Distance 9 miles
Bike time 2 hours
Difficulty Easy – no hills and no traffic. But no shops on this route, so pack food and drink
Route Century Park, Laoshan Lu, Zhaojiabang Canal
Highlight Weeping willows and tranquil waterways
From Century Park metro station, cycle north on Haitong Lu until you get to Century Park. Turn right onto Huamu Lu and pedal east along the tree-lined south side of Century Park. Turn left on Fangdian Lu. Cycle for around a mile and turn right before crossing the bridge. This leads you onto a quiet track that runs parallel to a pretty stretch of canal.
When you can cycle along the track no further, turn left onto Laoshan Lu, cycling northwards until you get to the first set of traffic lights. Turn right on Jinxiu Lu. Cycle over the bridge and turn right down Heisong Lu.
Continue forwards and turn left at Zhaojiabang Canal, a stunning waterway that's flanked by weeping willows and a flat cycle path. It’s a perfect spot for lazy picnics and is popular with fishermen using old-style nets with bamboo rods. The canal continues for around four miles until Jinqiao Lu, but once you've had enough turn around and retrace your journey back to Century Park.
NB: Huangpu River Ferries can take passengers (including those with bikes) from Puxi to Pudong and back. The Dongdong Line, Taigong Line, and Jinding Line run from 7am-7pm daily. 1-3RMB.
