The sinuous Caihong (Rainbow) Bridge is included on one of the new cycling routes.
Qingpu District released two new cycling routes on Friday as a warm-up for a high-stakes race coming to China in May.
"Ride Like a Pro," Italy's equivalent of the Tour de France, and one of the world's top 3 road cycling races, will take place on May 20-21 in the Yangtze River Delta Ecology and Greenery Integration Demonstration Zone.
The 2023 Giro d'Italia Ride Like a Pro Yangtze River Delta Open is expected to attract 3,200 riders.
Cyclists who wish to enjoy a more relaxing trip will have their wishes answered with the new routes.
The first route expected to take two days starts from Zhujiajiao watertown. Cyclists can pedal across Fangsheng Bridge, the city's biggest stone arch bridge, and cruise through Kezhi Garden, a private garden built in 1912 that offers a glimpse into the poetic life of ancient literati.
The garden includes upside-down lions, corridors with stele carved with calligraphy on the sides like the pavilions at Hangzhou's Solitary Hill, and, of course, zigzag bridges similar to the one in Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden.
Qing Dynasty Post Office, a signature attraction of Zhujiajiao dating back to 1903, is on one of the cycleways.
The route also includes the Caihong (literally "rainbow") Bridge on Dianshan Lake, a popular spot for shutterbugs; the Zhangma Scenic Area, which features a sea of blooming roses, lavender and canola flowers and a recreational vehicle camping site; and Liantang ancient town.
Shanghai Oriental Land is on the cycle route that departs from Jinze Town.
The other route promises a tranquil, idyllic and Jiangnan-style (regions south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River) travel experience.
The journey sets out from Jinze Town ― a 1,300-year-old ancient town known for its 42 stone bridges of different styles and Yihao Temple, which dates back nearly 800 years.
Yuandang Lake gleams like a jade crown inlaid on the cycle route. Like a ribbon, the Yuandang Bridge connects Qingpu and Wujiang Districts in Suzhou, neighboring Jiangsu Province, and is an ideal place for cyclists.
Shanghai Oriental Land and Qingxi Country Park are also included on the route.
Wisteria is in full bloom at the park, presenting a dreamlike waterfall of purple blossoms.
Zhujiajiao watertown marks the start of one of the new cycling routes.
Info:
Route 1: Zhujiajiao watertown ― Rainbow Bridge ― Zhangma scenic area ― Liantang ancient town
Route 2: Jinze ancient town ― Yuandang Bridge ― Shanghai Oriental Land ― Qingxi Country Park
Zhangma scenic area is redolent with lavender flowers.
Passengers take a boat trip in Jinze ancient town.
Boats sit moored at Jinze.
The new cycling routes are expected to be popular with tourists.