Beijings's Subway

Beijings's Subway

The subway in Beijing can be faster and cheaper than a taxi, but it's also limited. There are only four subway lines—though five more are in the works for the 2008 Olympics. Line 1 follows Jianguo Lu, starting at Sihui Dong, and passing the China World Trade Center, Jianguomen (one of the embassy districts), the Wangfujing shopping area, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Xidan (another major shopping location), all the way to Pingguoyuan ("Apple Orchard") in the far western suburbs. Line 2 (the loop line) runs along a sort of circular route around the center of the city. Line 13 is a commuter rail that runs from Dongzhimen into the northern suburbs and back down to Xizhimen in a crooked upside-down U; the Batong Line (also a light rail) runs from Sihui, just west of the China World Trade Center, to the eastern suburbs. Need a visual? Flip to the inside back cover of this book for a helpful subway map.

If both you and your final destination are near the Second Ring Road, or on Chang'an Jie, the best way to get there is probably by subway. It stops just about every mile, and you'll easily spot the entrances (with blue subway logos) dotting the streets. Each stop is announced in both English and Chinese, and there are clearly marked signs in English or pinyin at each station. Transferring between Lines 1 and 2 is easy and free, with the standard Y3 ticket including travel between any two destinations. Tickets for Line 13 and the Batong Line are Y5, with transfer to the subway included in this price. When planning a trip on Line 13, make sure you are transferring from the correct station. If your destination is on the west side of the line, leave from Xizhimen; if it's on the east side of the line, leave from Dongzhimen.

Subway tickets can be purchased at a window either at street-entrance level, or above the steps leading down to the tracks. Just follow the crowd. People unfamiliar with travel in Beijing may find buying a ticket exasperating. There is no line; instead, people crowd around the ticket window and shove their money in. When you get to the front of the line, push your money (exact change if possible) to the attendant.

In the middle of each subway platform you'll find a full map of Beijing and all its subway lines. Most subway cars also have a simplified diagram above the doors.

Trains can be very crowded, especially during rush hour, and it's not uncommon for people to push onto the train before exiting passengers can get off. The crowds also make the subway system an ideal place for pickpockets to work, so be sure to keep your money and wallet in a safe place.

Unfortunately, the subway system is not convenient for handicapped people. In some stations, there are no escalators, and sometimes the only entrance or exit is via steep steps.