If you are cycling in China, there is one app you need to download immediately that isn’t a map or a fitness tracker: Huolala (货拉拉), known internationally as Lalamove.
While the Beijing subway pilot program is a great step forward, it is restricted to specific lines and weekends. If you need to transport your bike on a weekday, to a non-pilot station, or if you’re simply too tired to ride back after a 100km mountain loop, Huolala is your “get out of jail free” card.
What is Huolala?
Huolala is an on-demand logistics platform (like Uber, but for vans). Within minutes, a van will arrive at your location, and the driver will help you load your bike into the back. It is incredibly cheap, reliable, and available in almost every Chinese city.
Why Cyclists Love It
- No Bike Rack Needed: Your bike goes inside the van. No need for expensive car racks or worrying about the bike falling off.
- Fits Multiple Bikes: A standard “Small Van” (小面包车) can easily fit 2–3 road bikes without taking the wheels off. Larger vans can fit entire cycling clubs.
- Safe from Weather: If it starts pouring rain, you and your bike stay dry.
- Fixed Pricing: The price is calculated in the app before you order. No haggling required.
How to Order for a Bike
- Download the App: Search for “货拉拉” (Huolala) in the app store.
- Important: While the company operates internationally as Lalamove, the international version of the app will NOT work in mainland China.
- Google Play Users: The Chinese “Huolala” app is generally not available on Google Play. You will need to download the APK directly from the official website huolala.cn or use a domestic Chinese app store (like the App Gallery, Mi Store, etc.).
- Apple App Store: Search for “货拉拉” and download the Chinese version.
- Select “Small Van” (小面包车): This is the cheapest option and is perfectly sized for 1–3 bicycles.
- Enter Pickup and Drop-off: Use the map or copy-paste addresses.
- Note “Bicycle”: In the “Notes to Driver” (备注) section, it helps to write: “带一辆自行车” (Carrying one bicycle).
- Ride Along: You are allowed to sit in the passenger seat of the van while your bike is in the back.
Essential Tips for Foreigners
1. Protect Your Bike
Huolala vans are moving vans, not specialized bike carriers. They might be a bit dusty inside. It is a good idea to bring a small rag or an old sheet to put between the bikes if you are transporting more than one, to prevent scratches.
2. Communication
Most drivers will call you immediately after you place the order to confirm your location. If you don’t speak Chinese, don’t panic. You can message them through the app’s built-in chat, which has a basic translation feature.
3. Payment & Extra Costs
- The App Fare: Payment is handled through the app via WeChat Pay or Alipay. You usually pay after the trip is completed.
- Highway Tolls (重要): The price in the app does not include highway tolls. If the driver takes an expressway (like the G6 or G7 to reach the mountains), you must pay the toll fee separately. You can either pay the driver in cash/Alipay at the toll booth or have them add it to the final app order.
- Parking Fees: If the pickup or drop-off is in a paid parking area, the customer is responsible for the fee.
4. The “Small Van” vs. “Mini Van”
- Mini Van (小货车/皮卡): Usually an open-bed truck. Not recommended as your bike is exposed.
- Small Van (小面包车): A closed van. This is the standard choice for cyclists.
Using Huolala gives you the freedom to explore much further than the subway lines allow. It turns every point-to-point route into a viable option, knowing that a van is always just 5 minutes away.