Despite the rise of electric cars and the expansion of public transit networks, bicycles are still a go-to means of transport in China. In fact, bicycles have been enjoying something of a renaissance, with more young people embracing them as a fun way to get around and stay active.
An outdoor sports industry development report from the General Administration of Sport showed that China had more than 130 million cycling users as of August last year, while the output value of its bicycle industry reached 300 billion yuan. On Xiaohongshu, a Chinese lifestyle-sharing platform, cycling-related content has generated billions of views.
Giant, a world-renowned high-end bicycle manufacturer, said it now operates more than 3,000 stores across China. The company has even launched a bike line just for women, with designs tailored to women’s body shapes and aesthetic preferences, as female cycling participation and spending continue to rise.
The range of cycling-related purchases is expanding beyond bicycles themselves to helmets, lights, cycling apparel, goggles, action cameras and other accessories, creating increasingly specialized market segments.
Beyond traditional bicycles and accessories, technologies are opening up new space for the industry’s growth.
At the Tianjin Golden Wheel Bicycle Group, a smart bicycle allows its rider to connect with nearby cyclists, chat in real time and form cycling groups via a mobile application. Onboard sensors can also monitor the rider’s physical conditions, while providing technical support for remote troubleshooting and maintenance.
«The latest smart bicycle incorporates artificial intelligence that can learn a rider’s habits and assess road conditions, making cycling easier while extending the riding range,» said Li Zhenkun, marketing director of the company, which produces more than 2 million bicycles annually and exports to over 120 countries and regions.
As healthier lifestyles gain currency, bicycle consumption is evolving from a functional need into a lifestyle choice, with consumers placing greater emphasis on riding experiences, product designs, smart technologies and environmental value, Li added.
The boom is being fueled not only by consumer demand but also by an expanding network of cycling infrastructure.
In 2024, China issued a guideline calling for stronger development of urban slow-traffic systems, including dedicated bicycle lanes. An urban renewal plan for the 2026-2030 period released in May 2026 also called for building and renovating sidewalks and non-motorized vehicle lanes to create greener urban transport systems.
Cities across the country are responding by creating more cycling-friendly environments.
In Shanghai, a 45-km cycling route along the Huangpu River has been formed, providing a continuous ride from the Bund to the Xuhui waterfront. In Beijing’s Tongzhou District, cycling paths along the Grand Canal feature smart lighting systems and rest stops equipped with first-aid kits. Some Beijing subway lines have started letting passengers bring their bikes on board. This trial operation is making it easier for people to get where they need to go for that last stretch of their commute.
These improved facilities are generating economic ripple effects that extend far beyond the bicycle industry itself.
Many cities are drawing on their natural landscapes and rural resources to develop cycling routes and organize cycling events, directly stimulating demand for homestays, restaurants and rural tourism along the routes, said Wang Zongping, a professor at Nanjing University of Science and Technology.
«China’s rising cycling culture reflects not only a diversifying range of related businesses, but also the livability and quality of urban life, showcasing the vitality of contemporary city living,» he said.
