There’s no better way to explore China than on two wheels with friends! Whether you’re cruising through city streets or biking along a river, knowing a little Chinese makes your ride smoother and more fun. 

Let’s gear up with essential phrases and cultural tips!

Basic Bike Vocabulary

First, learn these key words:

自行车 (zìxíngchē) – Bicycle

骑自行车 (qí zìxíngchē) – To ride a bike

头盔 (tóukuī) – Helmet (safety first!)

自行车道 (zìxíngchē dào) – Bike lane

共享单车 (gòngxiǎng dānchē) – Shared bike (like Hello Bike or Meituan)

 

Planning Your Ride

Use these phrases to organize:

“明天一起骑车吗？” (Míngtiān yīqǐ qíchē ma?) - “Want to bike together tomorrow?”

“我们在哪里集合？” (Wǒmen zài nǎlǐ jíhé?) - “Where should we meet?”

“去公园骑车吧！” (Qù gōngyuán qíchē ba!) - “Let’s bike to the park!”

 

On the Road

Stay safe and social:

“靠右走！” (Kào yòu zǒu!) – “Keep right!” 

“小心汽车！” (Xiǎoxīn qìchē!) – “Watch out for cars!”

“我的车爆胎了！” (Wǒ de chē bàotāi le!) – “I have a flat tire!”

“休息一下，喝点水吧。” (Xiūxi yíxià, hē diǎn shuǐ ba.) – “Let’s rest and drink water.”

 

Fun & Culture Tips

Bike Snacks: Stop at a street stall and say:

“来三份煎饼！” (Lái sān fèn jiānbing!) – “Three jianbing (savory crepes), please!”

Photo Time: Pose and shout: “拍照片吧！” (Pāi zhàopiàn ba!) – “Let’s take pictures!”

 

After the Ride

End on a happy note:

“今天真开心！” (Jīntiān zhēn kāixīn!) – “Today was so fun!”

“下次再一起骑！” (Xià cì zài yīqǐ qí!) – “Let’s ride together again next time!”