Transportation and Communication
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.
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