33 cyclists from the Cycling and Adventure Club (CAC) set off on an unforgettable 5-day cycling journey through Hangzhou from 15 March 2026, covering an impressive 380km of scenic terrain. What unfolded was more than just a ride but a journey through living landscapes where nature, culture, and modern development exist in harmony.

Two members, Ian Lee and Jeanette Lau, cycling fanatics and members of the club, shared their thoughts on the trip through the natural wonders of Hangzhou. 

Ian  (in white) and Jeanette (extreme right) focused on the winding trails

The adventure began where the group cycled along the riverbank bike trails of Qiantang River for two days. The serene, winding paths of the trails proved to be more than just picturesque, but a harmony of modern amenities, natural wetlands and historical milestones of the city. The riverbank trails harmonised modern amenities with natural rivers and wetlands along with the historical monuments of the district, giving the group quick history lessons as they weaved through the paths. 

As the group cycled along well-maintained riverbank trails, they were treated to a scenic tapestry of sights: cargo vessels drifting in the waters, tranquil riverside parks mixed with rustic villages and stretches of agricultural land. The thoughtfully designed cycling paths offered a seamless blend of modern infrastructure and natural beauty.

“The natural scenery of Hangzhou left a strong impression on me. I’ve never seen such scenery in my trips to other parts of the world.” Said Jeanette, a frequent rider with CAC.  

The group breezing through an avenue of cherry blossom trees on the verge of blooming

The trip also coincided with early spring, painting the landscape in vivid hues. Fields of bright yellow canola flowers stretched endlessly across the horizon, with delicate magnolia blossoms blooming in abundance. Though the group arrived earlier before the cherry and plum blossoms, there were hints of light pink buds waiting to burst in the landscape. 

The ever-changing scenery turned each stretch of the journey into a visual delight, a reminder that sometimes, the best motivation to keep pedalling is simply what lies ahead.

Hangzhou is China’s eleventh-largest city, with a population of 8.2 million people

The journey took a more challenging turn as cyclists advanced towards the Xin’an River, where several uphill climbs tested both endurance and determination. 

“The ride up Xin’an River had some of the toughest climbs during the trip. One steep, continuous hill in particular got me out of breath” mentioned Jeanette. “But upon reaching the top, our efforts felt rewarding.”

Thousand Island Lake is famous for it’s clear water with visibility averaging 7 meters

What awaited at the summit was the breathtaking Thousand Island Lake, also known as Qiandao Lake — a vast man-made reservoir covering 170km of lakeside terrain, formed by damming the Xin’an River. True to its name, the lake is dotted with more than 1,000 lush islands, created when rising water levels transformed hilltops into scattered islets.

The group at a pitstop overlooking Qiandao Lake

Ian, who enjoys rides along nature mentioned, “The ride around Qiandao Lake stood out for me. The open views and calm surroundings made it a very enjoyable and memorable route.”

Beyond its beauty, the lake wa also a hub for sporting excellence during the 2023 Asian Games. It served as a venue for cycling, water sports, and adventure events and continues to be a year-round training ground for China’s national water sports teams.

Throughout the rides, the group managed to get a taste of local delicacies like Dongpo pork (thick-cut, braised pork belly), Chou Guiyu fish (stinky mandarin fish) and crispy Guoba (crispy rice snack). According to Jeanette, the support vehicle fed them plenty of snacks along the way, making sure the group were well taken care off. 

The Hangzhou cycling trip also offered the members a first-hand glimpse into China’s vision of sustainable development — where urban progress coexists with ecological preservation and cultural heritage. 

For the CAC cyclists, the journey was not just about distance or destination, but about discovery and appreciation — of new terrains, shared camaraderie, and the simple joy of the ride.

“The team bonded plenty off the bike. Being able to try new local dishes together after being completely famished made the shared experience even more memorable” Ian mentioned about the camaraderie of the group during the trip. 

“The shared effort during the challenging climbs brought everyone closer together, with encouragements to each other along the way,” said Jeanette. “The cycling environment also felt engaging yet comfortable, with challenges on certain days, but we were still able to enjoy the views.”

CSC members can join the CSC Cycling and Adventure Club on their next journey — visit facebook.com/CSCcycling to see more of their adventures and visit here to join.