THE GOOD LIFE IN GUANGZHOU

by Tim Hurney Translation by Emma Xu

THE GOOD LIFE IN GUANGZHOU

by Tim Hurney Translation by Emma Xu

在广州玩转竞技休闲

What would you do if you had enough money to retire? A Chinese business executive would no doubt say, “Travel.”

However, for ex-pats, everyday living in China is a journey. A daily commute is an adventure. Yet, how do those ex-pats not interested in smoky bars, or traditional Chinese sports, spend their spare time?

你追求速度吗？对非新手来说，大学城是广州的骑车圣地。宽阔的道路，起伏较大的坡度，让你劲风拂面。扔掉香烟，去和健康的人们交朋友吧！

On University Island don't be surprised if that greyhaired cyclist flying by at 30 mph is the head of Adidas in China, or a German engineer on his selfmade bamboo bike. Cycling and jogging clubs can be dif ficult to find in Guangzhou. However, athletics has come a long way in China over the last 10 years.

Gone are the runners and cyclists wearing business shoes minus any proper equipment. Even during the city's first snowfall in 86 years, joggers braved snow flurries to run along the Pearl River. One group is Jolin's Pearl River Running Club (Prc313@163. com). Nowadays, The Guangzhou Marathon sells out quickly. The event has come along way with the majority of entrants each year making their marathon debut. The tropical route along the banks of the river passes the Guangzhou Tower, and finishes under the gaze of some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world.

However, for the best adventures, jog or bike in rural China where more interesting sights and smells than the city can be found. And the countryside is not far. If you don't own a bike, there are numerous places in Guangdong to rent one and rates are reasonable. Parks like Da Fu Shan in Panyu are full of casual athletes in a forested area without a car in sight. Less crowded is Hai'ou Island. Circumventing the rural bike path island are tourist hotspots. The views of Lianhua Shan and towering statue of Guan Yin blessing the Pearl River make great family pictures. Be wary of cars that have right of way over bike paths and drive at high speeds.

Or do you have the need for speed? If you are more than a novice cyclist University Island is the most popular place in Guangzhou. The circumference of the outermost ring is 16.2 km consisting of some the best pavement in Guangzhou. Three medium hills add a bit of pain, and no matter what direction you're heading, the wind always seem to be in your face. GZ Cycle (www.gzcycle.com) boasts of having the only international cycling club of weekend warriors in Guangzhou. Most are, unsurprisingly, ex-pats.