Running, casual sports and cycling in Chongqing

Choose the Beibin riverside path for a short city run. Join a social touch rugby session if you want a game with other people, or book a badminton court with a partner. Pickleball, outdoor basketball and a rented bicycle at Xuantian Lake give you more ways to fit exercise into your stay.

Run along the flat Beibin Road path

For a smooth run without unexpected stair climbs, head to the north bank of the Jialing River along the Beibin Road pedestrian trail (北滨路漫行步道). This path features dedicated jogging lanes and separate bike paths right beside the water.

Start beneath Jiahua Bridge (嘉华大桥桥下) and follow the riverside path toward the base of Shimen Bridge (石门大桥桥下). This stretch measures roughly 4 km one way, giving you an easy 8 km out-and-back route. Turn around after 2.5 km if you want a classic 5 km workout.

Check our metro and transport guide to reach the riverfront easily. For sightseeing along layered streets and stairs, browse our Chongqing 8D city walk guide.

If you prefer running with local groups, search Xiaohongshu for 迪卡侬重庆 (Decathlon Chongqing) or 重庆南滨路特步跑步俱乐部 (Xtep Nanbin Running Club). Open a current running post and use its signup link or comments to contact the organizer. Give your visit dates and usual pace, then agree the meeting point for the chosen session.

Join a free social touch rugby game

Solo travelers looking for friendly team sports can check Chongqing Sports' current events. The group hosts free touch rugby sessions and welcomes anyone who wants to join. Players use a touch in place of a tackle.

Matches usually happen at the Chongqing University A Campus football field (重庆大学A区足球场) in Shapingba. Pick a session that matches your schedule, then message the organizer at 15730287622 to confirm your spot, field access and campus entry. Our solo travel guide offers more ways to connect with local groups across the city.

Book a badminton court

The Olympic Sports Center badminton hall (重庆奥体中心羽毛球馆) sits inside the main Chongqing Olympic Sports Center (重庆市奥林匹克体育中心). Choose it if you already have a playing partner and want an indoor court.

Reserve your slot via the official WeChat account 重庆奥体 or call 023-68609120. Select the badminton hall and your preferred time slot. Keep the full Chinese name handy to locate the right building inside the sports grounds.

Play pickleball indoors or by the river

蔚澜体育 (Weilan Sports) operates outdoor pickleball courts below the bridge at Yurenwan Pier along Hongbin Road (宏滨路渔人湾码头). They offer court rentals, paddle hires and introductory lessons. Search for their Dianping listing under 蔚澜体育·网球·匹克球 to book a court or arrange beginner instruction.

For climate-controlled indoor games, visit the ground floor (一楼) of Central Park Joy City (中央公园大悦城), which houses four air-conditioned courts with lighting and seating. Ask at the court reception about a one-off session or lesson.

To find social matches as an individual player, search Xiaohongshu for 石子山匹克球新手局. Choose a recent post with a game date, then message the organizer with your visit dates and playing level to ask for a place at Shizishan Sports Park (石子山体育公园).

Play outdoor pickup basketball

Egongyan Basketball Park (鹅公岩篮球公园) sits under the western approach of Egongyan Bridge (鹅公岩西引桥). It has courts for five-a-side and three-a-side games. If you arrive alone, ask the players which court can take another person for the next game.

If you stay around western Jiulongpo, Huayan Happy Park basketball court (华岩新城社区幸福公园篮球场) offers a free public outdoor court open all day.

Rent a bike or run around Xuantian Lake

Xuantian Lake (玄天湖) in Tongliang (铜梁) is a choice for a longer sports outing beyond the city center. Its loop measures 9.22 km. The colored asphalt road and rubber running path reopened after renovation in April 2026.

Rent bikes directly from the lakeside rental counters at Niuwang Village (牛王村居民点). Agree the rental period and return point with the shop before setting off. Runners can complete the full circuit or choose a shorter out-and-back section. Search for 铜梁玄天湖 in your map app and include the journey to Tongliang in your plan.