The “Ride Hangzhou 2.0” cycling route series was launched on Wednesday, offering a fresh sports-tourism experience just in time for the upcoming National Day-Mid-Autumn Festival holiday.

In such a crisp autumn weather ideal for cycling, the newly released 10 routes showcase the city’s diverse landscapes - from riverside paths and lakeside trails to countryside lanes and mountain challenges - all blending nature with cultural elements to cater to cyclists of all interests.

The routes were finalized through a six-month selection process led by the Hangzhou Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Sports Bureau, and Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism Bureau, together with cycling enthusiasts and community representatives. After online voting involving over 6,000 participants, the top 10 routes were mapped and integrated into AMAP with customized navigation support. Released ahead of the holiday peak, the initiative invites cycling enthusiasts from across the country to explore Hangzhou on two wheels during its most scenic season.

Meanwhile, local districts including Jiande, Fuyang, Yuhang, Tonglu, and Linping are rolling out discounts on scenic spot tickets and hotel stays to enhance the experience and offer added value for riders.

This upgrade follows the successful “Ride Hangzhou 1.0” project in 2024, which introduced 21 cycling routes promoted through digital posters featuring QR codes for easy navigation. In April, the city also hosted a “10,000-cyclist carnival” across its 13 districts/counties, centered on fun, sustainability, and style, drawing nearly 10,000 participants.

Hangzhou has over 5,000 kilometers of greenways spanning eight categories, including riverside, lakeside, and wetland paths, with an urban density of 1.2 km per square kilometer. Since the launch of the “Ride Hangzhou” brand in 2024, the city has linked cycling activities closely with its greenway network - through themed rides such as moonlit tours of ancient city gates and autumn trips around Tongjian Lake - attracting over 50,000 participants in total. The new “2.0” routes aim to deepen the connection between residents and the city, turning greenways into vibrant ecological and recreational spaces for all.