Event Overview
On Sunday, March 22, DKU Cycling Club organized an outdoor cycling activity titled “Outdoor Cycling and Bee Story Tour” to combine physical exercise, local environmental observation, and nature learning.
This activity provided participants with an opportunity to experience the natural environment in early spring off campus in Kunshan while also engaging in discussions about ecology, life, and community through a visit to a local bee farm.
Cycling Route and Spring Experience
The cycling route passed through the Kunshan green way characterized by spring sunshine, mild wind, and seasonal vegetation. As participants rode together, they were able to observe the changing atmosphere of the season more directly and experience the relationship between outdoor movement and the natural environment.
The 20-kilometer route also served as a meaningful challenge for many participants, especially beginners. Several first-time riders completed this distance without realizing how far they had traveled until the end of the journey. This aspect of the trip reflected the essence of group atmosphere and demonstrated how collective participation can encourage individuals to go beyond their initial expectations.
Visit to Mr. Li’s Bee Farm
A central part of the activity was the visit to Mr. Li’s bee farm. During the visit, participants learned about local bees, flowers, nectar, and the seasonal changes that shape the life of a bee colony. Mr. Li introduced several key aspects of bee behavior and development, including the division of colonies in spring, the structure of the bee life cycle, and the intense labor performed by worker bees.
According to the introduction, the life cycle of a worker bee lasts about 28 days. Around 18 days are spent reaching maturity, while the remaining period is devoted to continuous work within and beyond the hive. This short but demanding life process offered participants a striking example of the diversity of living systems and the unique rhythms through which different organisms exist.
The visit also encouraged broader reflection on the complexity of life in nature. The organization of the bee colony, the division of labor, and the relationship between bees and seasonal flowering all revealed a highly coordinated ecological system. Observing this system helped participants better understand the interdependence between small living beings and the larger natural world. It also created space to think about labor, survival, responsibility, and the different ways life unfolds across species.
Conclusion
The “Outdoor Cycling and Bee Story Tour” was a meaningful activity that combined local outdoor exercise, seasonal observation in Kunshan, ecological learning, and social interaction, including with the local beekeeper. Participants not only experienced the natural beauty of spring but also gained insight into the life of bees and the ecological relationships that sustain the environment.
At the same time, the successful completion of the 20-kilometer ride by many beginners demonstrated the value of shared effort and mutual support. Through cycling, learning, and conversation, the activity brought together nature, knowledge, and community in a constructive and memorable way.
Report by: Hao Zheng
Edited by: Violet Nguyen