September has arrived, adding a hint of coolness to the breeze in Beijing. It is now a great time to go cycling! If you're looking for a route that allows you to challenge yourself with more climbs while enjoying beautiful scenery, Mentougou District is well worth exploring, offering a variety of choices ranging from beginner-friendly rides to more challenging routes.

Route 1: Jietai Temple — An Easy Start for Beginners

Cycling distance: 4.96 kilometers

Elevation gain: 213 meters

With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, this route is ideal for those just getting started with mountain cycling. Along the way, cyclists can enjoy the ride on mountain roads and the views of cultural attractions in western Beijing. It is indeed a great introductory route that offers both enjoyment and a sense of achievement.

Route 2: Tanwang Road — Intermediate Ride Through Greenery

Cycling distance: 11.92 kilometers

Elevation gain: 522 meters

Tanwang Road offers a step up in intensity. Winding through wooded mountain areas, the route combines a longer distance with steeper climbs, making it a good choice for moderately experienced cyclists who are ready to take on a more challenging ride.

Route 3: "Little Mouse" of Western Beijing

Cycling distance: 78.49 kilometers

Elevation gain: 920 meters

Named for its resemblance to a little mouse when plotted on a cycling map, this distinctive route goes beyond a single climb. It puts cyclists' endurance to the test over a long distance and also incorporates the Jietai Temple and Tanwang Road sections, bringing more fun and a greater challenge to cyclists.

Route 4: Miaofeng Mountain—A Classic Climb for Experienced Cyclists

Cycling distance: 19.97 kilometers

Elevation gain: 858 meters

Miaofeng Mountain offers a classic climbing route familiar to many road cyclists. Its sustained climbs present a greater challenge and require good physical fitness and pacing. As you climb higher, the views open up, making your effort well worthwhile.

Route 5: "Big Wings" of Western Beijing

Cycling distance: 141.41 kilometers

Elevation gain: 3,077 meters

If the first four routes aren't challenging enough, this route is one of the ultimate challenges for experienced cyclists. With its exceptionally long distance and more than 3,000 meters of elevation gain, the route demands a higher level of fitness and more cycling experience.

Feeling tired along the way? Rest stations along the routes can help you recharge quickly. At present, Mentougou District is continuously optimizing road signs, increasing supply along the routes, strengthening emergency response in mountainous areas, and planning to build 16 standardized, cyclist-friendly mini service stations. On accident-prone sections such as long downhill slopes and sharp turns, additional barriers separating motor vehicles from bicycles, wide-angle convex mirrors and warning signs are being installed, while bike shuttle services are also being improved.

On weekends, cyclists are already allowed to bring permitted bicycles into subway stations such as Shang'an (上岸) and Shichang (石厂) on Line S1. Mentougou has also added customized special bus lines for bike-exclusive areas for holidays, making it easier for cyclists to travel between urban and mountain routes.

Autumn is here—let's pick a sunny day and hit the road!

(Source: Beijing Fabu)