Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
that pull in, let alone get down onto the platform. At these times, however, trains come
every couple of minutes, while at low periods, they arrive about every 10 minutes.
Unfortunately, the subway doesn't always show the better sides of the locals. People will
rush to get on before you get off, and some people will almost knock you over to get a seat
if there is one. People cough and sneeze without covering their mouths, and bellow on their
cells as if no one else were around. On the good side, no matter how crowded it is, people
will make every effort to let you past so you can get off. To aid your passage, you can just
say, “xià ch ē (“getting off”) or “guò y ī xià” (“please let me past”).
BUSES
Beijing's bus network is extraordinarily cheap, extensive, and convenient, but unlike the
subway, it can be intimidating for an expat. There is virtually a total lack of English, and
bus stop names are obscure. They're also not particularly designed for style or comfort.
Bus Routes
There are almost 900 bus route numbers in Beijing. Those numbered 1 to 100 operate within
the Third Ring Road; those from 200-215 run only at night; the 300s are concentrated in the
suburbs, such as Fengtai and Mentougou; the 400s ferry you back and forth from the inner
city to the suburbs; 600s and 700s are common in most residential areas; and the 900s are
what connect the inner city to Beijing's more rural districts, such as Changping, Yanqing,
and Miyun.
There is no particular schedule for the buses. They come about every 10 minutes at
most, and much more frequently during busy periods and on major routes. Most routes
operate from around 5:30am to 11pm, but not always. Many finish by as early as 8pm.
The 201-215 night routes run from 11pm to about 4:30am. To check, look up the bus on
www.bjbus.com , www.baidu.com ' s map function, or www.mapbar.com , or look at the bus
sign at your nearest bus stop.
Riding the Bus
You'll never blow your budget if you stick to the bus system. Standard inner-city buses cost
RMB1 per journey when you buy a ticket onboard, and RMB0.4 if you use your travel card.
This varies slightly for different routes and if the bus is air-conditioned or not. You can buy
the travel card at most major subway stations and some major bus stops.
Buses have entry doors and exit doors. Get on at the door with the ( shàng, meaning
“on”) symbol—or where everyone else is getting on—and off at the door with the ( xià,
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