Agreed, most of the year it's pretty bad but with most things you get used to it. I don't cycle massive distances but you can definitely tell when the air is really bad. In terms of navigating Beijing is really easy to get around. Most of the road signs say which direction the street is going N, S, E or W and you if you get really lost you can always head one direction and keep going until you hit a ring road. Autumn is my favourite time of the year sunny everyday around 20 - 25C not too humid and perfect for a nice ride.
Agreed, most of the year it's pretty bad but with most things you get used to it. I don't cycle massive distances but you can definitely tell when the air is really bad. In terms of navigating Beijing is really easy to get around. Most of the road signs say which direction the street is going N, S, E or W and you if you get really lost you can always head one direction and keep going until you hit a ring road. Autumn is my favourite time of the year sunny everyday around 20 - 25C not too humid and perfect for a nice ride.