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How to get around
Now that we hope we have whetted your appetite for the fabulous attractions of Beijing, you will be wondering how to get around this huge city... Here is a brief outline of the easiest ways to travel: Taxi– With over 60,000 taxis waiting at airport, railway and bus stations you won’t have to wait long. The flag-down charge for the more basic mini cab like Xiali is 10 Yuan which extends about 4 kilometres and then 1.2 Yuan for each extra kilometre. The more spacious Santana and Fukang have a flag down rate of 10-12 Yuan for the first 3 km and then 1.6 or 2 Yuan for each additional km. After 11.00 pm there is an extra 20% surcharge and due to traffic conditions taxi drivers charge 1 km fee for every 5 minutes of waiting time stuck in traffic. Not the cheapest way to travel but convenient. Always ask for a receipt in case you wish to complain afterwards. Tourist Train – Special trains to suburban tourist destinations run from the 4 railway stations. Tickets are available in advance from any ticket office or travel service or can be bought on board. You can also pay for the site admission fee at the time of purchasing the ticket. Subway– As in most cities with a subway it’s the fastest way to travel. The operating hours are from 5.00 am until 11.00 in the evening. Cost of tickets ranges from 2 – 6 Yuan and subway staff can advise you about the correct line and direction. Rickshaws.jpg) Bus – Buses in Beijing are very crowded but cheap. Air conditioned buses are indicated by the initial number 8 and there are also special tour buses, night buses etc. Many buses are ‘self service’ (no conductor) so have your money ready in advance to put in the on-board machine. Prices are 1 Yuan for city routes and 2 Yuan for an air conditioned bus.
Bicycle – The humble bicycle can be rented from many hotels in Beijing. If you feel fit why not try it for a day to see all of those out of the way places that the taxi can’t go to. Cost ranges from 20 -30 Yuan per day. Rickshaw – Don’t expect the old style Rickshaw with the man with the long plait pulling you along. Today’s Rickshaws are ridden like a bicycle and the prices can be high. Very popular around the tourist spots but you must be certain you have agreed a price before you hop in. Time to bargain.
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