How to Take the Beijing Metro? Route Maps and Tickets Guide
The Beijing metro is a public transit favorite for both travelers and locals. For Beijing residents, it's an indispensable part of daily life. At the moment, the network has 29 lines and over 522 stations, and it's still expanding!
In this guide, you'll get info about the Beijing metro system, including route maps, how to buy tickets, and nearby attractions. Ready to explore Beijing with us? Let's go!
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Beijing Metro Overview
Visiting Beijing for the first time and finding this big city a bit unfamiliar? Don’t worry—let me give you a quick intro! The Beijing metro is the urban rail transit system of China’s capital.
It opened in 1971, making Beijing the first city in China to have a metro—eight years earlier than Hong Kong’s Kwun Tong Line, which began service in 1979!
Photo Source: Baidu
Beijing Metro Route Map
As of 2025, it has 29 operating lines, 879 kilometers of track, and 522 stations, with plans to grow to 30 lines totaling 1,177 kilometers.
Credit: from Travel China Guide, Beijing Metro Route Map
How to Buy Beijing Metro Tickets?
Taking the subway in Beijing? Let the Trip.com team help you easily knock out your ticket-buying hassles!
Buy tickets with a physical card
- Beijing Transit Card: Looking for a tap-and-go Beijing “Octopus” card? Head to the subway station ticket window / self-service ticket machine to buy a Beijing Transit Card! Reload it and you can tap in and out like a Beijing local—and you can also pick one up at supermarkets and convenience stores!
- One-way ticket: Only planning one ride? Head to a ticket vending machine or the ticket window to buy a one-way ticket—choose your destination, pay, and it’s that simple! Pro tip: the vending machines accept cash and QR code payments, super convenient!
Buy Tickets on Your Phone
QR code rides: With your phone in hand, you’re pretty much set for Beijing. Open Alipay, WeChat, or the Yitongxing app to get your subway QR code, then scan it at the turnstile as you enter—beep! Easy entry!
Buy Tickets with Cash
If cash is your thing, no problem—you can also buy tickets with cash at the ticket vending machines or the ticket window.
Photo Source: Beijing News Radio
How much are Beijing metro fares?
The Beijing Subway (excluding the Airport Express) uses a distance-based fare system, starting at 3 yuan and increasing with distance, divided into several fare tiers. For trips over 32 km, each additional 1 yuan covers another 20 km, and there’s no upper limit to the fare. You can stay within the paid area for up to 4 hours per trip.
- Starting fare: 3 yuan, good for trips up to 6 kilometers.
- Between 6 km and 12 km, the fare is HK$4.
- Between 12 and 22 kilometers, the fare is 5 dollars.
- For distances between 22 km and 32 km, the fare is 6 yuan.
- For any portion beyond 32 kilometers, the fare increases by 1 yuan for every additional 20 kilometers.
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How to Make the Most of Beijing Metro Lines?
Beijing Metro Line 1
The sights along the route are truly spectacular! Tiananmen Square, the Palace Museum (the Forbidden City), Wangfujing, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts—what a dazzling, dreamlike travel route!
Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world; standing there, you feel as tiny as a little ant! And the Forbidden City is the pinnacle of ancient Chinese imperial architecture—step inside and it’s like time travel, as if a palace drama is about to begin!
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 1
Tiananmen Square
4.8/5
787 reviewsAttending a village temple fair, a stage is set up in the street for traditional opera performances, while various food stalls line the area below—selling sugar figurines, fried meatballs, and dough figurines—creating a lively and bustling atmosphere that's packed with people. Buying a freshly fried rice cake, dipping it in brown sugar, and enjoying its warm, sweet, and soft texture, while squeezing into the crowd to listen to a few lines of opera—even if you don't understand the tune—feels lively and welcoming, full of the warmth and life of everyday life, and your heart feels a sense of joy and celebration.
The Palace Museum
4.8/5
48860 reviewsThe moment you step into the Forbidden City, the red walls and yellow tiles, imbued with six hundred years of history, rush towards you. Every brick and tile between the halls carries the warmth of history. Walking slowly along the central axis, you can witness the grandeur of the imperial architecture and feel the everyday life of bygone days in the details. Even in the height of summer when there are many tourists, finding shade under the trees to watch the corner towers reflected in the clear water instantly brings a sense of peace. It's a cultural feast that you absolutely cannot miss when visiting Beijing.
National Center for the Performing Arts
4.7/5
573 reviewsGreat exposure to the design of the building. Love it
Beijing Metro Line 2
Passing by Yonghe Temple, the Drum Tower, Shichahai, and Beihai Park, this route is a quintessential tour of Beijing’s culture!
Yonghe Temple is the city’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, steeped in solemnity and mystery. The Drum Tower and Shichahai are windows into old Beijing’s hutong life—want to soak up some authentic, everyday street vibes? This is the place to be!
Photo Source: Baidu
Reviews of Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 2
Lama Temple
4.7/5
907 reviewsIt was perfect for a short stroll and cultural introduction for a child. We were lucky; it was a weekday and not too crowded. We had to wait 10-15 minutes for our reservation to be confirmed, but that wasn't a big deal.
Beijing Metro Line 4
Line 4 is also a treasure hunt through history and culture! Along the route, you’ll discover two treasures—the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) and the Summer Palace—as well as major academic landmarks like Peking University and Tsinghua University.
Want to feel the grandeur of imperial gardens? The Summer Palace is waiting for you to check it off your list! Ready to time-travel through history’s dramatic twists? The Old Summer Palace won’t let you down.
Credit: from ResearchGate, Beijing Metro Line 4 Route Map
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 4
Yuanmingyuan Park
4.7/5
2724 reviewsThe Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) preserves the ruins of its past, a testament to foreign invasion. It's easy to imagine its former splendor and grandeur. The tour guide explained that the reason it's no longer restored is to ensure future generations remember the painful lessons of history—a truly regrettable situation.
Summer Palace
4.7/5
7869 reviewsI liked the park, it's a pity you can't see how they lived in the palace
Beijing Metro Line 5
Strolling through Temple of Heaven Park and Temple of Earth Park feels like slipping between history and stunning scenery.
The Temple of Heaven is China’s largest complex of ancient sacrificial architecture—truly awe-inspiring. And the Temple of Earth? It’s home to Beijing’s largest shrine dedicated to civil officials, and it’s absolutely worth exploring. So next time you’re riding Line 5, why not plan a little cultural adventure?
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 5
Temple of Heaven
4.7/5
4965 reviewsGreat place! It's a long walk, but we took the metro right to the park entrance. There's a nice cafe on site and it's not too expensive. It's definitely crowded.
Ditan Park
4.8/5
257 reviewsThe entrance fee is very cheap, only 2 yuan. The flowers, plants, and trees in the park are all very well cared for.
If you want to visit Ditan Park, you can buy a separate ticket at the park entrance.
It will probably be even more beautiful in a few days if you want to enjoy the autumn scenery.
Beijing Subway Line 6
Along Line 6, you’ll find Nanluoguxiang and Prince Kung’s Mansion!
Nanluoguxiang is one of Beijing’s oldest neighborhoods—strolling around feels like stepping into a time tunnel to old Beijing, and it’s super fun! Prince Kung’s Mansion is a Qing dynasty princely residence, impossibly grand—want to experience the lavish lifestyle of a royal from centuries past?
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 6
Nanluogu Xiang
4.6/5
336 reviewsIt's very close to the Nanluguoxiang metro exit. Pretty far if you walk from Beixinqiao (even though it looks not too far on the map LOL). The alley is not too long and has many interesting stores. Modern and old Beijing styles mixed well there. Western bakery and traditional snacks can be found there. Nice place for window shoping and buying some snacks.
Sanlitun
4.7/5
137 reviewsIn late spring, I went cherry picking. The bright red cherries were crowded among the green leaves, shining like agate against the light. I could reach them by tiptoeing and stretching out my hand. They were sweet with a hint of tartness, and the juice burst in my mouth. I picked and ate as I went, and soon my little basket was full. My fingertips were covered in the sweet fragrance of cherries. The sun was warm and cozy, and even the wind carried the scent of fruit. When I left, I carried a basket full of red cherries, and my heart was filled with a sweet feeling.
Beijing Metro Line 7
Passing by Happy Valley Beijing and Olympic Park—two super fun places. Happy Valley is a gigantic theme park packed with adventure and thrills, while Olympic Park was the main site of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, full of adrenaline-pumping sports memories. One’s a playground paradise, the other a shrine to sport—which one would you rather go to?
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 7
Beijing Happy Valley
4.7/5
1728 reviewsBeijing's Happy Valley amusement park is a great option if you missed Universal Studios or are simply looking for a thrill. It's one of China's largest theme parks, boasting flagship roller coasters and a vibrant atmosphere. Adrenaline Rides: Some of the best rides in China are here. Be sure to try the "Crystal Wings" (a head-down ride) and the "Extreme Racer" (80m high, speeds up to 135 km/h). The "Himalaya" musical roller coaster also receives excellent reviews.
· Themed Zones: The park is divided into seven zones (Atlantis, Shangri-La, and others), offering a varied ride experience.
· Shows: The evening light show and the "Golden Dynasty" performance (praised for its special effects and storytelling) are often the highlight of the day.
Beijing Olympic Park
4.7/5
294 reviewsIt is an amazing place where it's better to go walking after 7pm. The lights are on, exciting activities which everyone can try for free, people are friendly. I really love this place and remember forever.
Universal Beijing Resort
4.6/5
22072 reviewsEach zone is cool in its own way, and I highly recommend broom riding in the Harry Potter zone; it's worth it.
Beijing Metro Line 8
Along the way, you’ll spot the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), two “star” buildings.
They were the main venues of the 2008 Beijing Olympics—the Bird’s Nest brings the swagger, while the Water Cube is fresh and adorable—truly the ultimate duo in the world of architecture. Already itching to go check them out and snap some photos?
Photo Source: China Engineering News
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 8
National Stadium-Bird's Nest
4.6/5
552 reviewsIt’s best to visit after sunset. The view and architecture of the building were amazing
Beijing Metro Line 9
Passing by Beijing World Park and Lianhuachi Park, get ready to be amazed! World Park is a massive theme park packed with famous buildings and sights from all over the world—it feels like a fast track to a round-the-world trip.
Photo Source: Subway Route Map dir126.com
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 9
Beijing World Park
4.3/5
882 reviewsA very interesting park! All the world's most important sights in one place! Highly recommended!
The Geological Museum of China
4.8/5
1369 reviewsThe entry fee was just 15 CNY and it was quite a decently big place with lots of interesting information (often has English as well).
How Do You Pay for a Metro in Beijing | Beijing Metro Apps
MetroMan Beijing
The updated Beijing metro (subway) mobile app is a total game-changer for getting around! Whether you need in-station navigation, route planning, or arrival alerts, everything’s clearly laid out, making it a breeze for travelers to explore.
Credit: from AppAdvice, MetroMan Beijing
Alipay
Download Alipay and use "Transport" to take public transport in Beijing or other cities of China. It's the most popular and conveninet way to navigate China.
🔥 Beijing Hotel Recommendations
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FAQs about Beijing Metro
What is the best way to pay on the Beijing Metro?
Use "Yitongxing" for easy tap-and-go travel.Is the Beijing Metro easy to navigate for tourists?
Yes. All signs and station announcements are in both Chinese and English.How much does a Beijing Metro ride cost?
Fares are distance-based, starting at just ¥3, making it very affordable.What are the peak hours on the Beijing Metro?
Avoid 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM if possible, as it gets extremely crowded.Is there a security check for the Beijing Metro?
Yes. All bags must go through an X-ray scanner before you enter any station.
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