Changping 42 km Greenway near Beijing (Cycling Only)

Overview

The Changping 42 km Greenway (昌平42公里骑行绿道) is Beijing’s longest continuous urban green trail — a paved, mostly flat path that runs 42 km due north from the Aobei Forest Park Southeast Gate (奥北森林公园东南门) in the Hui-Tian area all the way to the Ming Tombs Reservoir (十三陵水库) at the foot of the mountains.

Opened on July 1, 2021, the greenway was built specifically for cycling. It threads through a chain of parks, wetlands, and riverside forests, passing alongside rivers, through woodland corridors, and across elevated boardwalks — all entirely within Beijing city limits. No mountains, no permit, no entrance fee.

This is ideal for complete beginners on a bike, families with children, and cyclists looking for a long flat urban ride. It is also almost entirely unknown to foreign visitors — despite being one of the most ambitious urban greenway projects in China.

The Route

The greenway runs south to north through Changping District. Most people walk or cycle the full length as a one-way trip (south to north, finishing near the Ming Tombs), then return by subway. The southern starting point is the more convenient subway connection.

Key sections (south → north)

Total: 42 km. Elevation change: negligible throughout.

How to get a bike

You have three options:

• Shared bikes (recommended for most): Meituan (美团) and Hello Bike (哈啰) dockless bikes are available at the Olympic Forest Park entrance and at most parks along the route. Cost is around ¥1.5–2.5 per 30 minutes. Requires a Chinese phone number to register — ask a local friend, or your hotel concierge can often help set this up.
• Rent at the trailhead: Bike rental shops near the Olympic Forest Park north gate charge ¥50–80 for a full day.
• Bring your own: The most flexible option if you have access to a bike in Beijing.

Partial sections: Any section can be done independently. The Aobei to Huoying section is the most polished and best for first-timers.

Getting There

Taking your bike on the subway (Weekends only)

As of May 2026, Beijing has launched a pilot program allowing full-sized bicycles on the Changping Line during regular weekends. This is a game-changer for this route, as you can now transport your bike directly to/from the trail without riding through city traffic.

• Return from the finish: After completing the ride at Ming Tombs Reservoir, head to Ming Tombs Scenic Area Station (十三陵景区站) Exit C. You can take the subway all the way back to Xitucheng (西土城站) Exit E to return to the city center.
• Bail-out points: If you cannot finish the full 44 km, you can “exit” the greenway at the following stations on the Changping Line:
  • Gonghuacheng (巩华城站): Exits A, B (approx. halfway)
  • Changping Dongguan (昌平东关站): Exits B, D (near the northern end)

To the south start (recommended)

The southern trailhead is at the Southeast Gate of Aobei Forest Park (奥北森林公园东南门), which is conveniently located near the subway.

To the north end (Ming Tombs Reservoir)

The northern terminus at the Apple Theme Park (苹果主题公园) near Ming Tombs Reservoir is not directly connected to the subway. Options:

• Bus: Take bus 昌12 or 昌21 from Changping East station (昌平东站, on Subway Line 8/13) toward Shisanling (十三陵). Get off at 苹果主题公园站.
• DiDi: From the reservoir back to central Beijing costs ¥80–120 (45–60 min).

Bail-out points (Subway access)

If you’re doing the trail in sections or need to stop early:

• Gonghuacheng station (巩华城站) on the Changping Line sits near the halfway point. This is the primary bail-out point for cyclists as it allows bikes on the subway (weekends only).
• Changping Dongguan (昌平东关站) is another option further north.
• Note: While Shahe station is nearby, it is NOT part of the bicycle pilot program; you cannot enter with a bike there.

Alternative: Using Huolala (Lalamove)

If you are riding on a weekday, or if the subway pilot stations are not convenient for you, the most popular “pro-hack” among Beijing cyclists is using Huolala (货拉拉).

Huolala is an on-demand van service. You can call a small van (小面包车) to your location via their app, load your bike in the back, and ride in the passenger seat.

• Estimated Cost: Approximately ¥120–180 to return to central Beijing (e.g., Haidian or Chaoyang districts).
• Calculation: The app charges a base fee (approx. ¥30 for first 5km) plus a per-km rate (approx. ¥2–3/km).
• Extra Fees: You are responsible for any highway tolls (usually ¥15–20 via the G6 Expressway) and parking fees. These are paid directly to the driver or added to the app total.

What to Bring

• Water: 1.5–2 litres. Convenience stores and vending machines appear at several parks along the route, but gaps of 5–8 km exist.
• Snacks. Pack enough for the sections between parks.
• A bike. See the “How to get a bike” section above — shared bikes, rental, or your own.
• Helmet. Not legally required in China but strongly recommended. Some rental shops provide them; shared bikes do not.
• Sun protection. Large sections of the route are exposed with minimal shade, especially the riverside stretches.
• Portable charger. A full day of navigation and photos will drain your phone.
• WeChat Pay or Alipay. For shared bikes and any park vendors. No cash needed.

Navigation & Maps

Cell signal is excellent throughout — this is a suburban Beijing trail, not a mountain route. Google Maps and Apple Maps work fine for the park sections, but struggle on the connecting road segments where the path is not clearly marked.

Two navigation issues to be aware of:

1. Unsigned road transitions. Where the trail leaves a park and crosses a public road, signage is inconsistent. Several cyclists have reported getting lost at these junctions. When in doubt, continue north and look for a small entrance gap in the tree line on the left.

2. The Dingsi Road section (定泗路). Between Banta and the Shahe Wetland, the trail briefly joins Dingsi Road — a narrow two-lane road shared with trucks. It is only about 1 km long but requires caution, particularly if cycling with children.

Tips & Warnings

Best time to go

• March–May: Ideal. Mild temperatures, spring flowers in the parks, low humidity. The Shahe wetland has excellent birdwatching as migratory species pass through.
• September–October: The second best season. Clear skies, autumn foliage along the riverside sections.
• June–August: Hot. Start before 8am to complete the exposed middle sections before the heat peaks. Bring extra water.
• November–February: The route stays open and is often uncrowded. Some sections can be icy after snow — check forecasts and wear grippy soles.

Doing it in sections

The greenway divides naturally into three roughly equal sections by subway access:

• South third (Aobei Forest Park → Huoying): Best maintained, most family-friendly, closest to the city.
• Middle third (Huoying → Shahe Wetland): Most scenic, good birdwatching, some rougher road transitions.
• North third (Shahe → Ming Tombs Reservoir): Most dramatic scenery as the mountains grow closer; most remote feeling despite being within city limits.

Safety

• The route is entirely within urban or suburban Beijing. It is safe at all hours.
• Road-crossing sections: always use designated crosswalks and wait for green lights.
• Emergency numbers in China: 120 (ambulance), 110 (police).

Language emergency card — screenshot and show if you need help:

「我需要帮助 / 我迷路了 / 请问最近的地铁站在哪里？」 Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù / Wǒ mílù le / Qǐngwèn zuìjìn de dìtiězhàn zài nǎlǐ? “I need help / I am lost / Where is the nearest subway station?”

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