The Tour of Shanghai: New Cities 2025 cycling race was launched in Shanghai's Jiading district on Sept 5 — bringing together 120 cyclists from 10 countries and regions, including China, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.
On Sept 3, Jiading hosted a warm-up event titled "Riders' Encounters".
Riders and team staff walked along Jiading's Anting Old Street, where stone alleys, bridges and temples presented the charms of the Jiangnan — meaning, south of the Yangtze River — water town.
Sites included Bodhi Zen Temple, founded in the Three Kingdoms (220-280) and the Yansi Bridge from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which once bustled with trade and visitors.
"The atmosphere feels like stepping into a vivid history book," said William Cooper, an Australian cyclist, noting the unique architectural styles.
The blend of centuries-old culture and riverside scenery gave visitors a deep impression of Jiading's heritage.
Patience is key: At the traditional Anting textiles site, master Hu Sufen (R) guides guests through dyeing and printing. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]
At the intangible cultural heritage site of traditional Anting textiles, master Hu Sufen guided guests through traditional dyeing and printing. "It's incredible that I made such a delicate textile," said Malaysian rider Zeng Renbao, proudly showing his handmade work to his teammates.
The foreign cyclists hold up their blue-and-white Anting textiles creations. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]
The cyclists also climbed the nine-story, 56.88-meter Yong'an Pagoda, a later building done in the style of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Jiading's landmark tower.
From the top, they admired the contrasting views of historic streets and modern skylines, with rider Ben Carmen saying the cultural experience left him relaxed and inspired ahead of the race.
The cyclists climb the nine-story Yong'an Pagoda, Jiading's landmark tower. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]
The Yong'an Pagoda, a landmark of Anting town in Shanghai's Jiading district. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]