THE TOURIST GUIDE
TO MOVE IN BEIJING

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HOW TO MOVE IN BEIJING
Beijing Transportation Guide

Largest international airport in China, over 3 million automobiles on the roads and 10 million bikes on the streets

In a big city like Beijing, with a huge amount of circulating vehicles (and with the population constantly growing), the traffic problem is very exacting to solve. However local authorities are fighting this uphill battle for years and with much effort and now it is possible to see some improvement, both in terms of traffic flow and in terms of reduced pollution. Today, although many measures have not yet completed, we can say that Beijing has set up one of the most developed transportation systems in the world with a huge network of Subways, Highways, ring roads and railways. Suffice it to say that Beijing has six ring roads, nine highways and eleven national roads. The Beijing Capital International Airport is the largest airport in China, with a transit of more than 1000 flights a day. The subway has 15 lines, with 190 Metro Stations and an operative track of 373 km (232 mi). But there are also 70 thousand taxis circulating and the bus lines are more than 800...

Airport in Beijing: Largest in China
With more than 1000 flights arriving and departing on any day, The Beijing Capital Airport is known to be the largest and the busiest airport in the country. Being the capital of this fast developing country, Beijing is well connected to 69 foreign cities. The airport is connected to more than 100 international, 21 regional and 757 domestic air routes. To make it more accessible, over 40 airlines have their offices at this airport. Booking air ticket in Beijing is the easiest thing to be done as with extensive means of booking. There is the largest air ticket-booking centre located at 15 West Chang'an Avenuenear Xidan. In addition, most of the major hotels and different airlines have their air ticket booking counters. You can use taxi or airport shuttle to get into the city from the airport, which is at 27 km north of the city centre.

Metro: subways with 14 lines cheapest way around; 5 million passengers daily
Beijing subway or Beijing metro system is the most common and the cheapest way to travel around in the city. With its 14 lines, it is well connected within the city, suburban and the airport. Beijing metro is the oldest metro system in the mainland China, operating since 1969. Most commuters vouch that subway is the easiest way to travel to city attractions, airport, railway stations and other important places. Moreover, it is clean, efficient and fast. However, it is bit crowded for obvious reasons. Since all the machines, instructions and signboards are written in Chinese as well as English, it is very convenient for foreign travelers also.

Taxis: Best for Newcomers
If you are visiting Beijing for the first time and not aware of the roads and routes, it is better take a taxi that will get you around conveniently at affordable prices. With over 70,000 taxis operating in the city, you can hire one to reach your destination within a reasonable time. A taxi may cost CNY 10 for first three kilometers and them at the rate of CNY2 per kilometers. However, you can ask for a receipt from the taxi driver that will have all the details about taxi, in case of any problem.

Bus travel in Beijing: Most common and cheap mode of transport
Public bus transport system is well developed in Beijing with more than 800 bus routes. All the bus lines are categorized into urban lines, Suburban lines, and night buses, air conditioned buses, double Decker buses and tourist buses. The bus transportation Beijing is getting efficient as old buses are being replaced by energy saving buses and are equipped with electronic monitors, IC card readers, electronic bus-stop announcements, and passenger-monitoring devices. On different routes, buses are available every 5 minutes. This is very cheap with just CNY1 for first 12 km and then CNY0.5 for every 5 kilometers.

Beijing is the best city in China to travel. To move around in the city, you can use all affordable means of transport including trains, buses, and subways and of course, bikes.

2012-01-14