As my family prepares for a summer cycling holiday through the Netherlands, we’re angling to build our 6-year-old’s confidence and stamina on two wheels. Our goal is for her to comfortably handle 25 to 30 kilometers a day – enough to cycle between cities. While Beijing isn’t known for long, traffic-free bike paths, we’ve slowly been discovering routes that work for kids learning to go the distance.
After trying out 10km rides in Olympic Forest Park and Chaoyang Greenway (both pleasant, but short), we were ready for more. That’s how we found the Qinghe Cycleway, a 17km loop that hugs both banks of the Qinghe River inside Wenyu Park in northern Beijing. This leafy, shaded path with riverside views is delightfully idyllic for a relaxing day on two wheels.
A Family-Friendly Riverside Loop
A standout feature of the Qinghe Cycleway is its gentle incline, making it accessible for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. The path is wide and well-maintained, with clear signage and safety barriers, ensuring a secure and easily navigable environment for families. My daughter, Leili, rode her own bike, I picked up a Hello Bike (Alipay’s ubiquitous bike-share), and we took public transport to Wenyu Park, entering via Laiguangying North Road. There are multiple access points (Runze Park also works well), and nearby parking lots are plentiful if you’re driving.
The Cycleway loop is cleverly designed with ramps that connect to nearby roads, which means that if your child tires halfway through, you can easily exit and call a Didi. That flexibility gave us peace of mind as we took on our longest route yet.
East Side Wins for Peace and Scenery
We have cycled the loop twice, and here’s what we’ve learned: If you prefer a shorter ride, choose the section east of Wenyu Park. It’s greener, quieter, and set farther from busy roads. The vegetation feels wilder, and the riverbanks are dotted with young people fishing (an interesting contrast to the older crowds you often see by the Liangma River). In early May, wildflowers bloom along the path, and Leili loved stopping to pick a few to make a bouquet for my bike basket.
By comparison, the western stretch runs closer to the road and felt noticeably more crowded during our weekend visits. Of course, if you opt to complete the full loop, the contrast between the two sides adds variety to the ride.
Pack Snacks, Embrace the Pace
One downside: There are no F&B stops along the route, so you’ll need to bring water, snacks and maybe even a picnic lunch. That said, the uninterrupted ride – without road crossings or traffic – is what makes Qinghe Cycleway such a gem, letting kids joyfully cruise at their own pace and build endurance. (A heads-up: Despite the clear prohibition, motorbikes are a common and unwelcome nuisance).
We took about three hours for the 17km, moving at a gentle pace with frequent stops for snacks, photos, flower-picking and watching fishermen cast their lines. The shine of the river in the sunlight and whistle of the wind in the trees offered a rare sense of escape from the city, even more so than Beijing’s busy parks.
Where to Next?
One great bonus: If you finish the loop and still have energy, you can continue west past Runze Park to reach the Olympic Park North Gate. From there, connect to the Chaoyang Greenway for an additional 10km stretch. It’s a lovely way to turn this into an all-day family cycling adventure.
Whether you’re training for longer distances or just looking for a scenic ride, Qinghe Cycleway is one of the best kid-friendly rides we’ve found in Beijing. Don’t forget your snacks – and maybe a little space in your basket for a bouquet.
Find it:
Qinghe Waterfront Promenade and Cycleway System 清河滨水慢行系统
200 Binhe Lu, Beiqijia Town, Chaoyang District
朝阳区北七家镇滨河路200号
Join Tara Fegelein and her family as she explores family-friendly destinations in and around Beijing. Click on the #Kidventures hashtag below to check out her full list of recommendations.
Images: Tara Fegelein, Beijing Water
