About the City-Beijing

Beijing Transportation

Beijing City Bus

Currently, there are over 800 bus routes in operation from 05:30 to 23:00 in Beijing. Bus fares are usually ￥1 or ￥2. They are mainly divided into the following categories:

Numbered 1~100-Bus routes are within the 3rd Ring Road.

101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112, 114, 115, 118 and 124—Trolleys, most of them run within the 2nd Ring Road.

Numbered 201~215—Night routes are only in operation after 23:00.

Numbered 300~810—Bus routes are from downtown area to suburban Beijing.

Numbered 900~998— Bus routes are long distances such as from downtown area to the Great Wall.

Beijing Taxi

There are over 70,000 taxis running in every corner of the city. Most of the taxi drivers in Beijing can speak some simple English, which offers western visitors a great convenience of being able to communicate with them.
The flag fall will start at RMB10
The fuel charge will be a flat rate of RMB 2, regardless of distance
The rate per kilometer will be RMB2.3
The flag fall from 11pm-5am will be 20% higher, which (if our math is correct) would put it at RMB15.6. Since all amounts are rounded, this actually means RMB16.
During peak times (7-9am and 5-7pm), you will be charged the equivalent of 2km (RMB4.6) for every 5 minutes of waiting. When it's not a peak time, this charge will be the equivalent of 1km (RMB2.3).

Beijing Transportation Smart Card

Beijing Transportation Smart Card is available for paying for the services of subway, city buses, some taxis (taxis with the sign of ‘Welcome to Use IC Card’) and the airport express train. Passengers can get 80% discounts when paying for the city-bus fare by the card. What’s more, the Transportation Smart Card can be used at some designated supermarkets, restaurants, department stores, book stores and so on.

Beijing has more than 170 sites, which are located at the ticket offices of every Beijing metro stations, some bus stations and some supermarkets.You can apply this card easily.

Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport is about 25 km (about 15.5 miles) northeast of Tiananmen Square, and is China's busiest and most important international airport. It consists of three terminal buildings. Most international flights land at either Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. You can take Airport Express Train or shuttle bus to downtown.

Beijing Weather

Beijing has four discernible seasons - short windy spring, long hot summer, cool pleasant autumn but long chilly winter. July and August temperatures can exceed 40 °C (104 °F). January can dip to -20 °C(-4 °F).

Throughout the spring months (April to May) temperatures in Bejiing rise quickly day to day. They also vary greatly (around 12°C-14°C) between day and night. Spring is a windy, dry season, frequented by heavy sandstorm. Cold winds are also frequent throughout spring months. In early spring, the temperature may drop abruptly. Sandstorm hits Beijing frequently in spring and may delay trips.

Summer

Summer months in Beijing (June to August) are long and hot with plenty of rainfall. With the exception of the hilly areas, the monthly average temperature is above 24°C (75.2°F). The highest temperature on record is 43.5°C (110.3°F) which was in June, 1961.

Summer is also a rainy season. About 70% of the city's rainfall happens in summer. Heavy rainstorms are common throughout the summer, and may occur on sunny afternoons without warning. Heavy rain may block traffic. Summer resorts are a great way to escape the summer heat.

Autumn

Autumn (September to October) is perhaps the most attractive season in Beijing, when there is plenty of sunshine and cooler temperatures. Autumn is a harvest season, when fruits and vegetables are ripe. One great activity in autumn months is picking fresh fruits and vegetables in local orchards. This is regarded as a great way to relax and get fresh air. 

Autumn is short and days become cooler and cooler as rainfall increases. As in spring, visitors should bring lightweight clothing such as long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts, plus one or two jackets or sweaters. 

Winter

Winter in Beijing (November to March) is cold. A trip during these months may be a shock to visitors from tropical countries. The monthly average temperature is below 0°C (32°F) from December to February. In January, the monthly average temperature is below -4°C (28°F) in Beijing's plains. It seldom rains in the winter but there is plenty of sunshine. 

Enjoying the snow scene on West Hill, skating in Beihai Park, followed by a steaming hotpot with mutton slices will drive out the chills. Skiing and hot springs are the most popular activities in chilly winter. Be sure to bring winter clothes, including woollen sweaters and down coats.