RSS
China offers a wide variety of efficient transport system during Olympic, Beijing China travel. You have the choice of subways, taxis, buses and trains. Public transport covers almost the entire nation and it is cheaper than other places considering the distances involved. There are flights to all regional capitals and to many of the bigger cities; the rail network extends to every province except Tibet; the local transport, which includes everything from buses to tractors, covers all corners of the country. There are even some passenger ferries on the larger rivers.
Free transport with an Olympic ticket
Your Olympic ticket will provide you with free transport on the day of your event on Olympic dedicated routes, the subway, city rail and public buses. Please note, however, that Olympic tickets do not provide free transport on shuttle bus between airport and city proper, taxis and the fast airport rail line.
Dedicated Olympic Bus Routes
During Beijing 2008 Olympic Games 34 dedicated bus routes serving all competition venues in Beijing. Other city buses are in service from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day from July 20 to Sept. 20. Those bus lines have "K", meaning fast lines, are available three hours before and 90 minutes after one competition event. For detailed information on routes and stops please refer to the Appendix "Map of Olympic Sites and Transport Routes".
Subway and City Rail
China's rail network is complete and very efficient. It is certainly the most secure and reliable way to travel through the country. The subway and city rail are the fastest way to get to the Olympic venues. The subway Line 8 runs directly to the Olympic Green. Disembark at the stations marked "Olympic Sports Center" or "Olympic Green" and continue through security for a direct entrance to the Olympic Green.
Buses
The Olympic venues can all be reached by bus. During the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games the city bus lines and their schedules may be re-adjusted as necessary. We recommend you make inquiries ahead of time.
Bicycles
All venues have bicycle parking areas. Those who ride to the competition venues must leave their bicycles in the designated areas.
Private Cars
There will be traffic restrictions around the venues during the Olympic Games. Vehicles without a specific access permit will not be allowed to enter the venue. Only the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park and the Triathlon Venue will have parking available for spectators. So, you are encouraged to use public transport for all other venues. Driving a car across China is forbidden to foreigners still. However, foreign residents can rent vehicles for local use in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong. Despite the language barrier, bargaining with taxi drivers is more straightforward than you might expect. In most areas there are far more taxis than there is business, and half- and full-day hires are very welcome.
By ferry
There are many rivers and sea to navigate in China, but nowadays passenger ferries are on decline because of trains and buses are significantly faster.
Spectator Tip
Take Note of Traffic Information ahead of Time
During the Olympic Games, Beijing traffic will vary from its normal conditions. Please pay attention to the pre-event traffic information to ensure you are not delayed.
Allow Ample Time
Certain venues are quite a distance from public transport and taxi drop-off points. You must allow enough time to walk from the drop-off point to the competition venue. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes.
By: Shabina Sanad
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2008
For comments: editor@gowealthy.com
