Bikes and Biking in China

Why China Is the Kingdom of Bikes

Picture this: dawn breaks over Yangshuo, and the roads come alive not with roaring engines but with the quiet hum of electric motors as locals glide to work, to market, to morning tai chi by the river. China is home to over 350 million e-bikes, with 100 million people riding them daily, making these sleek, silent machines the most authentic, vivid scenery on China's city streets and country lanes alike. At CET, we've guided travelers through this revolution firsthand, leading countless travelers through Yangshuo's karst landscapes, navigating Guilin's urban corridors, and helping families discover the perfect two-wheeled companion for their Chinese adventure.

Five Major Models of Our Bikes

A traditional, non-electric bicycle with an ultra-light frame, designed for easy, relaxed riding on flat terrain. With no motor, battery or complicated controls, it looks and feels simple and smooth, offering pure, natural pedaling. Its lightweight design makes it easy to balance, maneuver and park, making it ideal for casual sightseeing and short, pleasant trips.

We recommend this model for families, couples, and casual riders who enjoy gentle exercise and want to explore at a slow, peaceful pace. The lightweight frame makes small bridges and flat roads effortless, so you can focus on the views around you. Stop whenever you like to take photos, enjoy local snacks, or simply breathe in the fresh air.

Insider Tip: This model is perfect for "stop-and-go" exploring. Since there are no motors or gears to worry about, you can park and restart at any time without any stress. Travel at the speed of curiosity: simple, free and fully in the moment.

We recommend this model for active riders who enjoy exercise and want to explore natural trails, rural dirt roads and gentle mountain paths in China's scenic areas. The rugged tires easily grip loose ground and small stones, the suspension smooths out bumpy sections and the gear system lets you adjust your pedaling effort for small hills, all while providing the full outdoor riding experience. It's the perfect choice for travelers who want to connect with nature on two wheels without electric assistance.

Insider Tip: Change down to a lower gear before approaching hills or rough terrain to avoid putting strain on the bike or your legs. For the best balance of grip and maneuverability, it is important to keep your tire pressure at the recommended level. This is usually 30-50 PSI for mountain bike tires. Always avoid sharp rocks or deep ruts to protect the tires and frame, especially on unfamiliar trails.

A rugged, full-suspension bike with powerful motor assist, built for steep climbs and rough terrain. These machines feature high-torque motors that conquer hills effortlessly, all-terrain tires with aggressive tread patterns, front suspension that absorbs bumps and rocks, and multiple assist modes ranging from Eco to Turbo that let you dial in exactly how much help you want.

This is the choice for outdoor enthusiasts, photography lovers, and travelers with limited stamina who dream of epic views.

Insider Tip: On steep climbs like somewhere near Yangshuo, use Eco mode combined with your gears for the most natural riding feel and best battery life. The motor assists your pedaling rather than replacing it, keeping you engaged with the terrain. And always, always check your brakes before descending. Mountain roads demand respect.

Effortless urban cruising is made possible with this throttle-only, step-through scooter, with no pedaling necessary. These machines need zero cycling skill as all you have to do is twist the throttle and go. The flat floorboard can accommodate skirts and dresses, the lightweight design means it can fit in hotel elevators, and the simple controls make it instantly accessible to anyone who has never ridden anything more complex than a shopping trolley.

City explorers, shoppers, and quick errand-runners love these for their pure convenience. Imagine an evening trip to West Street Night Market, weaving through crowds of tourists and locals, stopping whenever osmanthus cakes or street performances catch your eye. The scooter's light weight makes quick U-turns easy, bypassing traffic jams that would trap cars. You become fluid, mobile, part of the urban rhythm rather than stuck in it.

A larger, powerful scooter with extended battery life, capable of carrying two people and cargo all day. These workhorses offer 80 to 120 kilometer range covering all major Yangshuo sights without recharging, spacious under-seat storage for helmets and purchases, comfortable two-person seating, and enough power to maintain highway speeds on rural roads.

These are popular with long-distance riders, families and photography teams planning ambitious itineraries. A full-day loop has been designed, connecting four of Yangshuo's most iconic sites: Ten-Mile Gallery, Moon Hill, Big Banyan Tree and Xingping Ancient Town. These sites are spread across 60 kilometres of winding country roads. Leave your hotel at 8 am with a fully charged battery, stop wherever you wish during the day, and return at 6 pm without ever having to hunt for a charging station. There will still be enough space in the boot for a bag of freshly picked local kumquats from a roadside farmer.

Insider Tip: Most of these models have a USB port hidden under the seat or near the handlebars. Pack a phone cable and charge as you ride. Your navigation, camera, and social media will thank you. And for evening riding on darker rural roads, always turn on both headlight and taillight. Visibility is survival.

Bike Comparison at a Glance

Contact us for CET's Yangshuo E-Bike Route Maps: Four curated routes from Yulong River to Longji Terraces, complete with elevation profiles, photo stops, rest points, and estimated riding times. Save to your phone and ride with confidence.

Essential Tips for Riding in China (Safety First)

Traffic Rules: Stay Right, Stop at Red. China drives on the right side of the road, opposite to the UK, Australia, and Japan. First-time riders from certain countries need to override their muscle memory at intersections. Always obey traffic lights, even when the intersection looks empty, because cameras are everywhere and fines follow tourists' home. Signal turns by extending your arm to alert drivers behind you. Chinese traffic moves quickly and assumes that you know the rules.

Helmets: Highly Recommended. Chinese law does not mandate helmets for adults on e-bikes, but we at CET strongly recommend wearing one regardless of legal requirements. We can provide helmets meeting international safety standards; just let us know a day ahead so we can size them properly.

Charging Guide. Hotels usually allow you to charge your vehicle in your room or in designated parking areas. Ask at check-in where you can plug in. Shared e-bikes need no charging as they can be used immediately after scanning. Long-range mopeds can travel over 80 kilometers on a single charge, which is more than enough for a day's sightseeing in Yangshuo.

Night Riding. Some village roads outside Yangshuo have no streetlights whatsoever. Use your bike's lights, wear light-colored or reflective clothing for visibility, and ride with a companion when possible. The darkness under a new moon is absolute.

Before You Rent: Three Non-Negotiables. Take photographs of the bike, paying particular attention to existing scratches and dents, to avoid disputes when you return it. Before setting off, it is vital to test both the brakes and the horn. The brakes are essential for your survival, while the horn ensures that other road users can see you. Check the battery level against your planned route, and make sure you know where charging stations are located along the way.

Your Biking Tours Awaits with CET

From the morning mists of the Yulong River to the sunset glow over bridges in suburb of Yangshuo, from the neon lights of West Street to the ancient charm of Xingping, the right bike lets you step into China's landscapes, not just pass by them. With CET, you get more than a bike rental. We pre-book and check them for you, provide detailed briefings on operation and local traffic rules, mostly importantly always offer English-speaking guide biking ahead of you all the way through.