A Guide to Cycling from Shanghai to Anji Scenic Mountains

For cycling enthusiasts in East China, the journey from the urban sprawl of Shanghai to the emerald bamboo forests of Anji is a rite of passage. Known globally as the filming location for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Anji offers a dramatic contrast to Shanghai's flat terrain. This guide explores the best routes, logistics, and hidden gems found in recent cycling community reports.

Escaping the City: The '4+2' Lifestyle

In Chinese cycling culture, the term '4+2' (four wheels plus two wheels) is essential. Because the industrial roads between Shanghai and the Zhejiang mountains can be congested and flat, most riders drive approximately 2 to 3 hours to Anji before starting their climb. This allows athletes to save their energy for the famous alpine-style switchbacks.

Iconic Routes and Climbs

1. Tianhuangping (The 'Chinese Autumn Mountain')

Often compared to Japan's Mount Akina from Initial D, the Tianhuangping climb is the gold standard for road cyclists. It features an 18km winding ascent through bamboo groves, ending at the Jiangnan Tianchi reservoir. Near the summit, you'll find the Fujiwara Tofu Shop, a thematic rest stop that has become a mandatory photo spot for riders.

2. The Daru Line (DaruXian)

Known as Anji's "Little Switzerland," the Daru Line offers breathtaking mountain vistas, especially when shrouded in mist. It is often paired with Tianhuangping for a challenging 100km+ loop with significant elevation gain.

Regional Alternatives

If you aren't ready for the vertical intensity of Anji, cyclists recommend several other 'escapes' from Shanghai:

• Yangcheng Lake: A 160km round trip from Shanghai, famous for its seasonal hairy crabs (Post #1).
• Chongming Island: The go-to spot for Gravel (瓜车) enthusiasts. The island features forest trails and sea embankments with zero traffic lights (Post #33).
• Moganshan: Located nearby in Deqing, offering a mix of luxury 'homestays' and intense 50km climbing loops (Post #12).

Main Recommendations

Routes & Destinations

• Tianhuangping (天荒坪): The premier climbing route in Anji (Post #4, #16, #28, #39, #41, #68).
• Daru Line (大鱼线): Scenic route known for its 'Swiss' atmosphere (Post #3, #4, #18, #28).
• Jiumutian (九亩田): A quiet, beautiful section of the mountain (Post #4, #16).
• Longxushan (龙须山): Quiet mountain road for advanced riders (Post #16).
• Yangcheng Lake Route: Route from Shanghai via Jinsha Jiang Road and Jihe Highway (Post #1).
• Moganshan Loop: 50km circuit starting from Nanlu Village (Post #12, #75).
• Suzhou West Island (西山岛): 61km lakefront loop (Post #27).
• Chongming Gravel Route: Non-paved trails starting from East Beach (Post #40).
• Pudong 150km Loop: A long-distance urban challenge within Shanghai (Post #22).
• Huangpu River Upper Reaches: 54km riverside path (Post #8).
• Luwu Highway (芦五公路): Shanghai's 'Metasequoia' forest road (Post #15).
• Dazhi River Road: A 30km traffic-light-free stretch in Shanghai (Post #46).

Cycling Hubs & Amenities

• OKKA Rural Cycling Club (OKKA乡野骑行社): A 'blue house' in Anji offering showers, coffee, and gear for riders (Post #23, #41).
• Fujiwara Tofu Shop (藤原豆腐店): Iconic rest stop at Tianhuangping (Post #39, #41, #68).
• Specialized Shanghai Jiangwan: A key community hub for organized group rides (Post #53).
• Blueberry Cycling (蓝莓骑行): A rental and service hub in West Bund, Shanghai (Post #66).
• RideAbike Club: Provides logistical support for trips to Zhejiang (Post #53).

Gear & Brands

• Bikes: Factor One, Specialized, Trek (Trek 100 event), SEKA Gravel, Factor Bikes, Brompton (Post #10, #13, #14, #53, #66).
• Components: Syncros 60 wheels, Continental TerraTrail tires, Roval Terra Aero CLX (Post #10, #13, #57).
• Apparel: Rapha, Pas Normal Studios (PNS), Maap, Soomom, Kask helmets (Post #16, #18, #28, #79).

Variations & Options

• The Weekend Warrior (4+2): Drive to Anji or Moganshan Friday night, cycle Saturday, return Sunday. This is the most popular choice for Shanghai residents.
• The Long Haul: Cycling directly from nearby cities like Cixi or Suzhou to Shanghai (150km - 300km) (Post #6, #24, #63).
• The Urban Socialite: 'Coffee Rides' in the Former French Concession or night rides to the Bund (Zhapu Road Bridge) (Post #5, #59, #78).

Tips & Insights

• Traffic Management: For popular spots like Laoshan (Qingdao) or certain Anji scenic areas, arrive before 6:00 AM to avoid car traffic and entry restrictions (Post #71).
• Safety Gear: Mountain descents in Anji can reach speeds of 60km/h. High-quality eyewear is essential to block wind and insects (Post #12).
• Wildlife & Nature: Beware of mosquitoes in the bamboo forests during summer; use anti-itch remedies like Watermelon Frost (Post #56).
• The 'Blue Line': In places like Jeju Island (often compared to local loops), look for the blue ground markings to stay on the cycling path (Post #65).

Practical Information

• Travel Time: Shanghai to Anji is approximately 3 hours by car.
• Accommodation: Look for 'Pet-friendly' villas or specialized cycling homestays like Shanan (善侒) at the foot of Longwang Mountain (Post #77).
• Route Planning: Apps like Xingzhe (行者) and Magene (迈金) are the standard for downloading local roadbooks (Post #8, #15, #26).

📍 Locations Guide

All Xiaohongshu Notes