Getting around in Beijing w/o knowing Mandarin

Two fun-seeking American friends give you the lowdown on getting around in China’s capital city, Beijing.

The subway is very cheap and for 2rmb, you can use 8 different lines, but avoid traveling at 7-9am, or 5-7pm at week days.

Taxi can be a good option, from the airport to downtown area costs 100rmb(less than $20), and traveling within the city cost anywhere from $2 - $10. Remember though Beijing is so big, going to the suburb area would cost more...

To avoid traffic jam, and enjoy a slow paced glimpse of the city, hiring a bike is good option. for a 200-400rmb deposit, it cost 20rmb to hire it for a day.

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Though taxis are cheap and a great way to get around Beijing (avg $3 USD a ride) taxi drivers don't speak English, and even if you tell them mandarin venue names they don't always understand you.

DEFINITELY get your hotel business card and hold on to it - this will save your @ss when you're in the middle of nowhere and have no idea how to get back! If you have an iphone you can download an App from the iPhone App Store called the Beijing Taxi Guide, which you can use to search for 1000+ English venue names and show the driver their Chinese addresses, super convenient. If you don't have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can buy the immersion Insider's Guide to Beijing - it's literally as thick as a Bible, and has tons of Chinese addresses also.