Bicycles have long shaped the streetscape of Chinese cities, though they are increasingly being pushed aside by cars. Mopeds are also common, and more and more people are switching to electric scooters, which are quiet and emission-free. Traffic in big-city centers can be extremely dense, and it's often astonishing how skillfully locals weave through the smallest gaps between cars and buses. In large cities like Beijing or Shanghai, it's worth getting a pollution mask to help with air quality — try one on before buying, since many don't fit well and make breathing evenly difficult.
Buying a bicycle in China
If you're staying in one city for a longer period (e.g. for studies), buying a bicycle can be worthwhile. Basic bikes start at around 200 yuan, depending on your bargaining skills. Pay attention to frame quality — bikes made in China can be prone to rust. Bike shops are everywhere, and if something goes wrong there are plenty of informal roadside stands where a flat tire or other repair can be fixed cheaply.
Registering a bicycle in China
Bicycles used to require registration in China, as they were subject to a tax. After registering, you received a plaque and a number stamped into the frame, which also helped identify the bike if it was stolen. This is no longer required in Beijing, though it's still common practice in some other cities.
Bringing your own bike from home
If you want to do longer independent cycling trips in China, you can also bring your own bicycle from home. Check transport costs with your travel agency or airline before booking. There are also tour operators offering organized cycling trips through Chinese cities, along the Great Wall and other routes, who can supply high-quality bikes.
