No Scooter in Beijing? Here's the Life You're Missing Out On
Fact: Beijing is big. So why can it feel so small at times? For many of us, it’s easy to end up spending most days in one pocket of the city. Even with Beijing's formidable public transit system, who wants to spend an hour on the subway to get across town on a nice summer day?
There is an obvious remedy for this dilemma, which is to enjoy the fresh air on the way to your destination by riding an electric scooter. However, more than a few Beijingers have been turned off to the idea of buying a scooter since the city began requiring scooter registration, adding more hassle to scooter ownership on top of the need for insurance and regular maintenance.
As it turns out, there may just be a way around all of that hassle, but before we get there, let's take a moment to remember that there is a world beyond Sanlitun, although, without a scooter to get you there, you may have forgotten about it. Below are just a few of the places that you thought were a bit too far to justify the trip, but in fact are nearby enough to scoot to and back.
Exploration – See the city on a scooter
The old former residences of the hutongs
Some think that if you’ve seen one hutong, you’ve seen them all. But let’s not forget that these alleyways are so ripe with history waiting to be discovered that even seasoned Beijingers likely haven’t seen it all, and a scooter is the perfect way to begin your exploration.
Not sure where to begin? Try checking out some of the former residences of famous Beijingers, such as the gorgeous courtyard of acclaimed early twentieth-century literatus, Lu Xun, located on Gongmen Ertiao in Fuchengmen. Or, to dig deeper into history, check out the house where Wen Tianxiang was kept prisoner by Kublai Khan over 600 years ago, located on Fuxue Hutong.
The old abandoned Beijing Amusement Park
If you’re looking for a real adventure, considering riding down to catch a glimpse of the old Beijing Amusement Park. Situated around Longtan Lake, the park is a predecessor to the likes of Happy Valley.
It may not be haunted, but there is nothing eerier than a 64-meter tall Ferris wheel slowly rotating in the wind in an amusement park that’s been abandoned for more than a decade. Luckily for those in search of a fright, the park is well within scooting distance from Sanlitun.
Yuyuantan Park
Fancy a hike around sizable grounds, but worn out on Chaoyang park? Consider a scoot out to Yuyuantan Park, the largest park in Beijing you’ve never been to. Filled with Cherry blossoms in the spring months, other vegetation that sprouts up around the park’s huge lake makes it an attractive stop to visit year-round. If the park itself isn’t enough to justify the ride, it’s also right nearby several Beijing landmarks you might not have seen before, like the old CCTV tower and the China Millennium monument.
Dining – Ride to good eats
Nola Café
If you’re not living in the CBD, chances are you don’t get the chance to make it to Beijing’s premier New Orleans restaurant, Nola Café, very often – and that’s a dang shame because nothing beats an evening of Louisiana jazz, and classic Cajun-style food that’s pretty reasonably priced compared to just about anything in the area. It’s also right across the road from the lovely Ritan Park, so hop on two wheels and make a day of it.
Hobbies – Discover a new lifestyle
Rock Hour Climbing
You don’t have to head all the way to the mountains to feel the thrill of scaling a grand wall, because there are a couple of indoor rock-climbing facilities right here in Beijing – you only have to ride as far as Shunyi. Our recommendation is Rock Hour Climbing, a sizable facility with walls of varying height and difficulty, so you will be ready to ride up ready for a climb no matter your skill level or experience.
Kayaking at Olympic Park
Rather work on that upper body strength in the great outdoors? You might have an excuse to make it up to Olympic park very often, but as it turns out, the lake there has one major advantage over the duck-boat infested ponds of Beijing – kayaking. The lengthy lake of the park makes it perfect for the sport, and a view of the Olympic tower as you stroke is a plus.
Now you know where to go – but what about the scooter?
The solution? Xiao Da is an electric scooter subscription service available in Beijing, developed by ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab China. With an e-scooter subscription from Xiao Da, you can arrange to have an electric scooter dropped off at your location for short- or mid-term use. Upon delivery, a helmet will be provided for your safety and the staff will even provide a riding introduction if needed, and they will also install a basket or back seat for a small fee.
With Xiao Da, there is no need to register a license plate or purchase insurance. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about repairs or product depreciation. If you want to take a hiatus from riding, you won’t have to find storage for the scooter, either – when you no longer need it, Xiao Da will come to pick it up for you.
Say goodbye to crowded subway trains and expensive rideshares, and ride to freedom on an e-scooter.
Images: Xiaoda, Burbex, Dianping
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