Q.
Are the signs in English?
A. There are signs outside that say "Beijing Subway" to let you know there is a subway entrance. Inside, there are maps that show you the subway lines and destinations. The stops are written in western characters (Pinyin) as well as the Chinese Symbols. Most city tourist maps will have the subway stops labeled for your convenience. For Additional Information and Details on this Topic as well as pictures and maps, Please Visit Our China Olympics Useful Information Links
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Q.
How much does it cost?
A. Tickets cost a flat rate of between 3 yuan and 5 yuan, regardless of destination. The price depends on whether you will be making a transfer to another line. When buying a ticket, try to let the seller know where you are going, either by showing them a map or by stating your destination.
Q.
Do you need exact Change?
A. Exact change is not necessary since there are employees collecting money in booths. You may be turned away if you give them a 50 or 100RMB note.
Q.
Hours of Operation?
A. The subway system is closed in the evenings after midnight. The first trains depart terminals at around 5 a.m. and the last trains depart terminals at around 10:45 PM
Q.
Can you pay with Credit Cards?
A. The Beijing Subway line is not equipped to handle credit cards. Small RMB currency is required.
Q.
Are Tourist Sites located labeled on the subway route maps?
A. Many of the signs in the subway stations will display names of tourist sites and which stop they are located at. Most tourist maps that you can get at hotels also have subway stops labeled as well as tourist locations.
Q.
Should I worry about pick pocketers?
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.
Do they have maps of the routes?
A. While in Beijing, you can see all of the subway routes on most tourist maps as well as displayed in the subway stations. For Additional Information about routes and online subway maps, Please Visit Our China Olympics Useful Information Links
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Q.
Can you take the subway anywhere?
A. The subway does not cover the entire city. The Beijing Subway system does connect some of the major tourist destinations such as Tiananmen Square/Forbidden City, Wangfujing, the Lama Temple, the airport, the train station and the Olympic Park. If the subway system takes you where you want to go, it is a great form of transportation especially at rush hour, it beats getting on the road and can be much faster than a taxi.
Q.
Is the subway faster than other forms of transportation?
A. The subway is typically the fastest form of transportation in Beijing, however it may be a lengthy walk to get to a subway stop due to limited lines in operation. Taxis are very convenient and easy to find, but can be a major pain due to traffic congestion.
Q.
Is the subway crowded?
A. The subway train is clean, fast and relatively comfortable, except during weekends or rush hours, when the subway train is very crowded.
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