5 Day Discover Beijing E-Bike Tour

We start in the north-west of the old city and ride a flat 21 km loop that follows the spine of Beijing: Deshengmen, the Shichahai lakes, the Drum Tower, the hutong lanes, the moat of the Forbidden City, and finally Qianmen. Almost no climbing, frequent stops, and a bike lane for most of the way. This is the day that teaches you how the city is laid out — before we head for the hills.

Tucked away in Beijing’s historic hutongs are charming tea houses and cafés, where you can relax on a traditional courtyard rooftop with a cup of tea or coffee. From above, look out across the tiled rooftops and enclosed courtyards, and discover the unique rhythm and architecture of traditional Beijing life.

Until 1924, these two towers told Beijing what time it was: the drum at dusk, the bell at dawn, and the city gates opened and closed to that rhythm. The stairs are steep but short, and from the top you get your first clear look straight down the Central Axis.

Along the ride, we’ll pass one of the best viewpoints for admiring the iconic corner towers of the Forbidden City. Rising above the ancient city walls and moat, these beautifully detailed towers are among the most recognizable sights of imperial Beijing. It’s a perfect spot to pause, take in the architecture and capture a classic view of the Forbidden City from outside its busy main entrance.

Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of Beijing, China, is one of the largest city squares in the world. Its name comes from the Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) to its north, which leads to the Forbidden City.

Covering roughly 44 hectares, the square is one of the great open spaces of any world capital, flanked by the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. Early risers can watch the daily national flag-raising ceremony performed by an honor guard at dawn. For riders on our route, the square is the natural gateway to the Forbidden City, whose entrance lies just beyond the Tiananmen Gate to the north.

Houhai is one of Beijing’s most scenic and vibrant historic districts, centered around a picturesque lake that forms the northernmost part of the city's ancient Shichahai water system. Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, this historic neighborhood once served as a bustling commercial port and a favored retreat for imperial royals and poets.

Today, Houhai seamlessly blends traditional old Beijing charm with a lively nightlife and leisure scene. Lined with weeping willows and historic courtyard homes (siheyuan), the waterfront area features traditional teahouses, boutique shops, and popular bars and live music venues. Visitors can rent traditional paddle boats or take a leisurely cruise on the lake during warmer months, or experience the atmospheric winter ice rink. By day, it offers a peaceful escape with local residents playing chess and practicing tai chi; by night, it transforms into an energetic cultural hub glowing with colorful lanterns.

Nanluoguxiang is one of Beijing’s oldest and most vibrant historic alleys, dating back over 700 years to the Yuan Dynasty. Stretching about 800 meters from east to west, this iconic north-south lane is famous for its well-preserved hutong grid and traditional courtyard houses (siheyuan).

Once home to high-ranking officials and literary elites, today it serves as a lively cultural hub where imperial history blends seamlessly with modern creativity. The main alley and its branching hutongs are lined with trendy boutiques, artisanal cafes, craft breweries, and local street food vendors. Despite its popularity among visitors and locals alike, it retains a distinct bohemian charm. Visitors can explore traditional crafts, sample local delicacies like sugar-coated hawthorn skewers, or simply wander the quiet side alleys to experience the authentic rhythm of old Beijing.

Located just south of Tiananmen Square, Qianmen is one of Beijing’s most historic and lively neighborhoods. For centuries, this area served as an important gateway to the imperial city and one of the capital’s busiest commercial districts. Merchants, craftsmen, travelers and local residents once gathered here, creating a vibrant street culture that continues to shape the character of the neighborhood today.

At the heart of Qianmen is Qianmen Street, a historic avenue lined with traditional-style buildings, time-honored shops, restaurants and cafés. The street was once part of the route leading toward the imperial city, and its strategic location helped Qianmen develop into a center of trade and entertainment. As you explore, you’ll encounter some of Beijing’s most famous traditional brands, including restaurants and food shops that have been serving local specialties for generations.

Siji Minfu (四季民福) is one of Beijing’s most celebrated and beloved dining institutions, renowned for serving some of the finest Peking duck in the city. Famed for bridging the gap between time-honored imperial traditions and everyday local dining, it has become a must-visit destination for both international travelers and local food connoisseurs.

The restaurant's crown jewel is its signature roast duck, expertly roasted to a golden crisp over fruitwood. Skillfully carved tableside, the duck features shatteringly crisp skin that melts in the mouth—traditionally dipped in fine white sugar—alongside tender, succulent meat to be wrapped in thin wheat pancakes with sweet bean sauce and scallions. Beyond its legendary duck, Siji Minfu excels in classic Beijing comfort foods and appetizers, such as crispy-sweet glazed prawns, savory sliced mutton (Beile roast meat), and silky almond tofu. Combining exceptional culinary craftsmanship, warm hospitality, and often picturesque views near historic landmarks like the Forbidden City, it offers an authentic and unforgettable taste of Beijing's culinary heritage.

Nestled within a historic Beijing siheyuan courtyard near Nanluoguxiang, Hetang Palace (荷唐·殿) is a high-end, boundary-pushing Chinese restaurant that redefines traditional dining. Housed in a former princely mansion setting, the venue blends classical imperial architecture with contemporary elegance, offering an atmosphere of refined tranquility amidst the bustling city.

Helmed by renowned culinary masters, the restaurant proudly defies rigid culinary classifications, specializing in creative, fusion-driven gastronomy. Its signature dish is an innovative take on Beijing roast duck, uniquely marinated in Madeira wine and cold-smoked with aged Pu'er tea, then served over heated sea salt and jasmine-infused wrappers. Other imaginative creations include foie gras roujiamo and artistic, handcrafted dim sum. By merging deep-rooted heritage with playful modern techniques, Hetang Palace delivers a memorable sensory journey that satisfies both purists and adventurous food lovers alike.

Ride into Beijing’s Western Hills and follow one of the city’s favorite cycling routes towards Jietai Temple. Away from the busy streets of central Beijing, winding mountain roads, forested slopes and steady climbs offer a taste of the riding culture enjoyed by local cyclists. Along the way, you’ll experience the landscape the way Beijing’s cycling community does—on two wheels, surrounded by mountains and fresh air.

Step into the peaceful world of Beijing’s ancient Buddhist temples at Jietai Temple and Tanzhe Temple, surrounded by centuries-old trees, mountain landscapes and traditional architecture. Take a moment to slow down, enjoy the quiet atmosphere and discover the enduring traditions of Chinese Buddhism in these historic mountain sanctuaries.

Nestled in the Western Hills of Beijing, Jietai Temple is a historic Buddhist temple surrounded by ancient trees and peaceful mountain scenery. With a history of more than 1,300 years, the temple is best known for its ancient ordination altar, an important symbol of Chinese Buddhist tradition.

Beyond its historic architecture and religious heritage, Jietai Temple offers a chance to slow down and experience the quieter side of Beijing. Take a peaceful stroll through the temple grounds, admire the ancient trees and traditional courtyards, then settle down for a cup of Chinese tea at the Peony Courtyard. Surrounded by mountain air and the gentle rhythm of temple life, tea becomes a simple way to appreciate the tranquility and timeless atmosphere of this ancient sanctuary.

Dating back over 1,700 years (founded in 307 AD), Tanzhe Temple is the oldest recorded temple in the Beijing area. A famous proverb states: "First there was Tanzhe Temple, then there was Beijing City.”

Nestled in the Western Hills of Mentougou, its name comes from the Dragon Pool (Tan) and the surrounding Zhe trees. Historically a royal pilgrimage site favored by the Ming and Qing courts, the temple's halls, courtyards and pagodas follow the natural slope of the mountain, and its famous relics include the "Emperor Tree," a massive ginkgo over a millennium old.

Hidden beneath the mountains of western Beijing, Baqi Cave is a fascinating underground world shaped by nature over millions of years. The cave extends deep into the limestone mountains, with winding passages, dramatic chambers and remarkable stalactites and stalagmites created by the slow movement of water through the rock.

As you venture underground, the atmosphere changes completely. Cool air, dimly lit passages and unusual rock formations create an adventurous contrast to the mountain landscapes above. Walking through the cave offers a chance to discover a lesser-known side of Beijing, far away from the city’s famous imperial landmarks.

For our cycling journey, Baqi Cave adds a touch of exploration and adventure to the mountain experience. After riding through the Western Hills, step off the bike and head underground to explore a hidden natural landscape before continuing the journey through Beijing’s mountains.

Located in Beijing’s Shijingshan District along the Yongding River, Shougang Park is a world-class urban renewal landmark transformed from a century-old steel mill.

The sprawling park seamlessly blends raw industrial heritage with modern leisure, sports, and technology. Its iconic landscape features preserved blast furnaces, massive cooling towers, and elevated industrial walkways alongside the Big Air Shougang—the world’s first permanent Olympic big air venue.

Today, this dynamic district hosts major international events, immersive sci-fi entertainment hubs, stylish craft breweries, and luxury hospitality like the Shangri-La Hotel. Shougang Park offers a striking cyberpunk aesthetic where Beijing's heavy industrial history meets a futuristic vision of modern lifestyle and culture.

Located within the historic surroundings of Tanzhe Temple, Jiafu Binshe Restaurant offers a peaceful vegetarian dining experience inspired by traditional Buddhist cuisine. The restaurant serves a variety of carefully prepared vegetarian dishes, using fresh seasonal ingredients and simple cooking methods to bring out their natural flavors.

Dining here is more than just a meal — it is also a chance to slow down and experience the quiet atmosphere and traditional culture of one of Beijing’s oldest temples. After a day of cycling through the mountains around western Beijing, it is a relaxing place to enjoy a wholesome Chinese vegetarian meal in a tranquil setting.

Nestled right by the tranquil lakeside within Beijing's iconic Shougang Park, Su Xiao Ya offers a uniquely immersive dining experience with stunning views of the landmark Big Air Shougang.

The restaurant masterfully blends raw industrial aesthetics with modern culinary flair. Surrounded by exposed red brick walls and steel structures that pay homage to the area’s steel-making heritage, it serves as a stylish hub for food lovers. The kitchen specializes in exceptional Beijing roast duck—hailed for its crisp skin and tender, juicy meat—alongside a curated selection of refined Huaiyang and contemporary Chinese delicacies.

Whether you are wrapping up a day of exploring industrial heritage sights or seeking a scenic spot for a relaxed family meal, Su Xiao Ya delivers a memorable blend of local flavors and modern industrial atmosphere.

Stone houses on a slope, a temple, an opera stage, and wells everywhere. Villages like this were abandoned by their young people and are now slowly being restored — you can see both processes on the same street.

Courtyard houses with carved gate piers, an old locust tree in the centre, and the plaques that recorded each successful examination candidate. It reads as a village that took education seriously for four hundred years.

Take a scenic detour to Pearl Lake and explore the remarkable railway heritage hidden in Beijing’s mountains. Here, you’ll discover the historic “First Bridge in Asia,” an impressive feat of early railway engineering surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. A fascinating stop that connects the region’s natural landscape with its industrial past.

A limestone canyon with the road cut into the cliff face. Cool even in summer, and the only place on the route where the rock closes in on both sides.

For a true taste of local life, we visit Xian Lao Man, a celebrated institution famous for serving some of Beijing’s most authentic dumplings. The name literally translates to "fillings are always full," a promise delivered through every handcrafted piece. This restaurant is a favorite among locals for its thin-skinned, juice-filled jiaozi and an extensive menu featuring dozens of unique flavor combinations—from classic pork and fennel to savory vegetarian blends.

Beyond its legendary dumplings, Xian Lao Man offers a variety of "Old Beijing" comfort foods in a bustling, unpretentious atmosphere. It provides the perfect culinary immersion, allowing you to refuel like a local while savoring the rich, hearty flavors that have defined the capital’s food culture for generations.

Baihua Renjia is a local restaurant in Mentougou, known for its traditional tofu feast, a specialty of the mountain villages around western Beijing. Tofu is an important local ingredient here, and the restaurant turns it into a variety of homemade dishes, showcasing different textures and flavors.

Rather than a formal dining experience, this is a great opportunity to enjoy a simple, authentic local meal and experience the food culture of Mentougou. After cycling through the surrounding mountain roads and villages, a hearty tofu feast makes for a perfect taste of the local countryside.

Switchback after switchback down a mountainside. Hongjing Road is the reason Beijing cyclists drive out here on weekends. We set up at the best bend and the guide shoots everyone through it.

With challenging climbs, winding mountain roads and over 1,200 meters of elevation gain, we want you to focus entirely on the cycling experience. After a full day in the mountains, return to the hotel and unwind with a traditional Chinese massage, giving your tired legs and muscles some well-deserved recovery time.

The CycleQuest Mentougou Base serves as the ultimate gateway for your Beijing cycling adventure. Strategically located at the foot of the Western Hills, this hub is designed for "Industrial Chic" utility, offering premium bike rentals, professional mechanical support, and a community lounge for riders. From here, you have immediate access to Beijing’s premier climbing routes, including the legendary Miaofeng Mountain, or the scenic Yongding River Greenway. Whether you are picking up high-end gear or fine-tuning your itinerary, the base provides a seamless transition from the city to the mountains, ensuring you start your journey fully equipped and inspired.

The Shuiguan Great Wall is a less-crowded, yet historically significant, section of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, located near the Badaling section in Beijing’s Yanqing District. Its name, "Shuiguan" (Water Pass), derives from its original function as a crucial military pass built across a valley to control water flow and provide strategic defense.

Constructed during the Ming Dynasty, this part of the wall showcases impressive architecture, including beacon towers and battlements, often winding steeply up mountain ridges. It served as a critical defense line protecting the capital from northern invasion.

The Great Wall Ring Trail at Huanghuacheng (环黄花古道) is a premier scenic outdoor route nestled in the rugged mountains of Huairou District, just north of Beijing. Centered around the historic Huanghuacheng and Xishuiyu villages, this ancient trail network traces the historic military pathways and patrol tracks once used by Ming Dynasty garrison soldiers.

The route is celebrated for its dramatic fusion of history and natural beauty, offering hikers and cyclists close-up views of wild, un-restored stone wall remnants, crumbling watchtowers, and the famous "Water Great Wall" where ancient ramparts plunge directly into the clear reservoirs below. Traversing deep wooded valleys, ancient chestnut groves, and sweeping ridge lines, the trail delivers a peaceful yet exhilarating escape from the city. It stands as a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic historical exploration amid breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Toudaoguan (头道关), also known as the Huanghuacheng First Pass, is a strategically vital historical gateway of the Ming Great Wall located in Beijing's Huairou District. Serving as the outermost line of defense in the ancient Huanghuacheng military garrison system, this defensive complex was ingeniously engineered to protect the capital from northern incursions.

The pass is uniquely integrated into the local topography, historically anchoring defense lines that span across rugged mountain ridges and deep river valleys. Today, the site is famously associated with the picturesque Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall (Shuichangcheng), where the construction of a modern reservoir merged with historical geography, placing parts of the defensive walls and surrounding valley structures right at the water's edge. Retaining its rugged, uncommercialized charm, Toudaoguan offers visitors a striking glimpse into ancient military architecture seamlessly harmonized with dramatic mountainous and aquatic landscapes.

Heshi Villa is located in Xishuiyu Village, Jiuduhe Town, Huairou District, Beijing, right next to the famous Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall scenic area.

Nestled between the mountains and the water, the property offers a peaceful and picturesque retreat. It serves as an ideal base for travelers looking to explore the unique "Great Wall in the Water" landscape, hike the ancient trails, take in the surrounding reservoir views, or enjoy a relaxing rural getaway.

Whether you are looking for comfortable accommodations, local farm-to-table dining, or a convenient starting point for your sightseeing adventures, Heshi Villa provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere right at the doorstep of nature.

Established in 1994, Nanmen Shuanrou (originally Hongyuan) is a legendary Beijing dining landmark famous for authentic copper-pot mutton hot pot. Its iconic flagship sits just outside the South Gate of the Temple of Heaven, inspiring its beloved name. The restaurant's special appeal lies in its commitment to time-honored Beijing traditions. It exclusively uses traditional copper pots heated by burning wood charcoal, paired with a simple, clear broth that highlights the exceptional quality of its hand-sliced, premium mutton. The experience is elevated by its legendary proprietary sesame paste dipping sauce, perfectly balanced with fermented bean curd and chive flower paste. Complementing the meal are freshly baked, sesame-topped flatbreads (shaobing). Combining warm hospitality, nostalgic ambiance, and rich culinary heritage, Nanmen Shuanrou remains an essential, deeply authentic taste of old Beijing's vibrant dining culture for locals and visitors alike.