Kim rides the subway.....and gets lost

China Fun Fact #1: There is no bill higher than a 100 RMB bill (about $15) in China, and all of the paper currency 1 RMB and above has Mao’s face on it.


The few days were filled with activities designed to get us used to living in Beijing and one of those activities was.....(big dramatic music please) riding on the subway. Now I LOVE the Beijing public transportation system. Well, at least the subways, I have not ventured onto any of the buses yet. Anyways, I love the subways for a few reasons.

1. It is one of the few places where you are not allowed to spit (yes I said spit) or smoke in Beijing. It is quite acceptable in China that when you need to spit you can just spit on the ground (outdoors at least). It is one of the few things that I do not like about Beijing. I find it a little.....unpleasant...to hear (and see) people spitting all the time. Everyone seems to want to haka lugi. (Wannahakalugi.....Finding Nemo reference.....anyone? anyone?)
2. It’s really really cheap and one of the easiest ways to get around the city. It is 2 RMB for a one way ticket (about $.30). So much cheaper than a taxi, and much more efficient. A subway arrives at the station roughly every two minutes.
3. All the maps are in both Chinese and English.
4. Most of the people on the subway are incredibly nice and welcoming. My friend and I once missed our transfer station on the way to our internship, but a Chinese couple walked us to our next transfer line to make sure we made it to our next stop. People also love practicing their English on you and will take any excuse to do it. One guy timidly asked me if I read Charles Dickens. When I told him yes, he proceeded to tell me Dickens was a very good author....and then just smiled and didn’t say anything else.


The subway is definitely my choice for getting around Beijing and I love it....but there are a few things you should know before attempt brave the Beijing subway.

1. (This is the important one) Do not get on the subway for the first time between 6-9am. This is the busiest time to ride the subway, and people are literally shoving themselves into the tiniest available space in order to get on the subway. There is no such thing as personal space. I didn’t know it was possible to fit so many people in such a small space before I came to Beijing.
2. Make sure you are getting in the right subway. It’s kinda important. Not that I have ever gotten in the wrong subway before.....
3. Figure out how you are getting to your destination before you get on the subway. There are eight different subway lines and 50+ stops. Here is a little guide I have been using http://www.explorebj.com/subway/#s10017. It’s an interactive subway map guide that will plot the easiest way for you to reach your destination. (Your Welcome in advance...well unless you never go to Beijing which in that case....never mind)