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Experience the Cycling Spirit of Shanghai

On September 20, 2025, a vibrant group of twelve expatriates participated in the "Ride Like a Local" event in Shanghai, reveling in the city’s cycling culture while exploring its eclectic urban landscapes. The gathering featured international experience ambassadors and cycling aficionados, all coming together to pedal through the heart of Shanghai's historic streets.

The event commenced at the historic Zhang Yuan, also known as Zhang Garden, a location rich in stories, including its significance as the site of Shanghai's first recognized bicycle demonstration back in 1886. This striking blend of history and modern living provided the perfect backdrop for the ride, which covered a scenic 4-kilometer route ending at Fudeli Park.

Participants rode through iconic landmarks, including the charming shikumen-style Fengshengli neighborhood, the delightful cafes lining Julu Road, and the expansive green spaces along Middle Yan'an Road, drawing them into the city’s cultural fabric. This carefully curated path intertwined historical architecture and local experiences, enabling participants to embrace Shanghai's layered identity and greatly showcasing the enhanced convenience and accessibility of cycling across the metropolis.

The initiative was co-hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, China Daily, and Meituan Bike Sharing, alongside support from the West Nanjing Road Subdistrict Office in Jing'an district. Its primary goal was to highlight Shanghai's exceptional cycling infrastructure while promoting sustainable urban mobility and fostering community engagement among expatriates.

Edwin Montealegre, an international experience ambassador from Costa Rica, expressed his admiration for the safety and ease of cycling in Shanghai, pointing out that accessing a bike has never been easier. He remarked, “Finding a bike is effortless, and unlocking one via a simple phone scan takes less than a minute.” The designated bike lanes create a sense of safety, isolating cyclists from the traffic-fueled chaos of cars and motorcycles, which Montealegre found to be remarkably convenient.

Another international experience ambassador, Egyptian professor Mahmoud Soliman, who has called Shanghai home for over a decade, echoed similar sentiments. A cycling enthusiast, Soliman appreciates the bike-friendly infrastructure, describing it as conducive for long-distance cycling and a valuable method for navigating the city. He often bicycles with his dog tucked safely in his backpack.

Soliman underlined the environmental merits of cycling, praising the continuous improvements in bike-sharing services. “The seats have improved significantly. Previously, there were cumbersome locks; now, those barriers are gone, making the experience smoother and user-friendly,” he noted, reflecting on how the accessible bike-sharing apps afford users convenience and promote healthier, sustainable lifestyles.

For newcomers to Shanghai's bike-sharing experience, he suggested using Alipay, which offers a simple setup for accessing various local services, including the Meituan Bike Sharing platform. Importantly, Montealegre highlighted that such bike-sharing solutions are not commonplace in his home country, where cycling safety can pose challenges.

Engaging in cycling allows foreigners to discover new parts of the city that taxis or public transport might miss. Soliman pointed out that with busy traffic often slowing down taxi rides, a bicycle offers the luxury of maneuverability through urban congestion, integrating seamlessly with China's green initiatives.

In a city as lively as Shanghai, cycling emerges not just as a recreational activity but as a pragmatic solution to everyday transit dilemmas, promoting a personalized exploration of the urban environment. It can facilitate faster transit, foster community connections, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable urban lifestyle, promoting a healthy balance between mobility and environmental responsibility.

As the sun set over the city, the expatriates concluded their memorable ride, enriched with experiences that went beyond cycling – they found community, culture, and an appreciation for Shanghai’s unique urban landscape.