This summer, "night cycling" has become a scenic attraction in Beijing. Avoiding the daytime heat, people ride and explore the city at night, using two wheels to touch the texture of the city and experience the ancient Beijing's lively atmosphere.
On Chang'an Street, cycling tourists hum the song "My Motherland and I" as they enjoy Chinese-style romance. Alongside the Second Ring Road water system, people ride along the widened bicycle lanes, capturing historical landmarks and experiencing the charm of the ancient city with each step and scene. At the Liangma River bank, people of all ages enjoy stylish and new Beijing while cycling amidst colorful lights. Summer night cycling has made both citizens and visitors fall in love with the diverse city of Beijing.
Address: Chang'an Street
Humming "My Motherland and I" and enjoying Chinese-style romance
Last Sunday at 8 p.m., as night fell, Chang'an Street was illuminated with vibrant lights. The broad bicycle lane was bustling with shared bicycles, road bikes, and portable folding bikes. Among the cyclists were fitness enthusiasts, out-of-town tourists, and commuters. People rode their bikes, feeling the evening breeze and admiring the magnificent buildings lining the street.
At Xidan intersection, from west to east, when the green light came on, around twenty to thirty bicycles passed through in an organized manner. "Look ahead on the left, it's the Telegram Building. In quiet moments, you can hear the striking tune of 'The East is Red'. My father used to love listening to it here when he was young." A father shared this story with his son, who had just finished the middle school entrance examination. Riding together for ten kilometers every evening had become their favorite parent-child activity.
The route was illuminated by colorful lights, guiding the way for cyclists. "When I ride alone at night, my favorite route is along Chang'an Street. The road is wide and well-lit, relieving the fatigue of a day's work. During festivals and holidays, hanging red lanterns creates a unique atmosphere." After finishing work, office worker Xiao Liu rides her folding bike, changes into cycling gear, puts on a helmet, and sets off from the Financial Street, riding along Chang'an Street back to her home near Chongwenmen.
Compared to the daytime, the grand first street of China comes alive with a vibrant atmosphere at night. On the small square in front of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, elderly people chat while children play and laugh. Ms. Yang, a resident, parks her bicycle and joins the crowd. "Cycling in the central area is much more convenient than driving; there's no need to find parking spaces."
As they approach Tiananmen Square, the number of cycling tourists increases, and the bicycle lanes become wider. Traffic police officers and security guards are stationed along the route, constantly reminding everyone to prioritize safety. Ms. Lu from Zhengzhou, along with three friends, rented bicycles to "explore the long street". She says, "We just visited the Palace Museum during the day, and now we're enjoying the cool breeze while cycling around Tiananmen Square. It's a Chinese-style romance." As she speaks, a fellow cyclist passes by with a five-starred flag attached to their handlebar, playing the song "My Motherland and I" on a portable speaker. This attracts many tourists to join in humming along.
The wide, smooth, and well-lit road is the reason why many citizens choose to cycle along Chang'an Street. To ensure the safety and health of night cyclists, the Beijing Urban Road Maintenance Management Center has dispatched a dedicated team called the "Night Cycling Team" to repair any potholes and address road damages, ensuring the road remains in good condition overnight.
Translator: TANG Yingqi
Reviewer: BAO Minmin
