Beijing’s subway is the fastest way to navigate the sprawling city. With 27 lines covering tourist hotspots like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Olympic Park, it’s your go-to for avoiding traffic. Buy tickets from machines (accepts cash/card) or use the Beijing Subway app for contactless entry. Trains run from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM (earlier on some lines), so plan night trips carefully. Look for English signs on stations like Xi直门 (near the hutongs) or Tiananmen East (closest to the Square).
Are buses a good option for exploring Beijing?
Buses are perfect for scenic routes, like Line 10 along the south lake of Beihai or Line 8 through the historic Shichahai area. Use cash (exact change!) or scan the Yikatong QR code for tickets. Night owls can take “Night Buses” (numbers starting with “N”) after midnight. Just beware: buses get packed during rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM), so avoid them if you’re short on time.
What should tourists know about taxis and ride-hairing in Beijing?
Taxis are cheap but tricky. Always ask the driver to turn on the meter and have your destination written in Chinese (use Google Translate). For convenience, apps like Didi Chuxing (China’s Uber) are cheaper and accept English. Avoid unmarked black cars, and expect long waits during peak hours. Tip: If heading to the Great Wall, book a private car—it’s worth it for door-to-door service.
Can I use bike-sharing services to visit popular attractions?
Yes! Beijing’s bike-sharing (e.g., Mobike, Hellobike) is a fun way to explore. Download the app, unlock a bike (~$0.10/hour), and pedal to spots like The Bell Tower or Houhai Lake. Return bikes to designated areas to avoid extra fees. Pro tip: Stick to central areas—the city’s outer rings have fewer bike lanes.
How do I travel between the airport and downtown Beijing?
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is 30 km northeast of downtown. Options:
- Subway Line 10 (~$3, 45 min): Fast and budget-friendly.
- Airport Express Train (~$30, 30 min): Direct to Sanyuanqiao station.
- Taxi (~\(40, 40 min): Metered rides are safest. For **Beijing Daxing Airport** (PKX), take the **Daxing Airport Express** (\)39, 30 min) to Caoqao Street station.
Extended Tips: Navigating Like a Pro
What’s the best way to pay for transport?
Get a Yikatong card (~$20 deposit) for subways, buses, and taxis. Refund at airports or metro stations. Alternatively, use mobile payments (WeChat/Alipay) for most services.
How do I avoid Beijing’s notorious traffic?
Plan trips before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM. The 2nd Ring Road gridlocks daily, so combine subway + taxi for efficiency. For example: Subway to Yonghe Dajie, then a quick taxi to the Lama Temple.
Are there scenic transport options?
Take the S2 Line train from Beijing North Station to the Great Wall ($5, 1.5 hours). Or hop on the Fangze Bridge Sightseeing Bus for a loop through Tiananmen, Beihai, and Nanluoguxiang ($20/day).
What’s the deal with electric scooters?
Rental scooters (e.g., Lime, Bird) are banned in central Beijing, but you’ll find them in suburbs. Walk or bike instead—it’s safer and more memorable!
Any tips for visiting hutongs?
For narrow alleyways like those in Nanluoguxiang, walk or bike. Taxis can’