The Chengdu Ring City Ecological Greenway (成都环城生态区绿道) is a 100km dedicated cycling and walking path that forms a complete circle around the city of Chengdu. Opened in 2022, this is one of China's most ambitious urban cycling infrastructure projects — a continuous, car-free greenway that passes through 78 parks, 12 wetlands, and dozens of flower gardens, connecting every district of the city. The greenway is wide (4-6 meters), freshly paved, and features dedicated cycling lanes, pedestrian walkways, rest areas, food stalls, bike repair stations, and public restrooms every few kilometers. The route crosses 120 bridges of various designs — from modern cable-stayed bridges to traditional arched stone bridges. Chengdu's flat terrain means the entire 100km is almost elevation-free, making it accessible for all skill levels. The greenway has become a cultural phenomenon in Chengdu — on weekends, thousands of locals cycle sections of it, and food stalls and coffee carts line the popular segments. This is urban cycling at its finest: safe, scenic, well-supported, and uniquely Chengdu.
Easy. The entire 100km route is flat on wide, freshly-paved, dedicated car-free greenway paths. Total elevation gain is only about 100m — Chengdu is one of the flattest major cities in China. The greenway is 4-6 meters wide, more than enough for cyclists and pedestrians to share. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The 100km full loop is a full-day ride (6-8 hours with stops), but the greenway is designed for segment cycling — you can enter and exit at dozens of points via Metro. Electric bikes are very popular on this route. This is the easiest 100km cycling route you'll find anywhere — it's flatter and better-supported than most city park loops.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this cycling route in China.
Chengdu has excellent public bike share: Meituan Bikes (yellow) and Hello Bikes (blue), accessible via their apps or Alipay/WeChat mini-programs. Scan-to-ride, ¥1-2 per 30 min, no deposit. The Ring City Greenway has dedicated bike rental stations at major entry points (Jincheng Lake, Guixi Park, Qinglong Lake). Private rentals: mountain and road bikes from ¥30-60/day at shops near greenway entrances. Electric bikes: ¥50-80/day — very popular for this route (many locals do the 100km loop on e-bikes in 4-5 hours). Tandem bikes and family bikes available at some stations. Passport required for private rentals. No advance booking needed — the greenway is designed for spontaneous cycling.
Fly to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). Metro to city center: ¥8-12, 30-45 min. High-speed rail from Xi'an (3h, ¥263), Chongqing (1h, ¥154), Beijing (7-8h, ¥578). The Ring City Greenway is accessible from multiple Metro stations: Line 5 to Jincheng Avenue Station (锦城大道站) for Jincheng Lake section, Line 1 to Century City Station (世纪城站) for the south section, Line 4 to Cultural Park Station (文化公园站) for the west section. Pick any Metro station near the greenway — there are over 20 access points. The greenway forms a complete ring, so you can start anywhere.
The greenway is a 100km loop — you can start at any point and cycle in either direction. Popular starting point: Jincheng Lake (锦城湖, Metro Line 5). Cycle clockwise: Jincheng Lake → Guixi Park (桂溪公园) → Century City (世纪城) → Qinglong Lake (青龙湖, largest park on the route) → east section through farmland and flower fields → north section through Xinglong Lake (兴隆湖) area → west section through cultural parks → back to Jincheng Lake. Full loop: 100km, 6-8 hours with stops. Popular shorter sections: Jincheng Lake → Qinglong Lake and back (~40km, 3 hours), or Jincheng Lake → Guixi Park → Century City (~20km, 1.5 hours). The greenway has distance markers and maps at every intersection — navigation is easy. Food stalls are concentrated near park entrances.
Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted everywhere — Chengdu is fully cashless. All bike rentals, food stalls, and shops accept mobile payment. The greenway is completely free — no entrance fees. Food stalls: ¥10-30 for snacks (try Sichuan-style cold noodles, skewers, and iced tea). Coffee carts: ¥15-25. Budget: ¥50-100 for a full day including bike rental and street food. No need for cash. International credit cards accepted at some Chengdu hotels near the greenway.
Chengdu is a major international city — English is spoken at major hotels, the airport, and tourist sites. The greenway has some English signage at major parks. Food stall vendors speak limited English — pointing and gestures work well. Useful phrases: 绿道 (lǜ dào) = greenway; 锦城湖 (jǐn chéng hú) = Jincheng Lake; 青龙湖 (qīng lóng hú) = Qinglong Lake; 自行车 (zì xíng chē) = bicycle; 火锅 (huǒ guō) = hotpot; 串串 (chuàn chuàn) = skewers; 多少钱 (duō shǎo qián) = how much? Download a translation app for food ordering. Chengdu is a relaxed, friendly city — locals are happy to help lost cyclists.
Excellent 4G/5G signal throughout the entire greenway — Chengdu has comprehensive coverage. Free WiFi at major parks and cafes along the route. No connectivity concerns. Baidu Maps or Amap (高德地图) have dedicated Chengdu Greenway cycling maps with real-time food stall locations. Google Maps works but is less detailed. A power bank is recommended for all-day cycling with GPS and photography — the greenway has so many photo opportunities that battery drain is significant.
West China Hospital (华西医院): 028-85422114. Chengdu First People's Hospital: 028-86712048. Ambulance: 120. The greenway has first aid stations at major parks (Jincheng Lake, Qinglong Lake, Guixi Park). Police and security patrol the greenway regularly. Bike repair: dedicated repair stations with air pumps and basic tools every 5-10km. If your rental bike breaks, return to any bike station or call the rental company — they'll send a replacement. The greenway is well-populated during daylight hours — help is always nearby.
This route has been verified by our team and is highly recommended for international travelers.
Last verified: August 1, 2026