THE Shiyan Lake Cycling Loop in Bao’an District is nearing completion, the district’s urban management and law enforcement bureau announced.

As Shenzhen’s longest lakeside cycling track and a key segment of the city’s western “Mountain‑Sea Cycling Loop,” the upgraded route is set to become a new attraction for nature lovers and athletes. It could also host professional cycling events.

The upgrade replaces the original 20‑km lakeside trail, which had deteriorated with age and heavy use. Surface thinning, cracking, narrow stretches, multiple gaps, and unclear signage had undermined the route’s continuity and user experience.

The redesigned path now clearly separates cycling, running, and walking lanes to improve safety and traffic flow. Widths range from 3 meters to over 6 meters, with more than half of the main loop exceeding 6 meters — dimensions intended to meet requirements for urban cycling competitions.

Amenities have also been substantially improved. Mobile service stations, rest areas, and viewpoints are spaced roughly every 2 kilometers, supported by public restrooms, snack kiosks, and bicycle rental services. An 8‑kilometer dedicated running trail links three themed neighborhood parks, offering varied exercise settings.

Multi‑level signage has been installed at entrances and intersections to help users navigate the network and avoid getting lost.

In an effort to become a world‑class cycling city, Shenzhen released a plan earlier this year calling for a 700‑km cycling network by the end of 2027, expanding to 1,000 km by 2035.

The planned network will include one 200‑km coastal route — stretching from the Maozhou River in the west to Dapeng New District in the east and connecting Shenzhen Bay, Dapeng Bay, Daya Bay, and the Shenzhen River — along with three 100‑km mountain‑sea loops and multiple shorter leisure routes.

So far, Shenzhen has completed more than 100 km of cycling routes.

(Mu Zi)