This route from the north west of the third ring road starting at Purple Bamboo Park and stretching out to the far north west of the city past the university district is wonderful, simply for the fact that it follows the meandering path of Wanquan River. Being a cycle path there are no worries about traffic and cyclists get the chance to see (and hear) a more peaceful side of the city sans cars.

You can start the route at the north gate of Zizhuyuan Park which is just west of theBeijing Zooa five minute cycle from Xizhimen train station. Leaving the north gate and heading west you will inevitably reach the river which goes under a bridge on the third ring road. The river has a path on either side and can be followed in a north westerly direction toward Shijicheng's gargantuan ‘Golden ResourcesShopping Mall' all the way up out of the suburbs and into the pleasantly peaceful surrounding area ofthe Summer Palace. This a perfect ride in the spring and summer when foliage is out on the trees and the combination of water and greenery makes for a wonderful atmosphere on the river bank.