Shenzhen sets new rules for hiking and cycling routes as outdoor recreation grows

Hikers and cyclists in Shenzhen will face clearer safety guidance and new rules on outdoor activities from August, as the city introduces regulations to improve management of its growing network of trails and leisure cycling routes.

Cyclists ride along a waterfront route in Shenzhen. A new city regulation on leisure cycling routes, taking effect in August, aims to improve safety management and guide responsible use of shared outdoor spaces. Photos from Shenzhen Special Zone Daily

The Shenzhen Municipal Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau has issued two regulations — the Shenzhen Regulations on Leisure Cycling Route Management (Trial Implementation) and the Shenzhen Regulations on Hiking Trail Management — which will take effect Aug. 1 and Aug. 10, respectively, according to the latest Shenzhen municipal government bulletin.

The new rules focus on issues most relevant to outdoor users: safety risks, environmental protection, shared-space management and responsible behavior.

Safer trails through stronger risk management

For hikers, the new regulations strengthen safety requirements in natural areas.

The hiking trail rules require warning signs, protective facilities and restricted-entry notices in areas with risks such as cliffs, steep slopes, landslides and falling rocks. Authorities are also required to strengthen forest fire prevention, conduct emergency rescue drills and improve emergency communication channels.

For cycling route users, the regulations require cyclists to slow down or get off their bicycles in areas with sharp turns, steep slopes or heavy pedestrian traffic, following posted safety instructions.

The measures aim to create clearer safety standards for both trail managers and users as outdoor activities become more common.

Participants hike on a section of Kunpeng Trail in Shenzhen.

New rules clarify prohibited behaviors

The regulations also introduce clear lists of activities that are not allowed on hiking trails and cycling routes.

Hiking trail users will be prohibited from bringing fire sources or flammable and explosive materials into mountain areas, damaging wildlife resources, entering closed areas without authorization, posting unauthorized commercial advertisements, or using bicycles, electric vehicles and motorcycles where access is not allowed.

On leisure cycling routes, prohibited behaviors include towing pets while riding, cycling after drinking alcohol, riding side-by-side in a way that affects others, riding with one hand, riding without holding handlebars, and carrying objects while cycling.

By setting out these restrictions, the regulations provide clearer guidance for visitors and managers on how shared outdoor spaces should be used safely.

Bilingual signs and facilities to improve trail services

The hiking trail regulations require routes to install Chinese-English bilingual signs, including distance markers, safety guidance and explanatory information.

They also call for supporting facilities such as public toilets, rest areas and service stations.

For international residents and visitors, the bilingual signage requirements could help make trail information and safety guidance easier to understand when exploring Shenzhen’s outdoor spaces.

Protecting nature through low-impact trail management

Cyclists ride through an urban greenway in Shenzhen.  

The hiking trail regulations emphasize ecological protection, requiring management departments to follow a low-impact approach when building and maintaining trails.

Authorities are encouraged to use ecological methods and hand-built trail restoration techniques to reduce disturbance to natural environments.

The rules also encourage public activities such as mountain cleanups, beach cleanups, hand-built trail restoration projects and environmental education programs.

Volunteers to join trail supervision

Both regulations establish a volunteer participation system.

Volunteers recruited by urban management authorities or recommended by social organizations can take part in routine inspections, report problems and provide suggestions to management departments.

The approach creates a management model involving government departments, social organizations and the public.

Participants carry out an outdoor trail activity in Shenzhen.

Cycling routes to receive coordinated management

For leisure cycling routes, district-level management departments will work with bicycle rental companies to improve bicycle management and maintain public order.

Cycling associations can help develop riding guidelines, promote safe cycling practices and organize related activities.

The city’s culture, radio, television, tourism and sports authorities will also support the promotion of quality cycling routes and related recreational activities.

The regulations mark Shenzhen’s effort to make outdoor recreation more predictable for users while balancing public access, safety and environmental protection.