How to take Beijing Metro? - Guide with Map, Lines & Price

The Beijing Metro is one of the most extensive and busiest metro systems in the world, serving as the backbone of public transportation in China’s bustling capital. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned resident, this guide will provide everything you need to know about navigating the Beijing Metro.

Overview of the Beijing Subway System

Source: travelchinaguide.com

Beijing Metro is a common way to go around Beijing since traffic will be serious in central Beijing. As a visitor, it's best to avoid taking the subway during rush hours (7–10 AM and 5–8 PM on weekdays) to avoid the crowds.

Beijing Metro Popular Line Information

Line 1: The East-West Artery

Key Stations:

• Gucheng: Western terminus, providing access to residential areas.
• Tian'anmen West: Proximity to Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City.
• Wangfujing: Famous shopping street with numerous retail outlets and eateries.
• Huanqiu Dujiaqu (Universal Resort): Eastern terminus, serving the Universal Beijing Resort.

Line 2: The Circular Loop

Key Stations:

• Beijing Railway Station: Major hub for national rail services.
• Qianmen: Access to historic Qianmen Street and Dashilan shopping area.
• Lama Temple (Yonghegong): Proximity to the renowned Lama Temple.

Line 3: New East-West Connector

Key Stations:

• Dongsi Shitiao: Transfer to Line 2, close to Sanlitun nightlife area.
• Tuanjiehu: Near Sanlitun shopping and entertainment district.
• Chaoyang Park: Provides access to Beijing’s largest city park.
• Chaoyang: A key transportation hub in eastern Beijing.

Line 4: North-South Connector

Key Stations:

• Beigongmen: Closest station to the Summer Palace.
• Zhongguancun: Known as China's Silicon Valley, a hub for technology and electronics.
• National Library: Access to the National Library of China.
• Beijing South Railway Station: Major station for high-speed trains.

Line 5: Central Axis Route

Key Stations:

• Tiantongyuanbei: Northern terminus serving residential areas.
• Yonghegong (Lama Temple): Access to the Lama Temple and Confucius Temple.
• Tiantan Dongmen: East gate of the Temple of Heaven Park.
• Songjiazhuang: Southern terminus with transfer options.

Line 6: Northern Parallel

Key Stations:

• Ping'anli: Transfer point with Line 4.
• Nanluoguxiang: Access to historic alleyways and traditional architecture.
• Dongdaqiao: Proximity to the Central Business District.
• Lucheng: Eastern terminus serving suburban areas.

Line 10: The Outer Loop

Key Stations:

• Bagou: Access to the Xijiao Line.
• Sanyuanqiao: Transfer to the Capital Airport Express.
• Guomao: Major interchange in the Central Business District.
• Shuangjing: Residential and commercial area with shopping centers

Ticketing Options

Single-Journey Tickets

Available at ticket vending machines in all stations. Fares are distance-based, starting at ¥3 for trips up to 6 km, with incremental increases for longer distances. You can directly buy a ticket through vending machine:

Source: beijing.gov.cn

Yikatong Card (Beijing Transportation Smart Card)

A rechargeable card offering convenience and fare discounts. It can be used on subways, buses, and even some taxis. Purchase and recharge the card at service counters within subway stations.

Alipay Digital Metro Card

The easiest way to ride Shanghai Metro is using Alipay's digital transport card, especially for international visitors. Just download Alipay, go to the "Transport" section on the homepage, and select "Transport. Beijing." You will find many transport options: metro, bus, bike taxi.

Source: beijing.gov.cn

Beijing Metro Hours & Ticket Prices

Fare Structure

The Beijing Metro employs a distance-based fare system:

• Base Fare: ¥3 for the first 6 kilometers.
• Incremental Charges:

Operating Hours

The Beijing Metro operates daily, with most lines running from approximately 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. However, exact times can vary by line and station:

• First Trains: Typically depart between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
• Last Trains: Generally depart between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

During peak hours (around 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM), trains arrive every 3 to 5 minutes. In off-peak times, intervals may extend to 6 to 10 minutes.

How to take Beijing Metro to Attractions

1. The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

Subway Directions:

• Line 1: Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station (天安门东站) or Tiananmen West Station (天安门西站).
• Exits: Use Exit B at Tiananmen East Station for the Forbidden City.

Tips:

• The Forbidden City requires advance ticket booking.
• Allocate at least half a day to explore the vast complex.
  Check hotels near Tian'anmen East Station Here

2. Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park)

Subway Directions:

• Line 5: Take Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station (天坛东门站).
• Exit: Use Exit A1 to reach the East Gate of the Temple of Heaven.

Tips:

• Morning visits offer a chance to see locals practicing Tai Chi.
• The park is expansive; wear comfortable walking shoes.
  Check Hotels near Temple of Heaven

3. Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

Subway Directions:

• Line 4: Take Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (北宫门站).
• Exit: Use Exit D to arrive near the North Gate of the Summer Palace.

Tips:

• Plan for a half-day visit to enjoy the gardens, lakes, and historic structures.
• Boat rides on Kunming Lake are available during warmer months.
  Check Hotels near Summer Palace

4. Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

Subway Directions:

• Line 5: Take Line 5 to Yonghegong (Lama Temple) Station (雍和宫站).
• Exit: Use Exit C to reach the temple entrance.

Tips:

• The temple is an active place of worship; maintain respectful behavior.
• Photography is restricted in certain areas; observe posted signs.
  Check Hotels near Yonghe Gong Here

5. Beihai Park

Subway Directions:

• Line 6: Take Line 6 to Beihai North Station (北海北站).
• Exit: Use Exit B to access the park's North Gate.

Tips:

• The park features a large lake; consider renting a boat for a leisurely experience.
• Visit the White Dagoba and the Nine-Dragon Screen within the park.
  Book stays near Beihai Park Here

6. National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

Subway Directions:

• Line 8: Take Line 8 to Olympic Sports Center Station (奥体中心站).
• Exit: Use Exit B2 and walk north approximately 800 meters to the stadium.

Tips:

• Evening visits offer a chance to see the stadium illuminated.
• The nearby Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) is also worth a visit.
  Explore hotels in Bird's Nest

7. Sanlitun Bar Street

Subway Directions:

• Line 10: Take Line 10 to Tuanjiehu Station (团结湖站).
• Exit: Use Exit A and walk west to the first traffic light, then turn right to reach Sanlitun.

Tips:

• Sanlitun is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops.
• The area can be crowded during weekends; plan accordingly.
  Check Hotels near Sanlitun Here

What should notice for Beijing Metro?

1. Security Checks at Every Entrance

2. No Eating or Drinking Allowed

3. Mobile Payment is the Easiest Way to Pay

4. Announcements are Bilingual

5. Transfers Can Be Long

6. First and Last Train Times Vary by Line

Beijing Hotels Recommodation