Cycling culture has become increasingly popular in China. The trend comes as more and more people get into outdoor activities since the easing of COVID restrictions across the country. In fact, China's cycling market has seen a surge in sales of bikes and related products, reaching new heights. Huang Yichang has more.

This bike shop in Wuhan is bustling.

More so during weekends, says its owner Yan Yongjie who admits the surge of customers can get quite overwhelming.

"You have to place an order."

"You will need to wait."

The demand has been strong these days, causing an unusual backlog.

YAN YONGJIE Bicycle Retailer in Wuhan "Bikes priced below 15,000 RMB are out of stock, and orders now have to be taken with a deposit. The waiting time is usually between two weeks to two months. Shortages began when the pandemic hit, especially since the second half of 2020. It has yet to recover."

Money is said to be a non-issue for many amateur bikers willing to spend on any type of bicycle available.

Buyer: "This bike cost me nearly 30,000 yuan.”

Reporter: "It sounds like it's not a big deal for you."

Buyer: "Think of it this way, if you get sick and go to the hospital, you will undoubtedly spend tens of thousands of yuan, right? I'd rather use the money for some physical exercise. At least I've got a bicycle."

For many bikers like him, the experience of the pandemic has been a major factor in the growing popularity of cycling.

"Through the pandemic, we have a new understanding of life now, in a good way. So the pandemic wasn't a bad thing."

Bikes in China were once primarily seen as a tool for daily commuters, but have recently become a lifestyle choice for trendsetters in the country's urban middle class.

Zhouzhou purchased his racing bike and several sets of related products and accessories last October and has since been riding it every day.

More and more bike lanes are also being built in recent years, allowing a growing number of urbanites to embrace the joy of cycling.

Stretching over 100 kilometers, the Wuhan East Lake Greenway has become a beloved route for Zhouzhou and many other cyclists.

ZHOU JINGKANG Passionate Biker in Wuhan "While riding a bike, you can experience the sensation of the wind, release dopamine, and feel the pleasure of your muscles stretching and contracting."

HUANG YICHANG Wuhan "It's my first time riding a road bicycle along a lake like this, as I pedal along, feeling the wind rushing past my face and the sun warming my skin, I never expected a simple bike ride could be so refreshing and stress-relieving."

Urbanites are relishing the chance to broaden their social circles through the numerous bike rides and events organized by bike store owners and clubs.

ZHOU JINGKANG Passionate Biker in Wuhan "Though cycling, I met many new fellow bikers. We often ride together, which provides a great opportunity to socialize."

Zhouzhou says he is determined to take his passion for cycling to the next level and upgrade his equipment to a more high-end model soon.

For him, cycling is a transformative activity, leading towards better health and well-being one pedal at a time. Huang Yichang, CGTN, Wuhan.