Beijing in April sees a lovely spring. Amidst the bustling neighborhood, the Chaoyang Greenway keeps tranquil, where lush trees and blooming flowers complement each other, fostering a harmony between nature and humanity. In recent years, Chaoyang District has set a high standard for developing a park city demonstration area. Now the length of the Greenway exceeds 270 kilometers. Different sections of the Greenway combining scenery, fitness, and recreational function have gained an increasing popularity among people, especially cycling enthusiasts. We invited several cycling enthusiasts to share their experiences and views on the natural beauty ecology, and vitality they felt while pedalling along the wonderful Chaoyang Greenway.

IRIS-Happiness

Recently, I took a 50-kilometer cycling trip along the north section of Chaoyang Greenway. I felt like I was cycling through the sea of flowers and forest, which offered me an amazing cityscape. It is not just a leisure and fitness pathway, but also a cultural channel that allows cycling enthusiasts and people to better undersatnd Chaoyang District.

During cycling, I saw people taking a walk, families riding bicycles together and young boys cycling past like the wind. What a harmonious scene. I was deeply impressed by the sense of relaxation and ease delivered by people living in Chaoyang.

I have noticed that the Greenway directly connects subway stations, commercial areas and parks. So people can not only enjoy the leisure time along the Greenway, but easily enter convenient facitilies. I believe this is the significance of the Greenway-- making our city better and our life happier.

Chen Xiaoyu-Fashion

The Chaoyang Greenway is well built and the view along the way is picturesque. People feel as if they cycled in a painting.

Of all the places along the Greenway, Huangcaowan Country Park impressed me the most, where the tall Chinese white poplar trees cast a dense shade. How wonderful it is to feel the breeze and enjoy birds chirpping.

In recent weeks, taking advantage of the bright spring, I have cycled to many places in Chaoyang District. The Greenway connects parks and waterfront landscapes, as well as shopping malls and communities, creating a trendy and green scenic route. Along the bustling banks of the international-style Liangma River, which has become very popular over the past two years, people can be seen everywhere reading, skateboarding, and jogging. In addition, the Michelin restaurants and fragrant coffee shops make people linger on with no intent to leave.

Liu Jiahao-Convenience 

In early April of this year, I cycled along the Chaoyang Greenway and found the scenery, cycling comfort and experience amazing. With fully-equipped facilities and conspicuous signs, the Greenway is really user-friendly. Following the yellow road signs placed at each intersection, people will not get lost even without navigation. Traffic barriers are installed at the entrances of the Greenway; small sports fields along the way allow cycling enthusiasts to take a break, and people to relax.

I found that most of the Greenway passes through parks or greenbelts along the side roads of East Fourth Ring Road, which is user-friendly. So people could use the Greenway to avoid the congestion of side roads during morning and evening rush hours, and enjoy the natural beauty along the way, making commuting an enjoyment. 

Wu Yue-Green

Cycling on the Chaoyang Greenway, I can appreciate flowers and scenery along the way, and visit scenic spots such as Chaoyang Park, Side Park, Linglong Tower and Bird’s Nest, as well as internet-famous buildings. With the beautiful secenery all the way, cycling is really a joy.

I am a native of Chaoyang District. The increasing number of parks and the better environment along the way impress me the most. Parks integrate into the city, and nature and people coexist harmoniously. 

When I was a kid, there was only Honglingjin Park in front of my house. Now, more than 100 parks of all sizes have emerged in Chaoyang District, such as the Chaoyang Demonstration Section of Wenyu River Park, Jiangfu Park, Dawangjing Park, and CBD Urban Forest Park, as well as many small and mini parks. Surrounded by green, beautiful scenery is at hand, and different birds are increasing. It means the ecological environment has been greatly improved. Living in Chaoyang District is very cozy and comfortable.

Wang Changkun-Vitality

As the president of the Beijing Chaoyang District Bicycle Sports Association, in recent years, I have often cycled with my fellow cyclists in parks, greenbelts, urban and rural areas in Chaoyang District. I found that with the continuous construction, the Chaoyang Greenway has connected various ecological spaces such as parks, greenbelts, and street gardens, forming a network covering different regions, urban and rural areas, as well as communities, which provides a comfortable recreational environment for citizens to enjoy slow lives.

Through diverse cycling routes, we have learned that in addition to its bustling business areas, Chaoyang is rich in cultural resources, museums, forests, and dual Olympic city resources, which together constitute an open and vibrant Chaoyang.

I also feel that the Greenway not only beautifies Chaoyang, but integrates into people’s life. During holidays, cycling along the Greenway with a group of friends to visit scenic spots has become the preferred leisure option for many citizens. Join us and experience the vibrant Chaoyang together!

Wang Zhenyu-Safety

I have loved cycling since I was young and have been a cycling enthusiast for over a year. After cycling on the Chaoyang Greenway, I was struck by its user-friendly design and outstanding safety.

I noticed that well-painted guardrails were installed along steep slopes and areas with dense pedestrian flow were clearly divided into spaces for people and for bicycles. Along the way, many sports fields are available for us to take a break and reduce fatigue.

As far as I know, sections of the Chaoyang Greenway cover different themes, such as “waterscape”, “wild interest”, “bustling”, “international”, “forest”, and “culture”. In the future, they will be an excellent way to experience the ecosystem of beautiful Chaoyang.

Planner: Yang Di

Coordinator: Zhang Yanyan

Contributor: Dong Wenhui

Video: Liu Jiahao

Cameraman: Wang Jiayue

Comics: Cui Xiao

Special Support: Foreign Affairs Office of Chaoyang District People's Government of Beijing Municipality