Tips
- An Alipay esim is relatively cheap and works quite well. See some discussion / instructions on how to obtain the esim here.
- Some Google-based services and your university VPNs might not work out-of-the-box in China. You should prepare for that before entering China. You may use, e.g., Astrill, LetsVPN, or NordVPN.
- You might have problems using Google Maps in China. Apple Maps (default on iPhone) works well, so do Baidu maps and Bing maps.
Travelling inside Beijing
1. Shahe Campus to Sanlitun
By Subway: Take the Changping Line (Line 5) from Shahe University Park Station to Dongsi Shitiao Station. From there, transfer to Line 2 and head to Dongsi Shitiao Station, which is right next to Sanlitun. The journey takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on transfers and waiting times.
2. Shahe Campus to Forbidden City
By Subway: Take the Changping Line (Line 5) from Shahe University Park Station to Xitucheng Station. Transfer to Line 10 and then to Line 1, getting off at Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station. The Forbidden City is a short walk north from either station. The total travel time is approximately 60–75 minutes.
3. Shahe Campus to Tiananmen Square
By Subway: Follow the same route as above to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station. Tiananmen Square is directly south of the Forbidden City, so you can exit the subway and walk a few minutes to reach the square.
4. Shahe Campus to Changping Urban Area
By Subway: Take the Changping Line (Line 5) from Shahe University Park Station directly to Changping Station. The urban area of Changping is just a short walk from the station. The journey takes about 15–20 minutes.
5. Shahe Campus to Changping Hospital
By Subway and Taxi/Bus: Take the Changping Line (Line 5) from Shahe University Park Station to Changping Station. From there, Changping Hospital is a short taxi or bus ride away. The total travel time is approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and waiting times.
Summary Table:
| Destination | Subway Route | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sanlitun | Changping Line → Line 2 (Dongsi Shitiao) | 45–60 min |
| Forbidden City | Changping Line → Line 10 → Line 1 (Tiananmen East/West) | 60–75 min |
| Tiananmen Square | Changping Line → Line 10 → Line 1 (Tiananmen East/West) | 60–75 min |
| Changping Urban Area | Changping Line (direct, get off at Changping Station) | 15–20 min |
| Changping Hospital | Changping Line → Get off at Changping Station, then take a short taxi or bus ride | 20–30 min |