Three new Beijing subway lines are set to open this weekend in time for the Olympics. These lines have long been awaited by the public as they were supposed to open last month.
Travellers leaving Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 2 & 3 would be able to take the airport line with stops at Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao. Initial reports pegged the price from 25 to 30 RMB one way. Travel time between the city center and the airport is cut down to 16 minutes.
Line 8 which is also known as Olympic Line will connect Line 10 to the Olympic Green. This line has 4 stops starting from Beitucheng, Olympic Sports Center (Bird’s Nest), Olympic Green and Forest Park. The Beitucheng stop connects Line 8 to Line 10.
Line 10 which will connect southeast Beijing to northwest Beijing has 20 stops. It traverses East third ring road and North 4th ring road. It connects with Line 1 via Guomao, Airport line via Sanyuanqiao, Line 13 via Shaoyaouju and Zhichunlu, Line 5 via Huixinxijie, and Line 8 via Beitucheng. Line 10 also has a stop at the famous CCTV Tower in Jintaixizhao.
If current rates prevail, the public will get the chance to move from one side of Beijing to another for RMB 2 only. Olympic spectators will get the chance to ride these subway lines for free if they show their tickets which is only valid for that day.
Well.. I can’t wait to see these new lines. I’m sure I’ll be one of the throngs of people who will ride these new lines as I’m stationed to work at the Bird’s Nest this coming August. I can’t wait for the Olympics specially the opening ceremonies!
For a clearer map, visit http://www.explorebj.com/subway/.
Claudine on the Go 
Yes, whenever someone is going to Beijing I always highlight their subway systems. Even more affluent travelers should not overlook this novelty. There is Tian’anmen square, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the “Take Beijing Subway”!