Ride like locals: Expats embrace Shanghai's bike-friendly vibe

A group of 12 expatriates, including international experience ambassadors and cycling enthusiasts, took to the streets of Shanghai by bicycle on Sept 20, joining the "Ride Like a Local" event to explore the city's cycling culture and urban landscape.

The 4-kilometer ride began at the historic Zhang Yuan, or Zhang Garden, and concluded at Fudeli Park.

It wove through a mix of historic and modern landmarks, including the shikumen-style Fengshengli neighborhood, the cafes and low-rise Shanghai-style houses along Julu Road, the green expanses of Middle Yan'an Road, and the tranquil historic area of North Laochengdu Road.

Co-organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, China Daily, and Meituan Bike Sharing, with support from the West Nanjing Road Subdistrict Office in Jing'an district, the event aimed to showcase Shanghai's cycling infrastructure and promote sustainable urban mobility.

Participants gathered for a pre-ride photo at Zhang Garden, a site once known as a private garden and now a revitalized public space.

They learned about its historical ties to cycling, including Shanghai's first documented bicycle demonstration, held there in 1886.

The curated route connected historic architecture, cultural venues, green corridors, and local laneways, giving riders an immersive view of the city's layered identity while highlighting the convenience and accessibility of cycling in Shanghai.

The event also sought to help expatriates strengthen their ties with the city and engage more closely with local community life.

Edwin Montealegre, an international experience ambassador from Costa Rica, praised the convenience and safety of cycling in Shanghai. He noted that finding a bike is effortless, and unlocking one via a simple phone scan takes less than a minute.