Cycling in China's cities will give you an unforgettable insight into daily life

You'll never see traffic chaos dealt with more politely, without the faintest hint of road rage, than on the streets of China's major cities. And the most immediate way to experience it, is by renting a bike.

The experience will give you an unforgettable insights into daily life and perhaps even the national psyche as you soon discover that the actual rules of the road are far less important than their practical interpretation.

This may seem daunting at first, but soon you too will merrily be riding headlong into three lanes of oncoming traffic, though perhaps not with anyone riding side-saddle nor while towing a fridge, like many local cyclists.

And don't worry about a puncture or mechanical hitch; roadside mechanics are ubiquitous and will often cheerfully carry out minor repairs without any payment at all.