Q.
How do you read the bus Schedule if it is in Chinese?
A. Reading the bus schedule is actually quite simple, however it is hard to know what your destination is because they are all written on the bus schedule as Chinese Characters. For Additional Information on how to read bus schedules, Please Visit Our China Olympics Useful Information Links
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If you purchase a Beijing city map (from your hotel) It may have the bus stops listed with the route number. The bus stops are easily identified as blocks of numbers connected by a red line to indicate the routes.
Q.
Where do you find an English version of the schedule online?
A. The bus system does not have any English schedules online.
Q.
How do you get to the great wall by bus?
A. The cheapest way to get to Ba Da Ling is on the red-and-yellow striped (air-conditioned) bus no. 919 (daily 6am-6pm, about every 30 min.; 1-hr. trip; 10RMB/$1), which leaves from the east side of Desheng Men. For Additional Information and Details on this Topic, Please Visit Our China Olympics Useful Information Links
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Q.
Is it convenient to take the bus?
A. Taking the Bus in Beijing is a very inexpensive form of transportation and you can easily find a bus stop within a short walk. However, because of the language barrier and the difficulty in reading bus signs, unless you are on the tightest of budgets, your easiest choice for getting around town is by taxi.
Q.
How much does it cost?
A. The price for a one-way trip on the bus is typically 1RMB or approximately (10cents). The price may be higher (2RMB or 25cents) for longer trips and air-conditioned busses.
Q.
Do I have to have exact Change?
A. You can either pay by slipping your money into a slot next to the driver (Change is not typically available) or you can pay the roaming payment collector. When the bus is very crowded, It is typical to just find your spot on the bus and the roaming payment collector will approach you for payment. The roaming payment collector is usually available to make small change.
Q.
Do bus drivers speak any English?
A. It is very rare to find any drivers or payment collectors who know any english at all. The will know Hello and bye bye.
Q.
Do I have to worry about being pick-pocketed?
A. Beijing people tend to consider pickpockets as one of their biggest crime problems. However, it is not as big of a problem as it can be in mainland Europe. In crowded areas, you are best to keep your wallet in your front pockets and if you are carrying a bag or backpack, wear it on your front side instead of on your back.
Q.
How do you know where to get on the bus?
A. The easiest way to find out where to get on a bus, is to buy a Beijing city map that has the bus stops listed. The bus stops are easily identified as blocks of numbers connected by a red line to indicate the routes. Make sure you are standing on the correct side of the street, and you can enter the bus through both the front or back doors.
Q.
How do you know when to get off the bus?
A. The bus driver or recorded voice will announce the stops as you arrive. If your tourist map has the stops labeled with western character names (pinyin) it is easier to determine where you are at. Finally if you don't know where you are at, be sure to show the map to a local on the bus and try and communicate your desire to find out where you are located. Chinese people are typically very friendly and willing to help you out if they can understand.
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