# Expats discover Shanghai's rural treasures by bike

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/expats-discover-shanghais-rural-treasures-by-bike
- Published: 2026-06-11T16:24:00+07:00
- Author: PR Newswire

SHANGHAI, June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — _A news report from _[_english.shanghai.gov.cn_](https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/)

[⌊Expats cycle through the scenic countryside in Zhuqiao town, Pudong New Area, 
on June 7.⌉⌊Expats cycle through the scenic countryside in Zhuqiao town, Pudong 
New Area, on June 7.⌉[
Expats cycle through the scenic countryside in Zhuqiao town,
Pudong New Area, on June 7.

A total of 300 cycling enthusiasts took part in the Zhuqiao stage of the 2026 Shanghai
Mass Sports Season and the Shanghai Beautiful and Harmonious Countryside Cycling
Challenge in Zhuqiao town, Pudong New Area, on June 7.

Zhuqiao is located in eastern Pudong, bordering Shanghai Pudong International Airport
and about 30 kilometers from downtown Shanghai. The town is home to the former residence
of Zhang Wentian, a key early leader of the Communist Party of China, the COMAC 
Final Assembly Center, and Florentia Village, an Italian-style outlet near the airport.

In early June, the area’s paddy fields turn vibrant green and lotus shoots emerge
in village ponds. Tree-lined lanes wind past whitewashed cottages, fish ponds and
flower beds, offering cyclists a scenic escape from the bustle of the nearby airport.

The eight-kilometer route for the international group took riders through a historical
and cultural site, ecological farmland, and agritourism attractions.

Riders stopped at the "Red Origin" Ideal Home, a renovated waterside cottage converted
into a compact space for heritage education, cultural creation, and study programs.

They then continued to Xinghuo Xiaolai Farm, passing neatly textured fields crisscrossed
by narrow dirt paths, where swaying crops and chirping insects replaced the sounds
of traffic.

The route concluded at the Crayfish and Rice Dream Space, where participants tried
their hand at catching the freshwater crustaceans and sampled seasonal dishes prepared
with local harvests.

Among the riders was Juan Francisco Padin, who expressed his enthusiasm for the 
event. "It’s wonderful to be here on a Sunday morning, sharing this experience with
people from China and all over the world," he said.

"The crayfish fishing was excellent, and I must have eaten at least 20 or 30. They
were really delicious," he added.

Oleg Danisin, a Shanghai-based web developer, said the event offered a different
kind of cycling experience.

"I have my bicycle, and I ride around the city," he said. "But this is my first 
time participating in such a social cycling event."

Olivier Marin, a professor at NYU Shanghai, described the activity as "a team effort"
as he recounted catching seven crayfish with the help of a teammate.

For Jacob Aldaco from the United States, the event offered an opportunity to gain
a deeper understanding of rural development in China.

"I’ve lived in the big cities here in China and seen what urban development looks
like," he said. "But I know rural development is a major priority here and so I 
want to come and see what China is doing in this area. It’s nice, and quite beautiful."

Mariana Soriano Farias, who arrived in Shanghai from Belarus four months ago, praised
the relaxed pace of the ride.

"It was well-organized, calm, and gave us the chance to admire the scenic views 
and meet villagers. Afterward, we enjoyed a riverside rest and delicious Chinese
food in a friendly atmosphere," she said.

The event, also known as a "village ride," was designed to showcase rural revitalization
through low-carbon sport while promoting sports participation, agricultural consumption,
and international outreach.

Three routes catered to different expectations. The eight-kilometer international
track emphasized sightseeing and offered participants a closer look at Shanghai’s
countryside.

A 17-kilometer family route encouraged parents and children to experience rural 
life together, while a 25-kilometer challenge tested endurance across waterways 
and wider landscapes.

A country fair held alongside the event brought together farmers and cooperatives
selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and creative rural products. Lucky draws attracted
visitors and helped boost sales.

The event was co-organized by the Shanghai Administration of Sports, the Foreign
Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, China Daily, and International
Services Shanghai, among other organizations.

 

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