The network makes more sense line by line
Beijing's subway map is huge, but the part most visitors use is manageable. Line 1 runs along Chang'an Avenue. Line 2 loops around the Second Ring Road and connects Beijing Railway Station, Dongzhimen and Xizhimen. Line 4 reaches Beijing South Railway Station, Beijing Zoo and the Summer Palace area. Line 8 links Qianmen, Nanluoguxiang and the Olympic Park. Separate airport express lines run to Capital and Daxing airports.
The network map gives you direction. For the trip itself, check today's interchange, exit and last-train information. The official version is available on the Beijing Subway map.
Paying and entering the station
Beijing's subway accepts contactless bank cards from major networks including China UnionPay, Mastercard, Visa, JCB and American Express. Other choices include an Alipay transit code, a Beijing transit card, or a single-journey ticket from a machine or staffed counter. A contactless card is the shortest route through the gate, but use the same physical card or the same phone-wallet device at both ends of the journey.
A BEIJING PASS requires a valid passport and is sold and topped up at designated machines or service counters. It is optional for a short stay. If contactless payment works, you may not need another card. When a bank card fails, ask at the staffed counter instead of trying several gates with different payment methods.
Interchanges and exits
Some Beijing interchanges involve a long walk. A small circle on the map does not mean the next platform is thirty seconds away. Add time when carrying luggage or travelling with children or anyone with limited mobility.
At the destination, check the exit number and the road or building listed beside it. Tiananmen, the Forbidden City, Nanluoguxiang and the Summer Palace all have stations with more than one useful-looking exit. The wrong one can add a long detour. A navigation app's suggested exit is more useful than simply knowing the nearest station.
Lines visitors use often
- Line 1 / Batong Line: Tiananmen, Wangfujing, the CBD and Universal Beijing Resort.
- Line 2: Beijing Railway Station, Dongzhimen, Yonghegong, Xizhimen and Qianmen.
- Line 4: Beijing South Railway Station, Caishikou, Beijing Zoo, National Library and the Summer Palace area.
- Line 5: Tiantandongmen for the Temple of Heaven, Dongdan and Yonghegong.
- Line 6: Nanluoguxiang, Beihai North and the sub-centre in eastern Beijing.
- Line 8: Qianmen, Shichahai, Nanluoguxiang and Olympic Park.
- Airport lines: the Capital Airport Express links T2 and T3 with Sanyuanqiao, Dongzhimen and Beixinqiao; the Daxing Airport Express links Daxing Airport with Caoqiao.
Security checks, long interchanges and crowds at popular stations all take time. For a flight or train, work backwards from check-in or boarding, not from the subway's advertised running time alone.
