The 20th China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition kicked off on Nov 2 in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, offering up a four-day feast for tens of thousands of bikers. As the mega-city that poses the least restrictions on motorcycles in China, Chongqing is seeing the formation of a vibrant motorcycle culture among many of its youngsters.

The Chongqing International Expo Center in Liangjiang New Area has hosted 4 sessions of the China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition since 2019 [Photo by Chen Wensen]

Lu Miaomiao keeps several necessities, including a swimsuit and a hammock, in the storage compartment of her touring motorcycle. She is always ready to hit the road.

Motorcycles have long been a popular form of transport in the mountainous city, especially in the early years when cars were less affordable. Lu bought her first motorcycle years ago to commute to work. Only later did it become her biggest passion.

"A motorcycle takes me to places a car can't. I love swimming and fishing, and I can ride through forests and go straight to the river." Lu said she spends a lot of time on her motorcycle and has discovered a handful of secret spots with great views where she can enjoy some quality time.

Lu Miaomiao's motorcycle on a quite forest path [Photo provided to Liangjiang New Area Media Center]

The 28-year-old loves traveling around the country on her motorcycle and has ridden as far as Alashan in Inner Mongolia, a dream destination for many riders. "Riding gets me close to nature. I can feel the rain drops, the blowing wind, and the shining sun. As Robert M. Pirsig wrote in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, when driving a car, you see everything through a window as a passive observer, while on a motorcycle, you're completely in contact with it all and get this overwhelming sense of being there," Lu added.

A deep scratch stands out on the windshield of her motorcycle, right next to the sticker of a pink-haired girl. It is a mark from her first rescue experience. When Chongqing was combatting mountain wildfires caused by extreme heat waves this summer, Lu was one of many motorcyclists who volunteered to deliver supplies to the firefighter on the front lines, as the path was too narrow for large vehicles.

Lu went at midnight when she heard motorcyclists were needed and used up two tanks of fuel running supplies up and down the mountain. "I found no reason not to go. I saw the 'motorcycle army' there trying their best to help, and it was inspiring," Lu said.

The heroism displayed in the battle resonated across the city. Another rider, Chen Yingjun, who owns a coffee shop, offered free coffee to firefighters and members of the "motorcycle army".

Chen came from Hangzhou and settled down in the city two years ago. "There was a time when I didn't quite fit in and wanted to go back to Hangzhou, where all my friends are. When I decided to stay and start my coffee shop, the friendly attitude Chongqing holds for motorcycles was a major selling point. Plus, its complex layout of roads is exciting for a rider," Chen said. He found himself touched by drivers who fold the rear-view mirror when stuck in traffic and let him ride through, "this is a trivial thing that can make your day," he added.

Chen Yingjun with his motorcycle. [Photo provided to Liangjiang New Area Media Center]

His fascination with motorcycles started in high school, "I watched a movie called A Moment of Romance, and there was a scene where the male character was riding on an overpass with his girlfriend on the rear seat, that was so cool. I thought 'I've got to have one,'" Chen said.

He got his license and bought his motorcycle soon after he opened his coffee shop, "I rarely drive my car now and always ride. As long as I am riding, I am carefree and under no pressure," Chen said.

Customers are likely to start conversations by asking if he rides, as he has three helmets on a shelf in his shop. "Some of them are riders themselves, so we start chatting and hanging out. I get to know more people and make friends," Chen said. The coffee shop is becoming a chill spot for riders, livening up the quiet neighborhood.

"It is always a great pleasure to meet kindred spirits. I know a delivery man who delivers on a scooter during the day and rides his motorcycle for fun almost every night. I know a young rider who also shares my enthusiasm for coffee, so I teach him how to brew. Motorcycle have become my connection to this once-strange and unfamiliar city," Chen said.