Beijing Huangchenggen Relics Park

The day highlight bicycle tour will take you to visit Beijing Huangchenggen Relics Park (Huangchenggen Yizhi Gongyuan), Beijing South Luoguxiang, the Shichahai area, the Confucius Temple, the Guozijian which used to be the imperial college in ancient time and the Lama Temple.

Start the cycling from the Huaqiao Mansion which is located in the north of the Wangfujing Street, turn west upon reaching the first intersection, then you will be riding along the Wusi Avenue. Turn right at the next intersection and then head on towards the north, you will pass through the Huangchenggen Relics Park. Stop for a short visit in the park. The park was built upon the relic of the East Huangchenggen which used to be the circumvallation in Ming and Qing dynasty. With seasonal beautiful sceneries, segment of ancient walls, sculptures and rilievos, the park presents unique cultural environment and historical vestige.

South Luoguxiang (Luogu Lane)

Then continue cycling ahead towards north along the North Heyan Street for about 50 meters. Turn left at the cross and you will enter the Dianmen East Street. Ride for about 400 meters and stop at the first lane which is the entry of the South Luoguxiang (Luogu Lane). The South Luoguxiang is north-to-south direction and it is probably one of the most ancient blocks in Beijing. With eight old Hutongs lying in order in the east-to-west direction, the block is just like a big centipede! Therefore, it earns its nickname - the centipede block. The block attracts visitors for its well-kept traditional Chinese courtyards as well as the bars along the street. Most of the bars feature with the courtyards style with small red lanterns hanging at the door and the decoration following the atmosphere and pattern of the courtyards.

Yinding Bridge

Then you will head for your next destination - the Shichahai scenic area where the old Beijing look is best preserved. The Shichahai area is composed of three lakes, namely Qianhai (the Front Sea), Houhai (the Back Sea) and Xihai (the West Sea) together with the places of interest and the local residents' houses on the bank. Surrounded the Shichahai area are numerous bars with various styles. The old traditional courtyards and the fashionable modern life style each stay in their proper places, which is of real Beijing characteristics.

Ride towards east along the Qianhai and you will reach the Yinding Bridge which is between the Qianhai and Houhai. Standing on the bridge, you will have an eyeful view of the beautiful sceneries of the West Hill. Continue cycling a circle around Houhai and you will return to the Yinding Bridge. Turn east and you will find the Tobacco Pouch Street (Yandai Xie Jie). In ancient time the street was mainly a place for sale of tobacco pouch and sets and thereby comes the name.

Guozijian Street

Go through the Tobacco Pouch Street, you will cycle north for about 200 meters and then turn right to the Gulou East Street. Ride along the Gulou East Street for about 1 kilometer, turn left at the intersection to reach the Anding Gate Street. Cycle north for about 500 meters, turn right and you will be on the Guozijian Street. Cycle along the street, you will meet with the Guozijian which used to be the supreme imperial academy in Chinese ancient educational system and the Confucius Temple (Kong Miao) where the Confucius was feted during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasty.

Then continue riding east, you will be on the Yonghegong Street. The famous Lama Temple (Yonghe Lamasery) is just across from the street, which is the largest and best preserved lamasery in China now. Spend one or two hours there to enjoy the splendid imperial garden architecture and to feel the mysterious culture of Tibetan Buddhism. End the day's cycling trip.