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Comprehensive Guide to Cycling and Bike Sharing in Nanjing, China

Cycling is a popular and convenient mode of transportation in Nanjing, a city known for its mix of modern infrastructure and historical charm. With a well-developed bike-sharing system, dedicated cycling lanes, and a growing culture of eco-friendly commuting, Nanjing is an excellent city for exploring on two wheels. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate cycling and bike-sharing in Nanjing.

1. Bike-Sharing Services in Nanjing

Nanjing has a robust bike-sharing ecosystem, dominated by several major providers. These services are affordable, easy to use, and widely available across the city.

Major Bike-Sharing Providers

  1. Mobike (็พŽๅ›ขๅ•่ฝฆ):

    • Operated by Meituan, Mobike is one of the most popular bike-sharing services in Nanjing.
    • Recognizable by their orange bikes.
    • Offers both traditional pedal bikes and electric bikes.

  2. Hellobike (ๅ“ˆๅ•ฐๅ•่ฝฆ):

    • Known for its blue-and-white bikes.
    • Offers a user-friendly app and a variety of bike options, including e-bikes.

  3. Didi Bike (้’ๆก”ๅ•่ฝฆ):

    • Operated by Didi Chuxing, this service features green bikes.
    • Integrated with the Didi app, which is widely used for ride-hailing in China.

  4. Public Bike System (ๅ…ฌๅ…ฑ่‡ช่กŒ่ฝฆ):

    • A government-run bike-sharing system with docking stations across the city.
    • Less flexible than app-based services but still a reliable option.

2. Costs and Payment

Pricing

  • Mobike:
    • Pedal bikes: ~1-2 RMB per 30 minutes.
    • Electric bikes: ~2-3 RMB per 15 minutes.
  • Hellobike:
    • Pedal bikes: ~1-2 RMB per 30 minutes.
    • Electric bikes: ~2-3 RMB per 15 minutes.
  • Didi Bike:
    • Similar pricing to Mobike and Hellobike.
  • Public Bike System:
    • Free for the first hour, then ~1 RMB per hour thereafter.

Payment Methods

  • Most bike-sharing services require a smartphone app and are linked to a mobile payment platform such as:
    • WeChat Pay (ๅพฎไฟกๆ”ฏไป˜)
    • Alipay (ๆ”ฏไป˜ๅฎ)
  • A refundable deposit (usually ~200 RMB) may be required for some services, though many providers have waived this for verified users.

3. How to Access and Use Bike-Sharing Services

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Download the App:

    • Search for the providerโ€™s app (e.g., Meituan for Mobike, Hellobike, or Didi) in your app store.
    • Alternatively, you can access some services (e.g., Mobike) directly through the WeChat mini-program or the Meituan app.

  2. Register:

    • Sign up with your phone number.
    • Verify your identity (passport or Chinese ID may be required).
    • Link a payment method (WeChat Pay or Alipay).

  3. Locate a Bike:

    • Use the appโ€™s map to find nearby bikes.
    • For docked bikes (Public Bike System), locate a docking station.

  4. Unlock the Bike:

    • Scan the QR code on the bike using the app.
    • The lock will automatically open.

  5. Ride and Park:

    • Ride to your destination.
    • Park in a designated area (look for painted bike parking zones or racks).
    • For docked bikes, return the bike to a docking station.

  6. End the Ride:

    • Manually lock the bike or dock it.
    • Confirm the rideโ€™s end in the app.

4. Cycling Infrastructure in Nanjing

Nanjing has made significant investments in cycling infrastructure, making it a bike-friendly city.

Dedicated Bike Lanes

  • Many major roads have dedicated bike lanes, separated from car traffic.
  • These lanes are generally safe and well-maintained, though they can get crowded during peak hours.

Parks and Scenic Routes

  • Xuanwu Lake (็Ž„ๆญฆๆน–): A popular spot for leisurely cycling with scenic views.
  • Purple Mountain (็ดซ้‡‘ๅฑฑ): Offers challenging routes for more experienced cyclists.
  • Qinhuai River (็งฆๆทฎๆฒณ): A picturesque area with bike paths along the river.

Bike Parking

  • Look for designated bike parking zones, often marked with white lines or signs.
  • Avoid blocking sidewalks or entrances, as improperly parked bikes may be confiscated.

5. Safety Tips for Cycling in Nanjing

  1. Follow Traffic Rules:

    • Obey traffic lights and signs.
    • Stick to bike lanes where available.

  2. Be Cautious at Intersections:

    • Watch for turning vehicles, as drivers may not always yield to cyclists.

  3. Wear a Helmet:

    • Helmets are not mandatory but are highly recommended for safety.

  4. Use Lights at Night:

    • Ensure your bike has functioning front and rear lights.
    • Wear reflective clothing if cycling after dark.

  5. Avoid Rush Hours:

    • Traffic can be chaotic during peak hours (7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM).

  6. Be Aware of Pedestrians:

    • Pedestrians may wander into bike lanes, especially in busy areas.

6. Cultural Considerations

  1. Cycling Etiquette:

    • Ring your bell to alert pedestrians or other cyclists when overtaking.
    • Be patient and courteous, as cycling is seen as a communal activity.

  2. Shared Spaces:

    • In parks and scenic areas, bike paths may be shared with pedestrians. Ride slowly and yield when necessary.

  3. Environmental Awareness:

    • Nanjing residents value eco-friendly transportation. Using bike-sharing services is seen as a positive contribution to reducing pollution.

7. Additional Tips

  1. Language Barrier:

    • Most bike-sharing apps are in Chinese. Use a translation app like Google Translate or WeChatโ€™s built-in translator if needed.

  2. Weather Considerations:

    • Summers in Nanjing can be hot and humid, while winters are cold. Dress appropriately and stay hydrated.

  3. Long-Term Rentals:

    • If you plan to stay in Nanjing for an extended period, consider buying a second-hand bike or renting one from a local shop.

  4. Customer Support:

    • Most bike-sharing apps have customer service hotlines. Use these if you encounter issues with unlocking or parking a bike.

8. Conclusion

Cycling and bike-sharing in Nanjing offer an affordable, eco-friendly, and enjoyable way to explore the city. With a variety of bike-sharing options, extensive cycling infrastructure, and a supportive local culture, getting around on two wheels is both practical and rewarding. By following the tips and guidelines above, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate Nanjing like a local cyclist. Happy riding!