Global brands are promoting luxury bicycles to emphasize environmental protection. Luxury brands like Chanel offer handmade bikes for 89,000 yuan (US$13,000); Gucci sells its red bikes at 55,360 yuan, and Hermes has seven-speed bikes for 23,906 yuan.

But it doesn't cost that much to go green and enjoy a day of pedaling. You can enjoy nature during the approaching holidays by renting a bike for less than 50 yuan. For Shenzheners, neighboring Hong Kong offers some very pleasant sites for bike tours, such as Lamma Island, Cheung Chau and Shatin.

Shatin

Shatin was a Hong Kong Olympic equestrian venue in 2008 and is most famous for the prominent university that calls it home: Chinese University of Hong Kong.

The first cycle track in Shatin opened to the public in 1981, running along Tolo Highway to Tai Po, and this remains the territory’s most popular cycling venue. To tie in with the development of Ma On Shan, the cycle track was extended to Ma On Shan.

On the way to Tai Po, you can appreciate the scenery along Shing Mun River, Tsang Tai Uk, Che Kung Temple and Tai Po Waterfront Park. Tolo Harbor can also be seen on a 1.2-kilometer-long road in the park.

If you choose the other cycle track to Ma On Shan, you can visit Sunshine City Plaza, Ma On Shan Country Park and Wu Kai Sha Youth Village. But the route to Tai Po is recommended.

Riding along Shing Mun River, you can overlook the Shatin Racecourse. Opposite the river is the Shatin Star Seafood Floating Restaurant.

A typical Hong Kong-style community, the 25-year-old City One, can also be seen on the way to Tai Po. Hung Mui Kuk, a popular barbeque site, is recommended if you're keen on picnicking.

Tsang Tai Uk is a well-known walled Hakka village in Hong Kong and one of the best preserved. It was constructed in 1848 as a stronghold for the Tsang Clan.

It is rectangular and consists of three rows of houses that are surrounded by grey-brick compound with high, thick walls and tall corner towers. When you step into Tsang Tai Uk, you'll likely be welcomed by a cat awakened from its slumber in a corner of the peaceful courtyard.

Transportation

Take the Kowloon-Canton East Rail Line and get off at Tai Wai Market MTR Station or Shatin Station. The former is recommended because it is also the starting point of the bike track, and there are more shops offering bike rental services there. Bike rental is HK$50 to 80 a day.

Tips

Always take the bike track when there is one and pay extra attention to tandem bikes. It is better for kids to wear a helmet when riding. Obey the traffic rules and don't run through red traffic lights, otherwise you'll be fined.

There are more bicycle sites in Hong Kong and nearby cities, but a bicycle trip to the three sites above may be enough to bring you a wonderful holiday and a very happy New Year.