First Impressions
Initially, getting around in Beijing seems impossible. Road signs are incomprehensible, promising alleyways twist and turn
into unpromising dead-ends, and the buses
are so crowded you can't see where you are, let alone get off.
First, arm yourself with a good map. Your guidebook will give you the basics, but if you are doing anything other than the
tourist usuals, a transport map
of the
city will be essential. These are available for 4Y from the white and blue newspaper
stands you see dotted around the city. They are entirely in Chinese, but if you get someone to circle your destination you
can simply point at it in taxis, buses and anywhere you get lost while walking
or cycling.
Second thoughts
Beijing actually has an extensive and efficent public transport system, and the proposed addition of over a dozen new
subway
and light rail lines
before the 2008 Olympics will make life even easier (although the construction period should be fun).
Once you figure out which subway stop you need to get
off at, and which big building means you should get off the bus, things become much less bewildering. Taxi drivers are almost
always honest and polite - the only ones to avoid are those who tout around tourist attractions and bus or rail stations. I have
never once had to ask a driver to turn on the meter.