Ride like locals: Expats embrace Shanghai's bike-friendly vibe

For those new to Shanghai's bike-sharing system, getting started is simple. Expats can use Alipay—set their location to Shanghai—and quickly access a range of local lifestyle services, including Meituan Bike Sharing, via the Easy Go platform.

According to Montealegre, such bike-sharing services are not common in his home country, where cycling can be dangerous due to the lack of dedicated bike lanes.

He believes promoting these services is particularly beneficial for foreigners in Shanghai, as it allows them to "see things that you cannot see when you take a taxi or when you are taking the metro or the bus."

Soliman sees cycling as a faster alternative to taxis in Shanghai's busy traffic. He also appreciates its environmental benefits, aligning with China's green initiatives.

He noted, "Shanghai is a very busy city, sometimes the taxi is stuck in the traffic, but the bikes can go very easily. You can easily navigate everywhere."

Luo Bin contributed to the story.