Along the Songhua River, Jilin

West bank Songhua River bicycle path

As with Shenyang, there was nothing to be found on cycling routes in Jilin, so guesses about potentially interesting locations were necessary.  One that easily suggested itself was a ride along the Songhua River. An examination of Baidu and Google Maps shows park land along both sides of the river through much of the more heavily populated areas of the city.  To the north the river turns into an industrial area before the landscape reverts to agriculture, and to the south it runs into mountains where it is dammed to form Songhua Lake.

Bicycle paths Songhua River Jilin

From what I have seen of old maps in the Jilin Museum (not especially recommended if you’re on a tight schedule), the city has for many years been situated largely on the river’s east bank and it is along this side you’ll find the best pedestrian and bicycle paths, though there’s a good stretch of the same on the west bank near the city center. The area on the east bank just south of where the G202 turns to the west is a lovely wooded park with landscaped flower beds and is especially worth checking out.

Merida bicycle shop, Fengman

Riding out to the lake, I experienced my only puncture on this trip.  Fortunately, I was carrying a spare and was back in the saddle within 30 minutes.  There are two bicycle shops within the same block in the Fengman area, one advertising as a Giant dealer, the other Merida.  I stopped by here to pick up an extra tube and to inquire about a tune up.  The mechanic didn’t speak any English but knew what needed looking after. He even replaced a bolt that was causing some squeaking, which he had to hand saw and file to proper length.

North Jilin shooting from west bank of Songhua river

Songhua lake

At the northern end of the river, the bicycle path reverts to a narrow hard shoulder filled with pebbles and other debris and you’ll be cycling next to trucks traveling to and from the factories in this area. Beyond this is lovely agricultural land, but you’ll have to either suffer the trucks to get to it or find a way to get your bike past it -- see my post on Wusong Island.  To the south, the road ends just beyond the dam, unless you want to do some serious mountain climbing to other areas of the lake.

Three pedestrian/cyclist paths

Cycling paths are frequently used by walkers and joggers

If you’re in Jilin and looking for a pleasant ride, do try the river bank.  As you can see from the photos here, in many sections there are sometimes four levels of paths in addition to the bike lane in the street.  As you’ll also note, the dedicated bike paths are often crowded with pedestrians, so if you want to open it up and ride for speed, you’ll have to stay on the street.

Haircut and a shave along the Songhua, only 5RMB

Unlike Shenyang, I did not see even one share bike in Jilin.  I did notice, however, in the plaza at the Jilin Musuem (fronted by a Mao statue), a shop renting bicycles and roller skates, presumably for use in the plaza and connected park, but it may be possible to rent for longer rides.  You’ll have to inquire.  I did not.

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