Kaifaqu, Liaoning Province, PRC - Bicycle the Dalian Green-way (East Part)
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 12.09 mi
- Elevation gain
- 154 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 266 ft
- Max elevation
- 233 ft
- TrailRank
- 61
- Min elevation
- 0 ft
- Trail type
- One Way
- Time
- one hour 56 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1521
- Uploaded
- January 20, 2017
- Recorded
- December 2016
near Chengzitun, Liaoning (China)
Viewed 2733 times, downloaded 3 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
The route extends to the East Greenway terminus, then proceeds farther to the east, to a resort beach area and the resort town. East of the Greenway it follows wide sidewalk paths for most of the way. Alternatively, a uncrowded 4-lane highway parallels the route, and has wide shoulders that are used by road bike groups and scooters. Traffic is generally light. The Skytrain continues parallel to the bicycle track, but is seems unlikely bicycles would be allowed on this, so the 40 km distance assumes a return bicycle leg.
The route was done with the Greenways' Flying Pigeon Bike Fleet, using card access. These one-speeds are well suited to the area. Seats can easily be lifted to the max.The Greenway bike began to free wheel erratically at the far east end; perhaps this is a disable device that kicks in when out of range of the Greenway? Or it might just be that particular bike? However, the bike made it the whole distance with some pushing at the extreme east end, and the problem stopped quickly on the way back.
Greenway bike cards are available at the bike kiosk nearest the Kaifaqu Skytrain station, or at the Greenway office nearby. Foreign Passport ID and a 400 RMB refundable deposit is required, plus a minimum 20 RMB riding account. A Mandarin speaker might be required to help complete the transaction. The account depletes 2 RMB per hour after going past the free one-hour limit. By switching bikes at a bike station before the one hour limit, the entire Greenway can be explored without deducting ones' riding account. This track is likely to result in a 4-6 RMB deduction. To get a bike, scan your card first, then you have 60 secs to remove the bike. When returning the bike, plug in the bike first, then you have 60 seconds to scan your card.
For cell phone navigation, download the Wikiloc offline Liaoning Proving map. WiFi is absent and data service may be intermittent along parts of the route. For viewing the track, use the Open Cycle or Open City Map, or the Wikiloc satellite image, as the Wikiloc default map by Google is not properly geo-referenced (apparently an issue between Google and China).
Waypoints
Photo
95 ft
Start near Mall with a KFC
Near starting bicycle station. There is a modern mall with a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
Photo
98 ft
Cultural Square
This plaza is a meeting place for retirees doing games and exercise routines during working hours, also an impromptu sidewalk market.
Photo
43 ft
Skytrain Station
Example of the Skytrain stations. This Skytrain parallels the route along its full length, with periodic stations.The Skytrain is convenient to access the Greenway from Dalian City, or if others are meeting bicyclists at the East Beach Resort area. Not sure about taking bikes on Skytrain, suspect it would be very awkward or just not allowed. This track uses the Greenway bicycle fleet.
Photo
62 ft
Bike Station
A Bike Station location. Maps showing the current bike station and the entire route are available at each bike station.
River
36 ft
Canal crossing
Greenway path joins the highway bridge over waterways. There is a park fronting a lagoon in this area.
Photo
33 ft
Raking autumn leaves
This track was made in late autumn 2016, after most of the leaves were fallen. Dozens of workers mobilize on antique bicycles, or using the Greenway bicycles, to rake these leaves into piles for collection.
Lake
33 ft
Fishing Lake, Arched Bridge
The basic landscaping of this small lake was apparently completed long before the intended final development plan. There is a nice arched bridge. Its a favorite lake for summer fishermen. Native wild ducks were seen here in winter (migrating). Presumably the areas around the lake will be completed some time in the future, perhaps with residential buildings?
Photo
75 ft
East end of Official Greenway Trail
The designated Greenway track comes to an abrupt end. To continue east, most should dismount here for 10 meters of so. From here the route crosses a street-light controlled intersection to the south side of the highway. Follow a wide sidewalk further east. Alternatively, there are wide, marked highway shoulders used by road bikes, antique bikes of workmen, motor scooters, and small farm vehicles. These provide a fast and efficient bicycle option from here towards the east. A few short stretches on the highway shoulder are necessary after the hill pass, when approaching the seaside resort.
Photo
52 ft
Winter Forest
At the Welcome and Information Center for the beach resort area. Here the road goes through a low pass between forested hills before beginning to descend to the beach turnoff.
Photo
49 ft
Underpass to beach
When traffic permits, turn left off highway and circle around to a highway underpass, then head south. This road follows a canal, and passes close to the Dalian American High School before reaching a hill walk area and the beach.
Photo
30 ft
Start of Hill Walk
Bikes can be locked here if also taking a hill walk. Go up stairway towards the hilltop (this segment not on the saved track).
Photo
26 ft
West Beach
the resort beaches are very popular in summer. Farther to the east there is beach admission. It appears these western ones are free beaches.
Summit
95 ft
Small hill, viewpoint
Half way along the beach is the only real hill of the route, it's short and of moderate steepness. The one-speed made it to the top with a bit of effort.
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