Bike Travel

Few hotels rent bikes, but you can inquire at bike shops like Giant, where the rate starts from Y50 a day depending on the bike, plus a large refundable deposit. Giant does not rent helmets. Note that for about Y200 you can buy your own basic bike at Tesco or Carrefour. Shanghai's frenzied traffic is not for the faint of heart, though secondary streets in quieter neighborhoods like the Former French Concession are calmer. In recent years, bike-sharing companies like Mobike and Ofo have flooded the city with dockless bikes that can be unlocked via an app on your phone and used for as little as Y1 per hour. The apps require digital payment, like Apple Pay or domestic services like WeChat or Alipay, and can be found via Apple or Android app stores. If you plan to do a lot of cycling during your trip, it’s best to bring your own helmet.