Aug 03 2008
Beijing Subway
Beijing Subway system has become more and more complicated. The one line history is over; there are 8 lines in operation nowadays. They are line 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 13, Line Batong, Airport Express and Olympic Subway Line which links Olympic venues in the north of Beijing. The Beijing Subway network is still growing rapidly; a mileage of up to 561 km(19 lines) by the year 2015 is planned, beating well-established systems such as the New York Subway and the London Underground. Long-term plans envision a Beijing with 1,032 km of subway by the year 2050.
Beijing Subway Map (Click)
The Fare
You can buy a ticket at the ticket box or from a ticket vending machine by coins. The ticket price is 2 RMB for unlimited mileage across unlimited transfers. Each electronic ticket is valid for only one day.
All lines use the AFC (automatic fare collection) ticket systems. Fare gates are plenty; some stations are equipped with up to 50 or even more such ticket barriers. Automatic ticket machines, too, are plenty, especially in newer stations. Please keep the ticket, because you need it in the exit gate as well. Trains and stations do not come with patrolled ticket checkers, unlike other systems in the West.
If you travel a lot by using the public transportation system of Beijing, it’s wise to buy an IC card (Yi Ka Tong) at the subway station. This IC card is good for all subway lines and the bus. Please do not deposit too much money into the card if you do not plan to stay very long in Beijing, because refund the money will be quite troublesome according to my personal experience.
The Platform
At the platform, you will be able to see the “Sign of Operational Direction” overhead which carries the names of the next station for both directions. The “sign of operational direction” can also be found on the wall of either side. On the columns on either side at either end of the platform, there are the signs of “Train’s Operational Information”, on which the names of stations and the timetable in that direction are listed in sequence. On either end of the platform, there is a sign of “subway route map”, which shows the subway route map, the three-dimensional layout of this station, the map of the surrounding areas of the station and the location of public washroom..
The Exit
When you get arrival your destination station, you can see the sign of “Exit Instruction” overhead at either end of the platform, and choose one exit according to the information concerning the exit and its surrounding buildings as shown on the sign. Then, you can enter the booking office through the stairs and make confirmation according to the sign of “Exit for different directions” （see picture 11）and you will not miss your destination.
Tips
• The security measure is very tight during the Olympic period; all baggage must go through an X-ray machine.
• Please avoid taking the subway during the morning rush hours (7am – 9am).
Major Attractions and Subway
The Forbidden City: Line 1 – Tiananmen East Station or Tiananmen West Station
Tiananmen Square: Line 1 – Tiananmen East Station or Tiananmen West Station
Yonghe Gong (The Lama Temple): Line 2 and 5 - Yonghegong Station
The Temple of Heaven: Line 5 - Tiantandongmen
Wangfujing Shopping Area: Line 1 - Wangfujing Station or Line 5 Dongdan Station
Xidan Shopping Area: Line 1 - Xidan Station
Beijing Railway Station( East): Line 2 - Beijingzhan
To Airport: Line 2 and 13 - Airport Express Line
Beijing Zoo: Line 4 - Beijing Zoo Station (Will open in September, 2009)
Beijing South Railway Station: Line 4 Beijing South Railway Station (Will open in September, 2009)
Subway Station
The Entrance
Sign at the entrance
The vending machine
The Platform
This station is DONGSI, the next station is ZHANGZIZHONGLU
In this station, Left to the South direction, Right to the North direction
Sign overhead the protection glass gate
Sign at subway line interchange point
The Exit Direction Sign
Finally, the train!
Subway Station Sign
