Busy young professionals turn to sport to boost social circles

From cycling, yoga and pickleball, new connections, friendships are being forged

Fitness enthusiasts attend a Body Combat group exercise class at Locker Space gym in Beijing late last month. (DU LIANYI/CHINA DAILY)

Sports socializing is emerging as a popular trend in China, allowing busy professionals to connect on a personal level while embracing a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Among these sports, cycling is growing as a popular choice.

In August 2022, Zha Xianyao, a real estate professional from Shanghai, founded the b15c cycling club as enthusiasm for outdoor activities was rekindled following the pandemic.

Rooted in the motto of "chill, cycling, coffee", the club has rapidly grown into a vibrant community.

Zha's passion for cycling started in June 2022 when he purchased his first road bike and took an unforgettable night ride through Shanghai's Lujiazui financial area with another cyclist.

Inspired by the growing appeal of urban night rides and a sense of belonging to a group, b15cCLUB was born. The club started out with 20 to 30 riders exploring Shanghai's streets.

Since then, it has evolved into a network of over 1,000 members aged 25 to 40 in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Xiamen, Fujian province, and even extending to Sydney, Australia.

Whether it's midweek photo-ride sessions or themed group rides at Halloween and Christmas, the club has created a haven for cyclists to bond over shared experiences.

Wednesday Photo Cycling has become its signature event. Starting at 5:30 am, Zha leads a two-hour cycling session during which participants exercise together, snap scenic photos and forge friendships.

The club activities extend beyond cycling to include collaborative efforts such as designing club jerseys.

"It's this balance of fitness and fun that keeps everyone engaged as we aim to blend fitness with meaningful interactions," Zha said.

According to lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu's 2023 Outdoor Lifestyle Trend Report, cycling-related content saw remarkable growth between January and October 2023.The number of posts about such content increased by nearly 400 percent to exceed 1.8 million during that period. The topic of cycling garnered nearly 1.3 billion views on the platform.

Zha regularly consults with more experienced riders about cycling techniques, such as proper pedaling form and aerodynamic positioning on the bike. Through these discussions, he has developed into an experienced cyclist who now mentors newcomers.

"Cycling has opened up a new social circle for me, introducing people I might never have met otherwise. It isn't just exercise — it's a journey where teamwork and camaraderie make every mile worthwhile," Zha said.

The club's activities also include night rides to the airport and exploring distant trails.

"We're not focused on competition or profit. It's about creating a space where people can connect, whether through cycling or other sports. The club is a free platform where everyone can find their own rhythm," said Zha.