Cycling is a great way to explore China’s cities at your own pace, and share bikes are easy to find when you need one. With these key phrases, you’ll be cycling around like a local in no time.

The Mandarin word for a bike is 自行車 (zì xíng chē), and the phrase for riding a bike is 骑自行车 (qí zì xíng chē). To unlock one, just take out your phone and scan the QR code: 扫码 (sǎo mǎ). Once you hear the click of the lock opening, you’re ready to ride.

And if you lose your way, don’t worry! It’s all a part of the adventure. 我迷路了 (wǒ mí lù le) mean “I’m lost” – and there’s no shame in saying it! And if you find yourself getting more and more lost, the good news is you can stop riding anytime, park the bike, and walk away to ask directions! More on that in another video.

Welcome to Actually Useful Mandarin, where we teach you the Chinese you’ll actually use on your trip.