The coming years will be great for the bicycle industry especially as more Chinese become aware of environmental protection, low carbon emission and a healthier, sustainable lifestyle.

Chronology 

The genesis originated with China's oldest car dealership, Tongchang, founded in 1897.

In 1956, 260 bicycle factories, including Tongchang, were incorporated into the State-run Third Shanghai Bicycle Factory.

On May 1, 1958, the Third Shanghai Bicycle Factory was formally established and production of the Phoenix bicycles started, a highlight of the factory's development. A year later on January 1, 1959, the Phoenix trademark was formally registered.

In 1981, the Shanghai Auto Crane Factory merged with the Third Shanghai Bicycle Factory, and production capacity was vastly improved.

In 1986, the Phoenix Bicycle (Group) Company was founded.

In July 1993, the Third Shanghai Bicycle Factory was restructured and incorporated as the Shanghai Phoenix Bicycle Co Ltd, and listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Contact the writer at wang_ying@chinadaily.com.cn.