The essence of Shanghai is its waterways and proximity to the sea! Hence its name. A city that grew out of a swamp. A delta from the mighty Chiangjiang (Yangtze)…
Its best rides, good views and minimal traffic are along these waterways. The government code means we have to have an EV access lane along them, which in turn means we have great cycling paths. Recreational Sports: Road cycling in Shanghai has been getting worse due to being pushed off the roads by planners and cars into bike lanes full of scooters and runners. This is a natural development, but Shanghai needs to take action to change it sooner rather than later. On a very positive note its really worked on its river and canal bank reconstruction. I assume part flood protection and part gentrification, the end result is that we have some fantastic, mostly car-free riding in Shanghai.
Shanghai HPR
IMHO, its now probably Shanghai’s nicest long-distance ride. The HuangPuRiver (HPR) is Shanghai’s main artery through which most of the other water sources run in or out of. By the end of 2026 most of the work will be done improving its banks and riding. The route below is very rideable.
A Few Notes
Pudong
More drinkstand
Shanghai Water Rides
Some of the many rides along the rivers, canals, sea, lake and waterway’s that interest me. A mixture of quiet roads, tree lined avenues and rural urban mix.
What to get a very good overview of riding in Shanghai. Try the Shanghai 400 loop or 600 including Chongming. I did the 400 on a ebike in a Day an the 600 over three days