| Getting Around
Beijing has a reputation for being a
difficult city to get around in, though that promises to change
somewhat with additions to the subway and highway systems coming on
line by mid 2008, just in time for the Olympics. The city's
notorious traffic—the source of much of its equally infamous air
pollution—tends to clog the inner ring roads and highways during the
day, with traffic only clearing after the evening rush hour winds
down around 8:00 p.m. This often makes a subway-taxi combo the best
bet, limiting road time to a ride to the nearest subway station. The
trains are usually packed, but the system is efficient and quick.
The cars make cycling less appealing than it once was, but most main
roads have separate bike lanes and exploring the heart of the city
on two wheels is a great way to go. Walking the center is also
advised, though the size of the capital makes frequent cab—whether
taxi or pedicab—trips a necessity for many visitors.
Subway
As of 2007, the system was
comprised of Lines 1, 2, 5, 13 (light rail) and the Badong Line.
Lines 8, 9 and 10 are slated for completion in 2008. Line 1 (the
east-west line) runs past Tiananmen Square from the West Pingguoyuan
Station to Sihui Station in the east; Line 2 (the circle line) runs
around the center of the city with a Beijing Railway Station stop at
its southeast corner. Subways run from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. As of
2008, all fares are RMB 2 throughout the system. The system has
undergone upgrades to accommodate a new yikatong (a "one card pass"
smart card) system—buy a card for a RMB 20 deposit and add value in
RMB 10 increments. Some taxis now also accept yikatong payment.
Click
here to have a look at the Route of Beijing Subway
Taxi
Beijing taxi drivers have a
reputation for tricking tourists, especially from the airport, so
always make sure you're in a metered cab and don't accept negotiated
fares. That said, the city government has begun enforcing
regulations in advance of the Olympics, and cabbie behavior has
reportedly improved. Fares start at RMB 10 during the day and RMB 11
after 10 p.m. After the first three kilometers (about 1.7 miles),
each additional kilometer is between RMB 1.20 and 1.60, depending on
the make of the taxi.
Pedicab (San Lun
Che)
Pedicab drivers congregate along
busy intersections and tourist areas, offering weary pedestrians a
respite from walking. Scenery passes by pleasantly in a pedicab—just
remember to bargain before boarding.
Bicycle
Bike-riding in Beijing offers a
wonderful perspective of the capital (especially if you stay off the
large boulevards). Rent a bike at one of the city's hotels or
hostels. Rates range from RMB 20-30/day plus a refundable RMB
100-200 deposit.
To and from
Beijing
Air
Beijing's Capital International
Airport lies 30 km (18.6 miles) northeast of the city center (a 45
minute car ride without much traffic). Reach the airport by taxi or
airport bus (RMB 16) from the Xidan Civil Aviation Mansion, the Art
Gallery, the entrance of Beijing Railway Station and the Princess
Tomb. The trip from airport to the center runs about RMB 100.
Train
Beijing is home to two main train
stations: Beijing Railway Station (Beijing Zhan) and Beijing West
Station (Beijing Xi Zhan). Double check your ticket to make sure you
know the correct departure station. Beijing Railway Station serves
major destinations including Shanghai, Guangzhou and Harbin as well
as Russia. Beijing West Station connects to long-distance
destinations to the south and west including Vietnam and Hong Kong.
Six smaller stations provide additional regional service. Purchase
tickets at the foreign passenger ticket office in the main station's
soft-seat waiting room or ask your hotel or travel agent to arrange
train travel for you.
Bus
Beijing's 12 long-distance bus
stations provide numerous options for travel to cities around China,
however bus travel can be quite tricky if you don't speak some
Mandarin. The main bus stations include Xizhimen, Dongzhimen and
Zhaogongkou. Local buses are cheap but often slow because of traffic
and almost always crowded. Fares are usually RMB 1 or 2; some routes
charge extra for distance. A yikatong card saves money, bringing
base fares down to .40 RMB for most routes. Tour buses can be
arranged through travel agents and hotels. Back |
