Since November last year, the Shenzhen metro has allowed passengers who pre-register the option of bringing bicycles onto designated metro lines during weekends and public holidays. As of 15 February, the number of designated stations had increased to 28, covering a total of 9 metro lines in Shenzhen.
[See more: Shenzhen Metro expands ‘rail + cycling’ services to 28 new stations]
That opens several possibilities when it comes to enjoying cycling excursions around the city. Here are some ideas for days out, each with its own unique charm.
Qianhaiwan or Bihaiwan stations: Cycling by the sea
Take Line 11 and get off at Qianhaiwan or Bihaiwan stations to reach the 50-kilometer-long coastal cycling path. This route passes through Xiwan Mangrove Wetland Park, Tai Shan Bay, Shenzhen Bay Park, Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve, and the Shenzhen River Greenway, each offering distinctive scenery.
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Cyclists can enjoy mangroves, migratory birds, endless coastal views, and the bustling cityscape of Shenzhen. New sections are under construction, and once completed, the cycling path will stretch to 200 kilometers – an unmissable opportunity for cycling enthusiasts.
Universiade station: Leisurely park cycling
Park lover? Bring your bike to Universiade station on Line 3. Three routes converge here, making access easy. The station is adjacent to Dayun Natural Park, which covers about 4.18 square kilometers and features ecological landscapes such as Shenxian Lake and Diexi Valley.
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From there, you can cycle along Qingchun Dayun Road. This 6-kilometere path offers views of the Dayun Sports Center and Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, with its Russian-style architecture and expansive lawns.
Pingshanwei station: Mountain and waterfall adventure
For a satisfying dose of nature, take your bike to Pingshanwei station on Line 14, from where you can cycle to Maluan Mountain and the Pingshan River.
Maluan Mountain Country Park was Shenzhen’s first designated country park, and its 22 square kilometres feature hiking, mountain views, and waterfalls as well as Hakka cultural heritage.
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Maluan Mountain is also the source of the Pingshan River, which connects Pingshan River Wetland Park, Julongshan Ecological Park, and Dawan Ancestral Residence – perfect for slow exploration by bike.
Loucun station: Lakeside scenery
On Line 6 Loucun station is near Gongming Reservoir and Maozhou River Greenway, and serves as a key link in the western mountain-sea cycling loop, connecting to Shiyan Lake, Tiegang Reservoir, and Xili Lake cycling paths.
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The Shiyan Lake loop is 20 kilometers long and the longest lakeside cycling path in Shenzhen. In spring and autumn, flocks of waterbirds gather along the lake, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
