It was back on the bikes again for the 2025–26 Chancellor’s Discover China Series. On its third community cycling tour, Chancellor Tong Shijun invited 40 students, 15 faculty, and 15 staff members to spend the day cycling and exploring scenic Yuandang Lake which straddles Shanghai and Suzhou.
Previous Discover China trips have taken participants along the Huangpu River and to nearby Hengsha Island, fostering shared experiences that bring together NYU Shanghai’s diverse community. This year’s tour continued that spirit of unity and curiosity.
Chancellor Tong, an avid biker himself, said exploring by bike fits the culture of NYU Shanghai. “It is a quiet reminder of what members of our community so often embody: the courage to cross boundaries, the curiosity to explore what lies between them, and the vision to turn every bridge—geographical, cultural, or academic—into a pathway of connection,” he said.
The morning began with light stretching led by Fitness and Campus Recreation staff member Jeremy Liu to prepare the group for the 20-kilometer ride. Under crisp October skies, cyclists set off on the trail encircling the lake, pausing occasionally for snacks, photos, and easy conversation.
For many students, the trip served as a much-needed break from academic pressures. “I really enjoyed the peaceful and gorgeous scenery and how relaxing it felt to bike in nature, especially after a busy week of classes and midterms,” said Hajar Makhchan ’28, a double major in Chemistry and Business and Marketing from Rabbat, Morocco.
For others, the tour was an opportunity to rediscover their own backyard. Finance major Yang Shuhan ’29 was born and raised in Shanghai, but had never visited Yuandang Lake before. “In the past, the lake was severely polluted,” she said. “Only in recent years, through collaborative environmental efforts, has it been transformed into such natural beauty. I’m really into cycling, so this trip opened a new door for me.”
Along with sightseeing, the tour created meaningful opportunities for connection. Ruiqi (Ricky) Ma, who works as a career advisor at the Center for Career Development, said the best part was the conversations he had along the way. “In that relaxing atmosphere, bathed in sunshine and a gentle breeze, I chatted with several international students not about their career paths, but about their broader interests, campus experiences, and lives in Shanghai,” he said.
Assistant Professor of Finance Chen Guodong said that biking together helped to break down barriers between students, staff, and faculty. “It didn’t feel like a formal university event, but more like a group of friends on an outing,” he said.
“There’s something uniquely bonding about moving together in the same direction—literally and figuratively,” he said. “It reminded me how connected we really are.” After circling the lake, the participants were treated to a lunch and lecture by Luo Jing, a researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences who introduced the history of Yuandang Lake and its ecological significance to the Shanghai region.
Lin Zhao, an environmental, health, and safety officer with Campus Safety, said the experience reminded her of what makes NYU Shanghai special. “It was truly rewarding,” she said. “Bonding with others outside daily duties felt warm and unifying—we laughed and encouraged each other along the way.”
The cycling tour encapsulated what the Discover China initiative is all about: stepping outside the classroom to experience China’s landscapes, stories, and people firsthand. From seasoned cyclists to first-time riders, everyone found their own pace cycling around Yuandang Lake— connecting with each other and to the living environment around them.