If you ask a Beijinger to recommend a cycling route that will take you by storied landmarks of history and culture, most will mention the celebrated bike paths winding through the famous Shichahai neighborhood. This area features picturesque Hehua Chi, or Lotus Lake, and allows cyclists a chance to disembark briefly for a boating trip on Houhai Lake or a bite at one of the many lakeside restaurants and bars.

There are two spots you should not miss in this area. One is the Yindingqiao Bridge linking the Qianhai and Houhai lakes. The stone bridge, built around 500 years ago, looks like a shoe-shaped silver ingot in ancient China. It has long been a favorite location for taking romantic wedding photos.

Another one is the Gongwangfu, former residence of Qing Dynasty Prince Gong. Hailed as a pearl of Qing architecture, the mansion is of great cultural, historical and architectural value. Some believe it provided the blueprint for the Grand View Garden described in the classic novel A Dream of the Red Mansions. It is located on Liuyin Street, on the northwestern corner of Shichahai.

If, however, what you are looking for is a much less bustling and commercial experience, you might want to cycle to Nanluoguxiang area, just a few streets away.

Built around 800 years ago, the 800-m-long alley has exquisite examples of residential and civil architecture dating from the Yuan (1127-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Hailed as a museum of old Beijing styles, the area is also celebrated because many of the homes were once occupied by historical figures, artists and famous writers.

Here the restaurants, bars and cafes always give you a feeling of tranquility and artistry. Regulars attribute this to the fact that many business owners are graduates of the Central Academy of Drama, which is another key attraction of Nanluoguxiang.

When you are tired of cycling, take a rest with a cup of tea or coffee inside a hundred-year-old courtyard, treat yourself to a foot massage or enjoy some classic Beijing snacks.

Other places you might want to cycle past in Beijing:

Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong) and Imperial College (Guozijian) Street 雍和宫和国子监街: A center of Buddhism and higher education in ancient China.

Areas surrounding the Drum Tower and Bell Tower 钟鼓楼地区: Hutong, genuine Beijing cuisine and snacks.

Dongjiaominxiang 东郊民巷: Beijing's earliest embassy district, with many well-preserved buildings exhibiting diverse architectural styles.

(China Daily August 19, 2008)