Beijing Transportation Tips by Paul2001

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: A very pleasant surprise about traveling within Beijing and the rest of China is the quality of the local metro systems. Beijing's is relatively new and expanding at a stunning pace. This is probably quite necessary considering how the city is growing and the resulting traffic congestion. Furthermore the Olympics will be here in 2008 and Beijing will have many people from all over the world to move back and forth to each event. There are now four operational line but there will eventually be 15.
The public transit system here is very cheap by Western standards. As in some European cities the cost of the fare depends on how far you a traveling along the the line. A minimum cost is just Y35 which is but 35 US cents. I did not see any machines dispensing tickets. I bought mine from a counter with relative ease. Each station is numbered so just point out the number you are going to on the map. The attendant will easily understand.
The system itself is very clean and efficient. There are lots of English signs to you can navigate problem free. Also the upcoming station stops are announced both in Mandarin and English. My only beef with the metro system was that it is very crowded. I have also been told to watch your belongings closely. Even Beijing has pickpockets.

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