The Radical Travel Guide to Beijing, China: Tips for using the subway

Beijing subway map

• See here.

Buying tickets

• Subway riders purchase tickets at the ticket counter before entering the subway.
• The ticket counter has a sign above it with the word "tickets" in English.
• Ticket lines are rarely observed. So have your money ready and make your way toward the ticket counter with all the other ticket buyers.

Ticket costs

• Tickets cost RMB 3 for Line 1 and Line 2.
• You will have to pay extra for the new subway lines.

Subway lines

• The two main lines 1 and 2 are easy to navigate.
• Line 1 is a straight line.
• Line 2 is a square and known as the "loop line".
• Line 13 can be accessed from Line 2.
• Transferring between lines is quick and easy.
• Signs are in both Mandarin Chinese and English.

Subway hours

• Opens between 4AM - 5AM.
• Closes between 11PM and 12PM.

Announcements

• Announcements of subway stops are made in both Mandarin Chinese and English.

Downside of the Beijing subway

• It doesn't cover major portions of Beijing.

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