In recent years, Tiananmen night ride has become a trendy activity among both locals and visitors, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a rare chance to experience Beijing in a way that’s both effortless and unforgettable—gliding past one of China’s most iconic landmarks under the glow of city lights.

Unlike walking, which requires a reservation that can sometimes be hard to get, cycling is hassle-free—no security checks, no reservations, just you, your bike, and the open road. However, keep in mind that stopping along Chang’an Avenue while passing Tiananmen is not allowed, so it’s not ideal for photos. Instead, soak in the experience as you pedal through the wide streets, feel the night breeze, and take in the vastness of the square with Tiananmen Gate glowing against the dark sky.

Getting a bike is easy, too. Beijing is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, with dedicated lanes and shared bikes like Hellobike and Meituan Bike available at most metro stations. No need to book in advance—just unlock, ride, and drop it off at any designated bike parking zone when you’re done.

So if you’re looking for a unique, crowd-free way to experience Beijing, grab a bike, and pedal through history!

A quick and easy one-way ride for those who just want to experience cycling past Tiananmen without a long detour. It’s a straight shot along Chang’an Avenue, giving you a hassle-free way to see the square and check this off your list.

• Distance: ~3 km
• Time: ~20min
• Start: Wangfujing (王府井) Metro Station Exit C3
• End: Xidan (西单) Metro Station Exit C

Tips: Shared bikes are readily available at Wangfujing and Xidan Metro Stations, and you can rent one easily using your phone for just a few RMB. The route works in either direction, but during busy hours (7–9 PM, weekends), Xidan Metro Station usually has more bikes, making it a better starting point. There’s no need to return the bike to the same location—just park it in the designated bike parking zone near either Metro station when you’re done.

More immersive than the Tiananmen Express but easier to tackle than the Central Axis Ride, this route offers the perfect balance of history and convenience. Starting and ending at Wangfujing Metro Station, it passes Tiananmen Square before following the Forbidden City’s perimeter through historic gates and scenic avenues. You can also start and end at Xidan Metro Station, a slightly longer option that may be better during busy times. It’s the ideal choice for those who want a deeper experience without the extra miles!

• Distance: ~7 km
• Time: ~40min
• Start/End: Wangfujing (王府井) Metro Station Exit C3
  

Often called the city’s backbone and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Central Axis was designed to reflect imperial order and has shaped the city’s layout for centuries. This legendary path aligns the capital’s most iconic landmarks in a perfect straight line, stretching from Yongdingmen in the south to the Bell and Drum Towers in the north. Along the way, you’ll pass Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park, experiencing the city’s past and present in one epic journey. The route is also completely flexible—stop to explore, take detours, or shorten it as you go. If there’s one bucket-list cycling route in Beijing, this is it!

• Distance: ~12 km
• Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Start: Yongdingmen (永定门) Metro Station Exit C
• End: Guloudajie (鼓楼大街) Metro Station Exit G

Tips: If you’re craving a longer workout and want to make the ride even more epic, keep pedaling north past the Drum and Bell Towers to Olympic Park. A popular spot for local cyclists and runners, the park has wide open spaces and a lively atmosphere. Ride in the evening, and you’ll catch the Olympic stadiums glowing against the night sky—a spectacular way to finish your Central Axis adventure.

If you want to see Tiananmen Gate glowing in all its grandeur, plan your ride before 10 PM, when the lights are still on. Between 7PM and 9 PM, the streets are busiest, making for a lively ride with plenty of fellow cyclists. It’s an exciting time to go, but weekends can get crowded.

For a quieter, more surreal experience, wait until after 10 PM. Once the lights go out, the crowds disappear, and the square takes on a timeless, almost eerie stillness. Beijing is incredibly safe, so you can ride even past midnight—perfect if you’re jetlagged and wide awake. A female friend of mine rode solo at 1 AM and had a blast.

Keep in mind that on major holidays like October 1-7 (National Day) and May 1-5 (Labor Day), road controls may block bike access, so it’s best to avoid those dates. Stick to regular weekdays for the smoothest experience.

While the night ride is a special experience, cycling past Tiananmen during the day is also a great option. Early mornings are especially enjoyable—cool air, light traffic, and the city slowly waking up around you.

No matter when you go, it’s a ride you won’t forget!