First thing we’d do as Mayor of Shanghai? Ban motor vehicles from the city center and make the bicycle king of the road again. Yes, there was a time when the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession weren’t clogged with hulking pieces of metal honking and hollering at every intersection. To counter the traffic-shredded nerves that arise from being a modern day bicycle commuter in Shanghai, Team Bespoke has been making regular nocturnal jaunts through the city, and now we’re inviting our visitors to join us to see a side of the city that few do.
Our ride starts at 9pm as Shanghai’s residents tuck themselves up in bed or concern themselves with more sinful pursuits, leaving the streets (relatively) free for us to whizz through. You’ll be led by an experienced rider who knows the city like the back of their hand (as well as being handy with a repair kit, should it come to that), and each rider will be equipped with a sturdy city bike, front and rear lights, and a helmet.
We begin by tracing through some back alleyways of the former French Concession where we find our pace amongst avenues of elegant old shikumen lane houses. The fun really starts, though, when we enter the twisting and turning alleyways of the Old City, virtually impassable during their busy daytime lives but utterly spellbinding by night. This is where your guide is invaluable, as navigation through this labyrinthine area is impossible for those that have not spent time here. Hear the constant clack of mahjong tiles as you ride by makeshift parlours and smell the delicious fried rice made by street vendors.
Without throngs of visitors the city takes on a wildly different feel. Pedal over the famous zigzag bridge outside Yu Garden, usually heaving with tourists, and experience an almost eerie serenity. Finally, we emerge onto the Bund just in time to see the lights of the Pudong skyline turn dark for the evening, sending us on our way back to base to reflect on a unique Shanghai evening. Well, either that or we’re going for beers at one of the nearby former French Concession bars, you decide!
Get on yer bike with Bespoke! Tours are run on a private basis and start from 600 RMB per person. Email us for more information.