Bicycle's seasonal cycles

Members of the Beijing-based Qibiantianxia (Cycling All Over the World) Club participate in different cycling events in Beijing. Membership has grown from a few to about 4,000 since 2013.[Photo provided to China Daily]

About this series

China Daily explores spring destinations every Monday.

Places to pedal

Beijing is bigger than most residents realize.

That's a discovery perhaps best made atop a bicycle seat.

China Daily looks at some of the most popular places to pedal.

Great Wall

(Jianxiangqiao-Changping-Juyongguan-Badaling-Nankou-Yangfang-Summer Palace)

Most of this route is level until the Nankou-Badaling section's topography begins to bounce, and inclines become incredible near Juyongguan.

Water

(North Gate of Olympic Center-Lishuiqiao-Xiaotangshan-Silver Mountain-Jiudu River-Huanghuacheng-Sihai town)

Cyclists conquer hills from Xingshou to Silver Mountain－aka Yinshan.

They then spin 6 kilometers downhill to the Jiudu River on a skilled course.

Level roads and steep slopes emerge between Jiudu River and Huanghuacheng. The most difficult part comes when cyclists have to go through a steep 16-km mountain incline from Huanghuacheng to Sihai. The route rewards with the Silver Mountain Pagoda Forest and Huanghuacheng's reservoir.

Another water route is: (Summer Palace-Yangfang-Nankou-Changping-Shisanling Reservoir-Mangshan Mountain)

Conquering Mangshan's peak requires a 9-km push from its foot to its top. Cyclists encounter the Shisanling Reservoir, Jiulong Amusement Park and Mangshan National Forest Park.

Ancient city

(Hangtianqiao-Moshikou-Junzhuang-Xiaweidian-Dongfanghong Tunnel-Jinyukou-Zhaitang town-Yanhe ancient city)

Hangtianqiao is 82 km from Yanhe's ancient city.

It's a challenge for cyclists, who need to go up a 7-km slope and then down one with roughly the same length from Zhaitang. Yanhe is a well-preserved Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) military outpost.

Blossoms

(Hangtianqiao-Moshikou-Junzhuang-Miaofeng Mountains)

This indomitable 21-km uphill route promises achievement. Miaofeng hosts a 15-day temple fair in mid-May. Roses bloom in June.