Whether in the bustling city center or surrounded by nature, cycling is a wonderful choice for exercise, sightseeing and relaxation.

Here are some fascinating routes in the Yangtze River Delta for cycling lovers.

Dianshan Lake (Shanghai)

淀山湖 (上海)

Dianshan Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Shanghai with beautiful scenes and a lot of popular scenic spots.

One of the special places is the Rainbow Highway. Riding bikes on the road, you can enjoy the sparkling lake at your side as you follow the guide of the rainbow lines in the middle of the road.

Route: Rainbow Bridge 彩虹桥 ― Mao River 泖河 ― Qingxi Country Park 青西郊野公园 ― Taipu River 太浦河 ― Jinze Ancient Town 金泽古镇 ― Wujiadang 乌家荡 ― Rainbow Bridge 彩虹桥

Length: 50km

Fengxian Bay (Shanghai)

奉贤湾 (上海)

Located along the coast of Shanghai, Fengxian District is an ideal place for seaside life. It's not a challenging route since the roads are flat and wide here, so it's very easy for beginners.

Along the way you'll cycle around Jinhai Lake which is also called the "fish of Shanghai" because it's a fish-shaped manmade lake. The destination of the route is the Fisherman's Wharf, where you can watch a romantic sunset and try all sorts of restaurants.

Route: Jinhai Lake Underground Station 金海湖地铁站 ― Around Jinhai Lake 环上海之鱼 ― Wenyao Road 文耀路 ― Jinhai Highway 金海公路 ― Fengpao Highway 奉炮公路 ― Fisherman's Wharf 渔人码头

Length: 16km

Huangpu River waterfront (Shanghai)

黄浦滨江 (上海)

Cycling is an opportunity to feel the beauty of nature, but it is not limited to that. This route is along the Huangpu River, and passes through the most bustling area of the city.

Starting from Yangpu Bridge and ending at Nanpu Bridge, you get the chance to see many famous landmarks and art venues.

Route: Yangpu Bridge 杨浦大桥 ― 1862 Fashion Art Center 1862 时尚艺术中心 ― Oriental Pearl TV Tower 东方明珠 ― Museum of Art Pudong 浦东美术馆 ― Mercedes Benz Arena 梅赛德斯奔驰文化中心 ― Nanpu Bridge 南浦大桥

Length: 12.8km

Yangcheng Lake (Suzhou)

阳澄湖 (苏州)

Some people call this the delta region's most beautiful cycling route.

Starting from the Fairy Cherry Pond Park, the cherry blossoms are the most stunning scene in spring. It's an excellent place for cyclists who prefer riding around lakes.

Route: Fairy Cherry Pond Park 仙樱湖公园 ― Caoxieshan Relic Site 草鞋山遗址公园 ― Shuize Road 水泽路 ― Chenglin Road 澄林路 - Xiangshi Road 湘石路 ― Lotus Island Resort 阳澄湖莲花岛度假区

Length: 38km

Tianxi Lake (Hangzhou)

天溪湖 (杭州)

The scene of Tianxi Lake is especially amazing in summer.

Riding around the lake, it's as if you are in the summer in "Kikujiro." The color is so anime-like. It is not only a good place for cycling, but also a great place for camping.

Route: Hezhou 贺州 ― Zhuanshan Village 砖山村 ― Jiangbin Road 江滨路 ― Fenshuijiang Bridge 分水江大桥 ― Fadao Bridge 法道桥 ― Qikeng Tunnel 七坑隧道 ― Leping Bridge 乐平大桥 ― Hezhou 贺州

Length: 24.7km

Longchi Mountain Cycling Park (Wuxi)

龙池山自行车公园 (无锡)

This is definitely a wonderland for cyclists. The roads are bracketed on both sides with tea bushes. Imagine a gentle breeze fans your cheek while you are cycling, then you are embraced by the fresh air with a subtle tea aroma.

You can bring your own bicycle or hire one at the entrance of the park. There are a lot of uphill and downhill roads since the park is in a mountainous area.

Route: Inside the park

Length: 17km

Mogan Mountain (Huzhou)

莫干山 (湖州)

Different from tea bushes, this is a route through a forest. The bike lanes run through a dense forest of tall metasequoia trees, leaving all the hustle and bustle behind.

There are many different paths you can follow on Mogan Mountain. Pick your favorite line or try them all. Once you start your journey here, the peace of nature is all you are going to feel.

Route: Yu Village 庾村 ― Sanmo Line 三莫线 ― Wusi Village 五四村 ― He Village 何村 ― Drainage Divide 分水岭 ― Luoxin Valley 裸心谷 ― Yadan Wu 鸭蛋坞 ― Laoling Reservoir 劳岭水库 ― Yu Village 庾村

Length: 22km