Beijing, the capital of China, is a city where three thousand years-long ancient history and modernity converge in a vibrant tapestry of culture, cuisine, and commerce. As one of the world’s largest and most dynamic cities, Beijing offers travelers a multitude of experiences waiting to be explored. Boasting one of the world’s largest metro systems, a trip to the city is made much more convenient with the proper information. This article will guide you through navigating the subway in Beijing.
The Beijing Subway
The Beijing Subway consists of 27 lines (as of 2024), including 22 rapid transit lines (MRT), two airport rail links, one maglev line (using magnetic levitation), and 2 light rail lines (LRT), which are a combination of trains and trams.
Subway in Beijing – how to buy tickets?
Every subway station is equipped with a ticket machine where you can purchase single-use tickets, and payments can be made with cash or via digital wallet apps such as WeChat and AliPay. Alternatively, you may opt for a transportation card, such as the Yikatong card, a rechargeable smart card offering discounted fares for subway and bus travel.
To apply for a Yikatong card, you must go to the ticket counters, which are available at most metro stations and some bus stops. The card will be issued after registering your passport (if you are non-Chinese) and a CNY 20 deposit. Do not forget that the first top-up must be at least CNY 20.
Both Yikatong cards and single-use tickets must be scanned upon entering and exiting the gates.
A helpful tip for travelers is to download the AliPay app and set up a metro and bus card, allowing for seamless entry and exit with just a QR code scan. The fares are automatically charged to your credit card. International cards work perfectly well for this purpose, eliminating the need for a Chinese credit card.
Fares vary depending on the distance traveled, generally starting from CNY 3. The more stations during one journey, the higher the fare.
How to get around the Subway in Beijing?
With as many as 490 subway stations, some of which are quite spacious with multiple exits, navigation may seem daunting, especially for foreigners. Thankfully, English translations accompany Chinese signs and announcements, making it easier for non-Chinese speakers to navigate.
Downloading a Chinese map app such as Baidu Map or Gaode Map (available only in Chinese, so translating might be necessary) can greatly enhance your journey by providing detailed routes, station names, entrance and exit numbers, and more. Traditional maps are also available at every metro station.
While staff assistance is available, their English proficiency may vary, therefore knowing the basics of Chinese may be necessary in some situations.
Subway in Beijing – rules vs reality
In theory, many rules apply in the Beijing subway, as in any other Chinese city. For instance, there are signs before entering the carriages indicating how to board and disembark properly. If you board the carriage, you should line up beside the carriage doors; if you exit the carriage you should leave through the middle. Additionally, numerous announcements remind passengers to give priority to those disembarking.
In reality, most Chinese people do not adhere to these rules, especially during rush hours. Youth giving up seats to older individuals is also an exceedingly rare sight in China. However, limiting the consumption of meals or beverages in the subway is advisable, as it may be frowned upon, and the person may be reprimanded by the staff.
How to get to tourist attractions by subway in Beijing?
In Beijing, some metro stations are conveniently located near popular tourist attractions. Here are a few examples.
How to get to Tiananmen Square by subway
Tiananmen Square (天安门) and the Forbidden City (故宫): To visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, you can take Line 1 of the Beijing Subway and get off at Tiananmen East (天安门东) Tiananmen West Station (天安门西).
How to get to The Temple of Heaven by subway
The Temple of Heaven (天坛): The Temple of Heaven can be accessed via Line 5 of the Beijing Subway. You can alight at Tiantan Dongmen Station (天坛东门).
How to get to The Summer Palace by subway
The Summer Palace (颐和园): To visit the Summer Palace, you can take Line 4 of the Beijing Subway and get off at Beigongmen Station (北宫门).
How to get to The Lama Temple by subway
The Lama Temple (雍和宫): The Lama Temple is accessible via Line 2 of the Beijing Subway. You can alight at Yonghegong Lama Temple Station (雍和宫).
How to get to The Bird’s Nest by subway
The Bird’s Nest – National Stadium (鸟巢 – 北京国家体育场) and Water Cube – National Aquatics Center (水立方 – 北京国家游泳中心): These iconic Olympic venues are located near Olympic Sports Center Station (奥体中心), which is on Line 8 of the Beijing Subway.
How to get to The Great Wall by subway
The Great Wall – Mutianyu Section (长城 – 慕田峪): While not directly accessible by metro, you can take Line 2 to Dongzhimen Station (东直门) and then transfer to a tourist bus or hire a taxi to reach the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
Is the subway in Beijing safe?
Despite crowding during peak hours, the Beijing subway is relatively safe, with vigilant staff and mandatory security checks similar to those at airports, enhancing safety measures for all passengers.
In summary, the Beijing Subway is the optimal choice for exploring the city, offering efficiency, accessibility, and safety. With widespread coverage and easy access to key attractions, traveling via the Beijing Subway ensures a seamless experience in this vibrant metropolis.