beijing Yingcheng Jian Du Binsu Greenway starts from Mudi in the north and ends at Yongdingmen Bridge in the south. It allows you to cycle along the river, under the shade of the trees, and pass through scenic spots such as Baiyun Temple, Tianning Temple, Beijing Binhe Park, Jinzhongdu Park, Daguanyuan, and Taoranting, a route that allows you to enjoy the greenness and slow life.

5、Changping District – Tongzhou District

Jinyu Bridge – Tongxiang Road – Mixi Road – Youyi Bridge – Grand Canal Culture Square

Difficulty: ★★

Scenery: ★★★★★

Wenyuhe Greenway is located along the Wenyuhe River, a type of waterfront greenway, passing through Changping, Shunyi, Chaoyang, and Tongzhou districts, with a total construction area of 417 hectares and a total length of 108 km. Wenyuhe is one of the few natural rivers in Beijing with perennial water. After years of ecological construction, it has formed a beautiful waterfront landscape with clear water, green banks, and flying birds.

6、Yanqing District

Wild Duck Lake – South Bank of West Lake – Yanqing City

– Guihe Ecological Corridor – Liugou – Beijing World Horticultural Expo Park

Difficulty: ★★

Scenery: ★★★★★

The Guihe Ecological Corridor is entirely landscaped in a garden style with three-dimensional greening and beautification, making it a veritable landscape gallery of mountains and waters. The total length is about 70 km, adjacent to the urban area and surrounding the Guishui River. It includes Wild Duck Lake National Wetland Park, Xiaodu Park, Guishui Park, 10,000 mu (approx. 667 hectares) of riverside forest park, and other attractions. This route can be considered a “holy land” for foodies and cycling enthusiasts. Along the way, you can taste the “Fire Pot Tofu Banquet” in Liugou, the “Sweet Potato Feast” in Xiwanghuawei, the “Li’s Fried Cake” in Xiashuimo, the “Whole Fish Feast” in Wild Duck Lake, and the “Fire Shovel” specialties in Yongning.

7、Huairou District

International Convention Center – Sunrise Oriental – Yanqi Nianluo Dam Viewing Platform – Laopu Wenhuai Park – Guhuai Xiyu Park – Jiuduhe River

Difficulty: ★★

Scenery: ★★★★★

Yanqi Lake is located at the foot of Yanshan Mountain, 8 km north of Huairou City in Beijing’s suburbs, a water and land area centered on the lake. Every spring and autumn, flocks of geese come to the lake to roost, hence the name. The cycling route is about 20 km long, passing through Yanqi Lake Road, Yanqi Lake Main Dam, Yanqi Lake West Road, and Yanqi Lake North Road, allowing you to enjoy all the beauty of Yanqi Lake.

8、Changping District

Mangshan Forest Park – Around Shisanling Reservoir

Difficulty: ★★

Scenery: ★★★★★

Shisanling Reservoir: The lake is vast and misty, like a fairyland. Looking out at the rippling waves and the vast mountains in the distance, with the autumn wind blowing, your mood will also become cheerful. Cycling around Shisanling Reservoir is a frequent route for cycling enthusiasts, nearly 18 km long. Most of the route is flat, with low exercise intensity and difficulty, making it a suitable route for weekend relaxation.

9、Huairou District & Yanqing District

Xiaotangshan – Xingshou Town – Cibiyu – Huanghuacheng – Xingshutai – Yanshou Mountain – Sihai Town

Difficulty: ★★★★

Scenery: ★★★★★

Ansi Line: A classic route for the Beijing Cycling Race, passing through Xiaotangshan, Tiebi Yinshan, Jiuduhe River, Huanghuacheng, allowing you to enjoy the mists of Xiaotangshan, visit the unique Yinshan Pagoda Forest, and also go to Huanghuacheng Reservoir, known as the “Little West Lake” by locals, and admire the ancient Great Wall and the magnificent spectacle of the Jin Tang Pass and the water merging together. As a must-ride route for advanced cyclists in the capital, riding during autumn allows you to not only advance your skills but also appreciate the breathtaking scenery.

10、Yanqing District

Shisanling – Yongning – Baihebao – Qianjiadian – Tanghekou – Liude Temple

Difficulty: ★★★★

Scenery: ★★★★★

Beijing Yanqing 100-Mile Water and Mountain Gallery: Located in Ganjiadian Town in the northeast of Yanqing District, it consists of Yanshan Tianchi, petrified wood group, Di Shui Lake, Qixianling, Pearl Spring, etc., with a total length of over 100 km, hence the name “100-Mile Water and Mountain Gallery.” Among them, the Baihe Canyon in Miyun, with its rugged and dangerous roads, requires climbing several mountain ridges. The picturesque Baihe Valley and the magnificent Black River Canyon have nurtured rich tourism resources, such as the magical petrified wood group, the steep Di Shui waterfall, and the mysterious Wulong Canyon.

11、Mentougou District

Yongdinglou – Sanjiadian Reservoir – Danli Road – Miaofengshan Archway – Jin Ding Miaofengshan

Difficulty: ★★★★★

Scenery: ★★★★★

A special scenery of “Mountains on all sides are like paintings, no day in the year without flowers”, winding mountain roads, quiet villages, beautiful flowers and plants among the cliffs. The Miaofengshan cycling route is a myth in the hearts of most cycling enthusiasts in the Beijing area and a dividing line between cycling newbies and cycling enthusiasts. Various mountain hiking events and professional road cycling races are often held here, making it known as the “legendary road bike holy land.” Cyclists climb up the winding mountain road, with cliffs on one side and a deep abyss on the other, making it extremely thrilling. However, the mountain road is dangerous, so please pay attention to safety!