Cyclists ride through lush landscapes in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Huzhou in Zhejiang province is developing a citywide cycling network that combines varied terrain, cycling facilities, and sporting events, attracting recreational riders and professional cyclists alike.

The city hosted a stage of the 2026 Tour of Taihu Lake in Changxing county on Sept 13, with more than 100 riders from 22 teams competing on the Taihu Lake No 9 Road, a 99-kilometer scenic route that links lakeside villages and scenic spots.

"The course is perfect for me, and a long stretch runs along the lake, where you can enjoy different kinds of scenery," said rider Matteo Malucelli.

Cycling options vary across Huzhou. Deqing county has a mountain bike downhill course running through bamboo forests, while Nanxun district's 23.2-km Ditang Greenway follows the Changxing-Huzhou-Shanghai waterway. Anji county offers rural cycling through bamboo forests, and Wuxing district has waterfront cycling routes.

Huzhou has built a 1,120-km greenway network and plans to add standardized cycling stations offering rest areas, supplies, and bicycle maintenance facilities. The Xishanyang cycling station, which opened in August 2025, is one example.

Cycling events are also drawing riders. An event in Anji's Huangpu River source area attracted more than 4,000 participants in 2025, with over 40 percent returning participants. Deqing hosted a leg of the China Mountain Bike Downhill Series this year.

The Chinese national road cycling team also recently trained in Anji's Hanggai town, using waterfront roads and mountain routes for endurance and climbing training.