Cycling culture is taking root in city as more people become enthusiasts

After Chen Hongjun stops and parks his bike by the roadside, he takes out his mobile phone and snaps pictures of the natural scenery along Qinglyu Road, which translates as lovers' greenway in Chinese, in the southern metropolis of Zhuhai. 

"I cannot help taking photos when I see such beautiful scenery," says Chen, a cycling enthusiast.

In addition to the subtropical scenery, beaches, blue sea, palm trees, and a statue of woman fishing, the road also gives you a view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge that was officially opened to traffic last year, according to Chen, who cycles there every weekend.

Chen, a local resident, says he put his photos on his WeChat moments to tempt more friends to join him on the beautiful greenways.

The Qinglyu Road has now become a major scenic spot in Zhuhai, in Guangdong province that borders Macao. And pictures taken along the 28-kilometer-long coastal road are a must for newlyweds. As a result, many couples are now found having their wedding photos taken along the road during the day and taking a walk hand-in-hand at night.

"Cycling along the greenway is one of my favorite choices for exercise and leisure during weekends and holidays," he says. And Chen is not alone.

Huang Hsu Fong, a Taiwan resident who was granted a temporary residence permit for Zhuhai recently, also frequently cycles along the greenways in the city.

"The Qinglyu Road greenway is one of my favorite routes when I am in Zhuhai," says Huang.

Xiao Chunying, the secretary-general of the Zhuhai Bicycle Sports Association, says that in addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery when cycling along the city's greenways, the sport can also help cyclists meet people and understand Zhuhai's culture and history.

Xiao says she and her husband have been riding their bikes to every corner of Zhuhai since 2011. "Previously, I knew Zhuhai only as a prosperous special economic zone. But after cycling along the city's greenways, I now know that Zhuhai actually has many historical sites, former residences of celebrities and ancient villages."

According Xiao, her association has organized many cycling events along the city's greenways in recent years, and that has helped promote the city's cycling culture and attract more locals to become cycling enthusiasts.

The Zhuhai Tourism Development Center says the greenways provide ideal spaces for leisure, recreation and outdoor events, and help further boost the city's image, playing a big part in promoting the city's tourism industry. According to the Zhuhai Bureau of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the city had a total of 1,098 kilometers of greenways and 58 service centers at the end of 2018. And the city's greenways network link more than 380 scenic spots and parks in the city.

Huang Jiewen contributed to this story.