Beijing is the first city in China to have a subway. Although often crowded, the subway is often the fastest way to get around the center city area. Rightnow there are 10 subway lines, and more subway lines are being built. For international tourists visiting Beijing, some basic knowledge of the main subway lines, like Line 1, Line 2, Line 4 and Line 5, is quite helpful. These four subway lines take you to almost all the major attractions in Beijing. The subway stations are clean and have English signs directing tourists to the exits near places that you are likely trying to find.
Click here to view How to Take Subway in Beijing.
Running Hours
The different subway lines may have slightly different running hours. The first trains depart terminals at around 5:00 am and the last leave at around 11:00 pm.
Ticket Fare
CNY 2.00 for all subway lines(except Airport Express) with unlimited transfers. It is a flat fare system. Children below 1.2 metres in height enjoy free rides accompanied by a paying adult.
Subway Map
Click the map to enlarge it.
Subway Ticket
Beijing Subway Sign
The attractions covered by subway lines
Line 1: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City,Wangfujing Street, Xidan, Capital Museum, Zhongshan Park, Shijingshan Amusement Park, Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution
Line 2: Ancient Observatory, Shichahai Hutong, Bell Tower, Drum Tower,Yonghegong Lama Temple
Line 4: Summer Palace, Beijing University, Renmin University, Zhongguancun Technology Park, Beijing Zoo
Line 5: Temple of Heaven, Yuan Dynasty Capital Heritage Garden, Ditan Park, Yonghegong Lama Temple, The Imperial College, Confucian Temple
Line 6: Beihai Park, Nanluoguxiang(South Gong and Drum Lane)
Line 8: Olympic Site (Bird’s Nest, Water Cube),Olympic Forest Park
Line 10: Panjiayuan Market
Click here to view Subway Self Guide Tour.
Official Website: http://www.bjsubway.com/ (in Chinese)