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Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Ok, I'm in the hunt ! :riding:
After spending many days riding outside Shanghai for 1-day rides, I'm a little bit disappointed with the "sights" I'll admit...
Of course Shanghai is not very close to "mountain roads" but I'd like us guys to share some experiences of WE rides, the most beautiful road/landscape, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
I went to Sheshan, Dianshan lake, Taihu, Xitang, etc. . I liked some roads between Sheshan and Xitang, around Dingzha town, but it's not marvelous either... Went there on Saturday with the gf behind, and we'll go to Moganshan next WE, but it's not really "close to Shanghai"...
So a call to all Shanghai riders : share your secret roads for a WE ride ! :deal:
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Dear Fred,
Great idea for a thread, though it obliges us Shankers to put on our "wishful thinking" caps. Here's one irrefutable fact: All the nice twisty rural riding in Zhejiang, Anhui and Jiangsu is a lot close if we can get there by expressway. It can be done, but it's not for the faint of heart. And I've been privately scolded by some riders, especially Chinese riders, who think I'm putting all of motorcycling at risk by using my non-Chinese mug to blunder my way past the tollgates in search of a fast ride out of town. And they are not wrong to feel this way. But I know from reading the traffic laws that it's not illegal to ride on the expressways. I digress...
So do have a look at the ride Motokai and I made to Moganshan. It was an easy overnight, given our quick exit on the G50...
cheers!
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Euphonius has it quite spot on here. If you could find some guaranteed way to ride the expressways out of town, then the mountain roads and scenic areas would be within a day's reach. As it stands, it's not easy to do this. There may not be laws against expressway riding, but sooner or later you'll bump into a toll gate and have to face the uncertainty of getting through or not.
The alternative is to hit the 'lao lu' or the non-expressway roads out of town but they take longer, and there is a constant stream of traffic lights to deal with that slows down progress.
That being said, you might be able to park the bike at a train station on the bullet train. This could happen in a station like Jiaxing or somewhere between Shanghai and Hangzhou.
For example, one day during the week, you ride out to the train station, park the bike overnight in a secured area (most train stations have them) and take the train back to Shanghai.
The day you want to ride, say the weekend, you take the train out to where your bike is. The ride to the twisty mountain roads is much shorter now. When you're finished, back to the train station, and the train back to Shanghai.
Then, some other day, you ride the bike back to Shanghai.
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Thanks guys for the input. I hope this thread could grow, in order for us to know all the hidden gems around Shanghai.
Euphonius, I read your RR when you first posted it, and this is where my inspiration came from for next weekend. But I'll ride the G318 then the 104, I will report the duration of the trip (remember I only have a small 150cc... ;-)) )
Steve, I thought about this too, but it takes the spontaneity off unfortunately. For the trains, you need a minimum of planning (go buy the tickets, then go the the train station, carry all your gear, etc.). The reason I took a bike was to be able to decide in 5mn according to the weather to go outside Shanghai and see a little bit of green scenery. That's why I would prefer that we share nice sceneries/roads/landscapes available by bike for 1-day or WE rides. Thank you anyway for the tip ! ;-))
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
OK, taking out the expressways, the distances are still not too bad, so efficiency starts to be a big factor. Day trips are basically out. But an overnight is possible even using surface roads -- if you can make like chinabiker and get your arsch into the saddle by 6 a.m. or even earlier. Six hours on the G318 will get you somewhere, but if you're shaking off a hangover and saddle up at 10, well, there you go. Lost opportunity.
The pain of this scenario is that, assuming you do this on a weekend, you'll be heading back into Shanghai on the 318 or 321 or 320 in a maelstrom of newbie traffic and fumes, which is an awful way to come down from a nice ride. Once again, the expressway beckons.
One final word on the expressway, prompted by Steve's comment about eventually coming to a toll gate. In my experience, the trickier task is getting onto the expressway. Once you are already on, you'll get some confused looks at the next toll station, but rarely will someone come out and stop you. You just roll up to the right-most gate, with it's motorcycle-friendly wide channel, look confidently and smile at the tolltakers, and roll right through. If someone stops you, they'll ask, "how did you get on?" And you reply, "They let me on back in xxxx." And often this is just enough for the tolltaker to decide not to escalate, mindful of the adage: "One more thing is not better than one less thing." (多一事不如少一事).
I rode the expressways all the way from Beijing to Shanghai last summer using this tactic. The only time I had trouble was when the expressway ran out and I had to actually exit, rather than just pass through a toll gate. By then I was in southeastern Shandong and they had gotten the (non-existent) memo that motorcycles are not allowed on the expressway. So I had to do a bit of cowboy riding to persuade may way back on...
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
2-2.5hrs. riding with a decent big bore bike brings you to Huzhou / Deqing / Anji / Moganshan area (Zhejiang zhejiang) with good road and scenery, day trips around 500+k's easy as!
Ride safe! Pal
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
I am with Jeff completely on this one. I have made numerous trips with some Chinese riding buddies without getting on the expressway in the past. The first part of the trip for getting out of Shanghai was generally very painful. Actually, it is also quite dangerous even though GuoDao 318 is not that bad to travel on but still has its share of messy traffic and frequent small town centers to get across. I believe Expressway is the way to go.
If we can organize some trips with a few Laowai mugs to participate in this should be doable. I will just hide behind you guys as my Chinese face automatically degrades my status to some second class citizenry.
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
milton
I am with Jeff completely on this one. I have made numerous trips with some Chinese riding buddies without getting on the expressway in the past. The first part of the trip for getting out of Shanghai was generally very painful. Actually, it is also quite dangerous even though GuoDao 318 is not that bad to travel on but still has its share of messy traffic and frequent small town centers to get across. I believe Expressway is the way to go.
If we can organize some trips with a few Laowai mugs to participate in this should be doable. I will just hide behind you guys as my Chinese face automatically degrades my status to some second class citizenry.
I second this! There are all sorts of nifty tricks!
Milton, when we left you in Zhejiang we actually rode around the border checkpoints through some farms because a few of the guys didn't have plates. What an experience!
Euphonius,
I am extremely curious about this supposed lie that all the toll-gate operators have been preaching to me. I always assumed that it wasn't allowed, but now it seems like we should start carrying around a copy of the Chinese traffic laws!
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GRF_Hans
I am extremely curious about this supposed lie that all the toll-gate operators have been preaching to me. I always assumed that it wasn't allowed, but now it seems like we should start carrying around a copy of the Chinese traffic laws!
It'll take some time to dig it out, but remember the two and only two questions in the question bank that pertained to motorcycles on the expressways?
1) What is the maximum speed for motorcycle on the expressway? Now if it were illegal, the maximum would be 0 kph. If the maximum is, as I recall, 90 kph (about 55 mph), then doesn't this prove that it's legal?
2) Is it legal to carry a passenger on a motorcycle when riding on the expressway? The correct answer is "no" but, er, doesn't this irrefutably imply that a motorcycle with a single rider is legal?
Better detectives than me have looked, and there is nothing in the current national traffic law barring motorcycles from the expressways. And in some parts of China, bikes are allowed on without question, and are tolled at the standard passenger car rate. Other regions don't collect a toll but just let you on. I'm thinking of Guizhou, but there are probably others.
Is it possible for a province to enact its own local traffic law? I don't think the central government would allow this.
Yes, it would be useful for us to get current copies of the national traffic law and carry them with us. We can read them aloud to our jailers to pass the time....
cheers
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
You're right, when I was studying the traffic laws for the exam, I didn't find any rule forbidding the use of expressways for bikes...
Unfortunately I lack the vocabulary about traffic laws to explain myself clearly to the cops if I was to take the expressway to test it. But it's not difficult to learn, I'll check the useful words for it, beginning by how to say "national traffic law". ;-))
What I gather from this first round of replies is that except taking the expressways, there's no obvious scenic roads/places reachable from Shanghai using only the "normal" roads in a relative short amount of time (2h more or less), including the famous G318 ? When I leave for a ride, I'm always on the road before 7AM, so this is not a problem for me.
Remember, I already went to Sheshan, Dianshan Hu, Taihu, Xitang, etc. Anything else worth mentioning ?
I'll still go to Moganshan this WE, but with my bike (150cc), 2-up, it'll be slow and painful...
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
If we're eyeing the expressways then, it might be possible to just try the tactic mentioned by euphonius on the (formerly) A9 highway that parallels the 318. Not sure what it's called now, maybe G60.
The idea then would be to get on the elevated road first which doesn't have a toll booth, and ride right through the first main toll gate on the right, just just after the elevated road portion ends and the official expressway begins --- somewhere around the Xu Jing area. Early in the morning would be the best time. Any takers on this mission?
Similarly, if anyone could post locations where it's easier to enter the expressway network in Shanghai than others, this might be worth a go.
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Dewsnap and others, perhaps even you, have mentioned some nice suburban/exurban riding on the back side of Minhang. This was news to me, but nice to hear.
There's also a northward passage -- by ferry to Changxing or Chongming island. In fact, there's a great challenge awaiting whoever wants to run the Changxing-Chongming bridge, but once again this raises the expressway question. ryanjpyle and I managed only the first half of the challenge, blundering/cowboying our way from Pudong to Changxing on the G40, but then complying when a tunnel repair truck gave chase and demanded we exit at Changxing.
I'm thinking it's about time to try for Chongming again, and then maybe even venture further to Jiangsu if the Chongming-Jiangsu bridge is complete...
As for the Moganshan area, Pal seems to be saying that it's reachable in 2.5 hours via surface roads -- if you've got some horses between your legs.
cheers
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Fred
I'll still go to Moganshan this WE, but with my bike (150cc), 2-up, it'll be slow and painful...
I would not recommend attempting the expressways on a 150cc bike, pillion or not.
With all the hardware flying out of the Harley and BMW stores, it makes sense that those of us with legal bigger bikes should be at least thinking about how to lobby for better access. I started this discussion with Steve Wasser, erstwhile managing director of H-D Asia, but I recently heard that he'd moved back to headquarters. Not sure what's going on in the Harley universe, but they do have some muscle for organized lobbying. Would be good to persuade them that the lower limit of expressway-friendly displacement should be lower than 883cc!
cheers
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
An official version of the traffic law at: http://www.mps.gov.cn/n16/n1282/n349...78/493316.html
Chapter 5 regulates driving on the expressway. It is clearly stated that motorcycle has a speed limit of 80 kmph and is not allowed to have pillion. Obviously this implies that motorcycles have as much right to be on the expressway as any passenger cars.
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
euphonius
.. Is it possible for a province to enact its own local traffic law? I don't think the central government would allow this.
C'mon, you should now that. TIC, every village different rules :lol8:
Honestly, I think they can do this.
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
milton
Obviously this implies that motorcycles have as much right to be on the expressway as any passenger cars.
Milton to the rescue!
OK, I've cut and pasted the relevant section below. We should print this out and carry it with our license and registration! Or maybe carry the whole code, with the correct page dog-eared -- if someone can source officially printed copies.
Thanks Milton!
Quote:
第五节 高速公路的特别规定
第七十八条 高速公路应当标明车道的行驶速度,最高车速不得超过每小时120公里,最低车速不得低于每小时 60公里。
高速公路上行驶的小型载客汽车最高车速不得超过每小时120公里,其他机动车不得超过每小时1 00公里,摩托车不得超过每小时80公里。
同方向有2条车道的,左侧车道的最低车速为每小时100公里;同方向有3条以上车道的,最左侧车道的最低车 速为每小时110公里,中间车道的最低车速为每小时90公里。道路限速标志标明的车速与上述车道行驶车速的 规定不一致的,按照道路限速标志标明的车速行驶。
第七十九条 机动车从匝道驶入高速公路,应当开启左转向灯,在不妨碍已在高速公路内的机动车正常行驶的情况 下驶入车道。
机动车驶离高速公路时,应当开启右转向灯,驶入减速车道,降低车速后驶离。
第八十条 机动车在高速公路上行驶,车速超过每小时100公里时,应当与同车道前车保持100米以上的距离,车速低于 每小时100公里时,与同车道前车距离可以适当缩短,但最小距离不得少于50米。
第八十一条 机动车在高速公路上行驶,遇有雾、雨、雪、沙尘、冰雹等低能见度气象条件时,应当遵守下列规定 :
(一)能见度小于200米时,开启雾灯、近光灯、示廓灯和前后位灯,车速不得超过每小时60公里,与同车道 前车保持100米以上的距离;
(二)能见度小于100米时,开启雾灯、近光灯、示廓灯、前后位灯和危险报警闪光灯,车速不得超过每小时4 0公里,与同车道前车保持50米以上的距离;
(三)能见度小于50米时,开启雾灯、近光灯、示廓灯、前后位灯和危险报警闪光灯,车速不得超过每小时20 公里,并从最近的出口尽快驶离高速公路。
遇有前款规定情形时,高速公路管理部门应当通过显示屏等方式发布速度限制、保持车距等提示信息 。
第八十二条 机动车在高速公路上行驶,不得有下列行为:
(一)倒车、逆行、穿越中央分隔带掉头或者在车道内停车;
(二)在匝道、加速车道或者减速车道上超车;
(三)骑、轧车行道分界线或者在路肩上行驶;
(四)非紧急情况时在应急车道行驶或者停车;
(五)试车或者学习驾驶机动车。
第八十三条 在高速公路上行驶的载货汽车车厢不得载人。两轮摩托车在高速公路行驶时不得载人。
第八十四条 机动车通过施工作业路段时,应当注意警示标志,减速行驶。
第八十五条 城市快速路的道路交通安全管理,参照本节的规定执行。
高速公路、城市快速路的道路交通安全管理工作,省、自治区、直辖市人民政府公安机关交通管理部门可以指定设 区的市人民政府公安机关交通管理部门或者相当于同级的公安机关交通管理部门承担。
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
chinabiker
C'mon, you should now that. TIC, every village different rules :lol8:
Honestly, I think they can do this.
Andy, I agree that they can do this -- but I'll still be carrying this national code, which one would expect to be a bit more potent than a local juryrigged rule.
Ninety percent of success is showing up. Ninety percent of the law is having a copy in your pocket... (And we can still read it in jail.)
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
For those of you who can't read Chinese, a couple other rules you must follow, on or off expressway:
1. Passenger on motorcycle must face front (regardless how exciting it is to sit facing the back)
2. Motorcyclists must NOT leave their hands off the steering wheel. ("Look, Mom, no hands" is illegal here.)
Not much other things concern us motorcyclists specifically.
Cheers.
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
euphonius
Andy, I agree that they can do this -- but I'll still be carrying this national code, which one would expect to be a bit more potent than a local juryrigged rule.
Ninety percent of success is showing up. Ninety percent of the law is having a copy in your pocket... (And we can still read it in jail.)
:offtopic: We have done this in Yunnan in 2005. They didn't let us on the expressway, obviously because we had our wifes on the back. We tried another entrance without pillion - still were not allowed. On another day, one of the ladies dug out this section of the law, we printed it, showed it and still, they didn't let us on. Therefore, we sneaked in and out of the expressway twice and were not caught :naughty:
However, C-traffic is a big mess, nobody seems interested in clearing stupid rules and then enforce the cleaned up ones - maybe because they have 1.3 billion other problems :lol8:
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
OK, I realize this is getting further off topic, so maybe one or our admins can break these legal questions out into a separate thread called Chinese Traffic Law for Motorcycles. Or I can start a thread, and drag all these pieces in.
Anyway, here are some other questions that relate to expressways that I found in the official motorcycle question bank, in Chinese and English. Once again, if it's not legal to ride on the expressways, why all the rules that regulate what motorcycles can and cannot do on an expressway?
Quote:
4.1.1.3 在同向4车道的高速公路上行车,摩托车应在 车道上行驶。
A.最左侧
B.第二条
C.第三条
D.最右侧
答案:D
4.1.1.3 When running on an expressway that has four lanes in the same direction, the motorcycles should run on ______.
A. The far left lane
B. The second left lane
C. The third left lane
D. The far right lane
Answer: D
4.1.1.7 摩托车驶出高速公路隧道口时,会突然受到横风的袭击,会明显出现 感。
A.减速
B.漂移
C.压力
D.方向偏移
答案:D
4.1.1.7 When a motorcycle leaves the opening of an expressway tunnel, it will be attacked by side wind and the vehicle can have _____.
A. A feeling of deceleration
B. A feeling of acceleration
C. A feeling of pressure
D. A feeling of deviation
Answer: D
4.1.2 判断题:(11题)
4.1.2 Judgment Questions: (11 questions)
4.1.2.1 摩托车驶入匝道后,迅速将车速提高到每小时60公里以上。
答案:错误
4.1.2.1 After a motorcycle enters the ramp, the driver should swiftly increase the speed to more than 60 kilometers per hour.
Answer: Wrong
4.1.2.2 摩托车在高速公路匝道上可以停车。
答案:错误
4.1.2.2 A motorcycle may stop on the ramp of an expressway.
Answer: Wrong
4.1.2.3 摩托车不得在高速公路匝道上掉头。
答案:正确
4.1.2.3 A motorcycle is not allowed to make a U turn on the ramp of an expressway.
Answer: Right
4.1.2.4 摩托车在高速公路匝道提速到每小时60公里以上时,可直接驶入行车道。
答案:错误
4.1.2.4 When a motorcycle has increased its speed to more than 60 kilometers per hour on the ramp of an expressway, it may directly enter the carriageway.
Answer: Wrong
4.1.2.5 在同向2车道的高速公路上,摩托车应在左侧车道上行驶。
答案:错误
4.1.2.5 When running on an expressway that has two lanes in the same direction, a motorcycle should run in the left lane.
Answer: Wrong
4.1.2.6 摩托车应靠高速公路的右侧路肩上行驶。
答案:错误
4.1.2.6 The motorcycles should run by the right shoulder of an expressway.
Answer: Wrong
4.1.2.7 摩托车在高速公路上行车,可以频繁地变更车道。
答案:错误
4.1.2.7 A motorcycle running on an expressway may frequently change lanes.
Answer: Wrong
4.1.2.8 摩托车在高速公路上行车,如果因疏忽驶过出口,可从路肩逆行驶回出口处。
答案:错误
4.1.2.8 If a motorcycle running on an expressway misses an exit, it may reverse to the exit along the shoulder.
Answer: Wrong
4.1.2.9 摩托车驶离高速公路时,应当经减速车道减速后进入匝道。
答案:正确
4.1.2.9 When a motorcycle leaves an expressway, it should reduce speed in the deceleration lane before entering the ramp.
Answer: Right
4.1.2.10 摩托车在高速公路行驶时,可以仅凭感觉确认车速。
答案:错误
4.1.2.10 When a motorcycle runs on an expressway, the driver may ascertain the speed according to his feeling.
Answer: Wrong
4.1.2.11 摩托车进入高速公路匝道后,应使车速降到限定时速以下。
答案:正确
4.1.2.11 After a motorcycle enters the ramp from an expressway, it should reduce its speed below the prescribed speed limit.
Answer: Right
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
and more...:deal:
Quote:
1.2.2.22 摩托车车在高速公路上可以占用路肩进行超车。
答案:错误
1.2.2.22 When a motorcycle runs on the expressway, it can overtake from the road shoulder.
Answer: Wrong
5.2.1.9 雨天摩托车在高速公路行驶发生“水滑”现象时,应 。
A.急踏制动踏板减速
B.迅速转动转向把进行调整
C.握稳转向把,逐渐降低车速
D.提高车速增大车轮排水量
答案:C
5.2.1.9 If a motorcycle experiences a “water sliding” phenomenon when running on an expressway in rain, the driver should __________.
A. Reduce speed by suddenly depress the brake pedal
B. Immediately turn the steering wheel to adjust
C. Control the direction and gradually reduce the speed
D. Increase the speed to increase the displacement of the wheels
Answer: C
5.2.1.11 摩托车在高速公路发生故障需停车检查时,应在 停车。
A.最外侧行车道上
B.内侧行车道上
C.紧急停车带
D.匝道口三角地带
答案:C
5.2.1.11 When a motorcycle needs to stop for trouble shooting after having a trouble on an expressway, the driver should stop the vehicle __________.
A. In the far outer lane
B. In the inner lane
C. In the emergency strip
D. In the triangle area on the ramp
Answer: C
5.2.2.14 摩托车在高速公路行驶中,遇意外情况紧急需停车时,可在行车道上直接停车。
答案:错误
5.2.2.14 When a motorcycle running on an expressway needs to stop when encountering an unexpected emergency, the driver may directly stop the vehicle in the carriageway.
Answer: Wrong
1.2.1.47 在高速公路上行驶的摩托车不得超过每小时 。
A.80公里
B.90公里
C.100公里
D.110公里
答案:A
1.2.1.47 When a motorcycle runs on the expressway, the speed should not exceed ______ per hour.
A. 80km
B. 90km
C. 100km
D. 110km
Answer: A
1.2.2.22 摩托车车在高速公路上可以占用路肩进行超车。
答案:错误
1.2.2.22 When a motorcycle runs on the expressway, it can overtake from the road shoulder.
Answer: Wrong
1.2.2.28 两轮摩托车在高速公路行驶时,不得载人。
答案:正确
1.2.2.28 When running on the expressway, a two-wheeled motorcycle cannot carry people.
Answer: Right
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Wow, that was quite the little adventure going through the tunnel to Changxing Island and back. I hope you can complete the adventure and take the bridge all the way to Chongming then let us know how that goes.
It's really too bad that they build all this great infrastructure and ban bikes from using it, even if the law doesn't expressly forbid it. The traffic looks very light, and the roads are smooth and fast --- perfect riding conditions, in other words.
Getting back on topic, for scenic rides there are quite a few in the Shanghai area. They wouldn't really compare to what the other areas have to offer, and they aren't spectacular, but they do make for fun and relaxing riding with an adventure or two thrown in.
The Dianshan Lake run is quite nice, making a loop with the southern tier along the G318 and doubling back through Kunshan.
The river road that goes out past Songjiang to Zhejiang (Dingzha) and the countryside area around Xitang is quite fun.
There are good rides along the beach area south of Pudong, and unexplored areas towards the south tip of Pudong by the ocean which looks like a long circular lake of some sorts from my google maps. Worth checking out.
Areas in Jiangsu province south of the Yangzte would seem fun, for example out past Changshu city.
I really want to try the ride south to Hangzhou on a bridge that you can supposedly take your bike on elevators and ride up. Wheee, that'd be a trip
That's about all I can think of for now
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Seems the thread has moved from "Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?" to "How to enter & ride on expressways in China".
I'm a big fan of slabbing out of Shanghai to get to the nicer roads faster (and safer). I do press my luck at times, but know it's a karma thing, so I don't want to exploit it. [With that said, I do it often.] I most recently rode out to Jinshan from Xinzhuang on the expressway about 3 weeks ago. With the traffic moving at speeds in excess of 130kph, I wouldn't recommend riding on these roads with small displacement bikes.
Back to the theme at hand: "Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai"
There is not much close to Shanghai, but if you ever find yourself near Tonglu (south of Fuyang, which is just south of Hangzhou), check out the 50km stretch of the S210 that runs to Pujiang. Given that this strech is 350km outside of Shanghai shows how relative your topic is becoming!
http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...ll=1#post17635
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Great thread Fred. It's swinging from topic to topic but it's all usefull chat.
Euphonius has said it already, but it's worth mentioning that there are some nice scenic areas out in the Minhang District of Shanghai between Xinzhuang, Songjiang, and Fengxian. You can see beaches, lakes, bridges, mountains (Sheshan), tree plantations, wooded areas, perfect empty highways, all on a weekend day trip. You've done more riding than i have so i'm afraid i can't really offer anything else. I'll look forward to reports from your Moganshan trip tho. I've been eyeing a Moganshan and Anji trip for a while now.
As for riding on expressways, i can only attest after taking the theory test recently, that there are still a number of questions related to motorcycle riding on expressways. One should only assume that if riding on expressways was prohibited in China, then there wouldn't be motorcycle speed limits on the expressways, or laws prohibiting motorcyclists from carrying a pasenger on the expressways.
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
After living in Shanghai for over 8 years and riding in and out of Shanghai numerous times, I have to declare that "Scenic road" and "close to Shanghai" are oxymoronic. You won't see anything worth looking unless you pass beyond either Anji or LinAn, about 250km outside of Shanghai, after which the sky looks bluer, water tastes better, air cleaner with plenty of twisties to boot. I strongly suggest that we focus on Jeff's suggestion and venture into the expressway so we can get to interesting scenery within 3 hours, vs. 5 to 6 painful and dangerous hours.
Jeff, is ther any plan to put your scheme to practice? With the expressway option, we can do a lot in a weekend.
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Back on topic. You guys have been to taihu, but have you been to xishan? It's the big island in the middle of the lake, you need to cross three big bridges to get there. It's got some very nice roads circling it, but the real gem is the scenic road that they built in the mountains in the middle. Look what i mean. Here's the catch: they built this road as a tourist attraction and it is closed to traffic; you buy a ticket at the gate and they drive you up there in an electric car. Gay. So here's how to get in on your bike: you to western end of the road and there's a small gap in the gate, if you go fast the guards won't catch you. Bomb across to the other side, do a U-turn a couple of corners before the east gate, and do it again in reverse to get out where you came in. Best road in Jiangsu province.
The parts of taihu between the xishan bridge and wuxi are also very nice. Lots of fishing villages full of old boats to take pictures of. It's not zhejiang, but it's way nicer than dianshanhu.
Still on taihu, but this time on the west side of wuxi is the mashan peninsula. Possibly not worth riding all the way from shanghai for, but if you're close it's definitely worth the detour. More pics and details about that place in my CJ thread.
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
This might very well just be the winner! What would be the best way to reach it using non-expressway routes?
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Depends if you want to get there fast or get there the nice way.
The G312 is the fast way, but it's a never ending river of factories and trucks as shanghai turns into kunshan which then turns into suzhou. Stay on the 312 and go past suzhou, then head south towards the lake.
The nice way is the G318 which goes south of dianshanhu and then small roads through zhouzhuang and wujiang; has been talked about a lot on this forum lately. Takes longer but that's the way i'd go unless i was really in a rush.
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Thanks Steve, Felix and others who shared some tips.
When I went to Taihu (Dongshan, not Xishan yet), I followed the "Felix route", posted in another thread. Rode for 350km that day, it was nice but we all agree that it's not Zhejiang material. Still it's much much better than nothing.
Anyway, there're not 36 ways of saying this : we do realize that Shanghai is not the best place on earth to quickly reach scenic roads/areas...
Tomorrow, I will hit again the roads around Dianshan Hu, then Zhouzhuang, etc. .
This WE will be Moganshan, I'll post the report on the duration of the trip using the G318 then the G104.
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Re: Best scenic road, the closest possible from Shanghai ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Fred
This WE will be Moganshan, I'll post the report on the duration of the trip using the G318 then the G104.
To get on G104,this is the short cut we usually take in order to avoid the heavy traffic in parts of HuZhou 湖州:
http://ditu.google.cn/maps?f=d&sourc...,0.936584&z=11
The take-off point from G318 is BaLiDian bridge (八里店桥).