Peking University is situated in north west Beijing, and has its own stop on Line 4 of the Beijing Subway. The station is located just outside the East Gate of Peking University, at the intersection of Chengfu Road and Zhongguancun North Street, which is very helpful for travel to and from the campus. Again, further information
and maps for the campus and the subway will be included in the pre-departure handbook sent to confirmed participants.
Travel Card – A Beijing Transportation Smart Card 一卡通, sometimes known as the ‘Yikatong’ or ‘Metro Card’ is a contactless smart card used for public transportation in Beijing. It is similar to the Oyster Card in London, the Octopus Card in Hong Kong, the CEPAS in Singapore or the MetroCard in New York where travellers can use a single card for subway trains, the airport express train, city buses and some taxis. Travel cards are more convenient and economical than purchasing single tickets for frequent travellers. You can buy a travel card at any subway station with a deposit of 20 RMB, and can top up the card at the ticket machines or service desk (note that discounts are available on bus fares prepaid on the card, but not on the subway). It is also important to remember to swipe your card at the beginning AND end of each subway journey by passing it close to the relevant scanners/turnstiles. When taking a city bus, users should move the card close to the card reader at the bus door for payment. Usually, the card is used only once when getting on the bus (this will be clearly signposted on the bus). However, for some bus journeys where the fare is calculated by distance), it is important to swipe the card twice, both when getting on and off the bus.
Subway - The subway is the easiest and most cost-effective way to travel in the city. East Gate of Peking University Station on Line 4 is the closest subway station to the campus. Zhongguancun Station on the same line is just south of PKU on Zhongguancun Street, with Haidian Huangzhuang Station (on Line 4 and Line 10) further south. Wudaokou Station on Line 13 is about 20 – 30 minutes’ walking distance from the East Gate of Peking University on Chengfu Road.
Fares begin at 3 RMB per journey and increase depending on the distance travelled. The subway is open from 5am and the last trains depart between 10:15pm and 11:15pm depending on the station. You can find more detailed information by visiting the Beijing Subway website.
Beijing Subway Map - Chinese version English version
Buses - There are bus stops outside every campus gate with numerous destinations. Bus stops near PKU include:
- Southeast Gate—Zhongguanyuan Station 中关园站
- East Gate—Zhongguanyuan North Station 中关园北站
- West Gate—Beidaximen Station 北大西门站
- Southwest Gate—Haidianqiao North Station 海淀桥北站
Bus fares are generally cheaper than the subway, with most fares at about 1 RMB with a travel card. For more specific information on different bus routes, we recommend using www.bjbus.com where you can plan your routes by bus to different places in Beijing.
Taxis - Taxis are convenient and available 24/7. The starting fare is usually 13 RMB, and increases with the distance travelled. Rates are slightly higher late at night. Make sure that the taxi driver is licensed (the license should be displayed above the glove compartment with the driver’s name and photo). You will receive a receipt at the end of your ride. It is wise to keep the receipt in case you need to contact the driver or the taxi company. Online cab calling companies such as Didi and Uber are also available in Beijing.