6 Asian cities ideal for cycling.

1. Osaka (Japan)

Cycling through the small shops and charming streets of Osaka, and enjoying the local food and nightlife, is a delightful way to explore the local culture. Despite the relatively high population density, visitors can still comfortably cycle along the Dotonbori River and the area surrounding Osaka Castle.

Many hotels in Osaka offer free bicycles to guests or require a small, symbolic fee. Community bicycles, also known as Umegle-Chari, can be found in the city center and easily rented using an IC card or credit card. It's important to note that drinking sake or Japanese whiskey while cycling is illegal in Japan.

2. Xiamen (China)

In 2017, Xiamen completed a 7.8km elevated bicycle path that passes through three financial centers and five residential areas of the city. The path is up to 5 meters higher than regular roads and runs along the island's coastline.

Additionally, Xiamen also boasts Huandao Road – another beautiful route for cycling, allowing visitors to explore the city's popular attractions such as Baicheng Beach, Hulishan Fortress, and the Xiamen International Convention Center. Currently, Mobike, Ofo, and Hellobike are the three most popular bicycle rental companies in Xiamen. To rent a bike, simply download the app and follow the easy registration steps.

3. Beijing (China)

In Beijing, almost all roads have dedicated bicycle lanes, separated from cars by barriers. Beijing also plans to build a 9km elevated bicycle path to make cycling safer and less congested for tourists in the city.

Visitors will have a wonderful experience exploring the areas around Tiananmen Square by bicycle and enjoying some local street food in the afternoon. Mobike and Hellobike bicycles are scattered throughout Beijing. Visitors can easily rent and explore Beijing by downloading the app, registering, and scanning the QR code.

However, it's important to note that you should check the condition of the bike before renting it, as many bicycles in Beijing are damaged or vandalized.

4. Taipei

Cycling for shopping and experiencing local cuisine in Taipei is a fun activity for many tourists. You can cycle to the famous Yonghe Soy Milk shop on Weishui Road for breakfast, then shop for electronics at Guanghua Digital Plaza or enjoy some virtual reality games at Viveland VR. At lunchtime, you can rest and have lunch at the famous Lin Dong Fang Beef Noodle restaurant before returning your bike and ending the day at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.

In Taipei, YouBike is present on almost every street. If you have an EasyCard, you simply scan it and take a bike; otherwise, pay for each rental with your credit card at the station kiosk.

5. Tokyo (Japan)

Tokyo is famous for its modern train system, but the city also boasts beautiful cycling routes. The road surrounding the Imperial Palace is a picturesque bike path. The Daikanyama and Aoyama areas, with their shops showcasing the latest fashion, are made up of narrow streets free of cars and motorcycles, making them perfect places to cycle.

Additionally, visitors can cycle to Tsukiji for a seafood lunch before crossing the Kachidoki Bridge to Odaiba, which boasts many notable attractions such as the teamLAB museum, Palette town, and the Toyota City Showcase. Interestingly, bicycles in Tokyo often have combination codes that you can use to lock and unlock them, allowing you to stop and park wherever and whenever you want.

6. Singapore

Singapore has many areas dedicated to cycling for tourists, such as the marina along Gardens by the Bay, East Coast Park, and the Instagram hotspot Joo Chiat.

Although international bicycle brands like Ofo and Mobike have recently left the Singapore market due to strict new regulations, fortunately, Singapore start-ups SG Bike and Anywheel are still serving tourists.

Alternatively, if you prefer something different, you can rent electric vehicles like Telepods and Popscoots, readily available in the Central Business District along Marina Bay and Quay.

The Anh