As the sun rises over Beijing’s bustling streets, the city greets another wave of travelers, eager to immerse themselves in its rich history, culture, and modern charm. For foreign visitors, navigating Beijing can sometimes feel like a challenge, with its vast transportation system, language barriers, and the endless list of must-see attractions. But now, there’s a solution that can make your journey smoother and more affordable — the Beijing Pass.
Launched on July 31, 2024, the Beijing Pass is a versatile travel card designed specifically for foreign visitors. This multi-purpose card offers more than just convenience; it opens the door to endless possibilities across the city. Whether you’re hopping on the subway, catching a bus, or exploring iconic landmarks, the Beijing Pass offers seamless access to public transport, taxis, and even discounts on select attractions. With the ability to recharge and use the card in over 300 cities across China, it’s a key that unlocks the entire country for those seeking to explore beyond the capital.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how the Beijing Pass can save you time and money while traveling through one of the world’s most exciting cities. From navigating Beijing’s extensive subway network to enjoying the cultural wonders of the Forbidden City, the Beijing Pass is here to enhance your experience — one swipe at a time.
1. Beijing Pass: Your Key to Easy Travel and Exploration
The Beijing Pass is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around Beijing and beyond. This multi-use card works for public transportation, taxis, and more, giving you access to a wide range of services across the city.
Public Transportation Coverage
With the Beijing Pass, you can easily navigate Beijing’s metro system, buses, and even trams, such as the Xijiao Line and Yizhuang T1 Line. It also covers suburban railways, including the Capital Airport Express and Daxing Airport Express, making airport transfers smooth and hassle-free. You can also use the pass for Beijing’s taxis, ensuring that your travels are quick and convenient.
But that’s not all. The Beijing Pass works in over 300 cities across China, including major tourist destinations like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Tianjin, Chengdu, and Chongqing. Whether you’re heading to bustling city centers or remote areas, the Beijing Pass simplifies your travel.
When using the pass outside Beijing, please note that local rules and pricing may vary. Always check the latest guidelines from local authorities and transport operators. Look for the Interconnection symbol to ensure the pass is valid.
Explore 30 Iconic Beijing Attractions
With the Beijing Pass, you also get access to 30 of Beijing’s most famous attractions. Here are some of the must-see places:
| Attraction | Location |
|---|---|
| 颐和园 (Summer Palace) | Haidian District |
| 天坛公园 (Temple of Heaven) | Dongcheng District |
| 北海公园 (Beihai Park) | Xicheng District |
| 北京动物园 (Beijing Zoo) | Xicheng District |
| 国家植物园 (National Botanical Garden) | Haidian District |
| 香山公园 (Fragrant Hills Park) | Haidian District |
| 玉渊潭公园 (Yuyuantan Park) | Haidian District |
| 陶然亭公园 (Taoran Pavilion Park) | Xicheng District |
| 景山公园 (Jingshan Park) | Dongcheng District |
| 中山公园 (Zhongshan Park) | Xicheng District |
| 十三陵定陵 (Ming Tombs – Dingling) | Changping District |
| 十三陵长陵 (Ming Tombs – Changling) | Changping District |
| 居庸关长城 (Juyongguan Great Wall) | Changping District |
| 十三陵昭陵 (Ming Tombs – Zhaoling) | Changping District |
| 十三陵神路 (Ming Tombs Sacred Way) | Changping District |
| 银山塔林 (Yinshan Pagoda Forest) | Changping District |
| 八达岭长城 (Badaling Great Wall) | Yanqing District |
| 圆明园遗址公园 (Old Summer Palace Ruins) | Haidian District |
| 水关长城 (Shuiguan Great Wall) | Yanqing District |
| 中央电视塔 (CCTV Tower) | Haidian District |
| 野鸭湖国家湿地公园 (Wild Duck Lake National Wetland Park) | Changping District |
| 龙庆峡风景区 (Longqing Gorge) | Yanqing District |
| 北京石景山游乐园 (Shijingshan Amusement Park) | Shijingshan District |
| 黄花城水长城 (Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall) | Huairou District |
| 北京雁栖湖 (Yanqi Lake) | Huairou District |
| 世界花卉大观园 (World Flower Garden) | Haidian District |
| 北京石刻艺术 (Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum) | Haidian District |
| 中国紫檀博物馆 (China Rosewood Museum) | Haidian District |
| 北京凤凰岭 (Phoenix Ridge) | Haidian District |
| 北京大觉寺 (Dajue Temple) | Haidian District |
Each of these attractions gives you a glimpse into Beijing’s rich history and culture, from ancient imperial palaces to scenic parks and breathtaking sections of the Great Wall.
Shopping in Beijing with the Pass
Not only does the Beijing Pass simplify your travels, but it also gives you access to some of the city’s top shopping centers. Enjoy the convenience of shopping at these major retail destinations:
| Shopping Center | Location |
|---|---|
| 王府井百货大楼 (Wangfujing Department Store) | Dongcheng District |
| 汉光百货 (Han Guang Department Store) | Xicheng District |
| 西单商场 (Xidan Shopping Mall) | Xicheng District |
| 屈臣氏 (Watsons) | Various Locations |
| 味多美 (Weiduomei) | Various Locations |
| 金凤成祥 (Jinfengchengxiang) | Various Locations |
| 物美超市 (Wumart Supermarket) | Various Locations |
| 京客隆超市 (Jingkelong Supermarket) | Various Locations |
| 美廉美超市 (Meilianmei Supermarket) | Various Locations |
| 首航国力超市 (Shouhang Guoli Supermarket) | Various Locations |
| 天客隆超市 (Tiankelong Supermarket) | Various Locations |
| 顺天府超市 (Shuntianfu Supermarket) | Various Locations |
| 崇文门菜市场 (Chongwenmen Vegetable Market) | Dongcheng District |
| 奥士凯物美超市 (Aoshi Wumart Supermarket) | Haidian District |
| 大商超市 (Dashang Supermarket) | Haidian District |
| 幸福荣耀超市 (Xingfu Rongyao Supermarket) | Haidian District |
| 京饮华天商场 (Jingyin Huatian Mall) | Chaoyang District |
| 国泰生活广场 (Guotai Lifestyle Plaza) | Chaoyang District |
| 创鲜市界超市 (Chuangxian Shijie Supermarket) | Chaoyang District |
| 乐家优鲜生活超市 (Lejia Youxian Lifestyle Supermarket) | Chaoyang District |
From local markets to high-end department stores, the Beijing Pass makes shopping effortless. Just swipe your card, and you’re all set to explore Beijing’s retail scene.
2. How to Get and Use Your Beijing Pass
Getting around Beijing is easy and affordable with the Beijing Pass. Once you’ve arrived in the city, you can purchase the pass at major points like Beijing Capital International Airport or Daxing International Airport. It’s also available at subway stations and the Municipal Transportation One Card service centers, including Dongzhimen and Xidan. You’ll need to present your passport or other valid ID (such as a Hong Kong or Macau Travel Permit or a Taiwanese Travel Permit) to buy the card.
Once you have your Beijing Pass, topping it up is a breeze. You can recharge it at the same places where you bought it. Simply add funds in 10 RMB increments. The maximum balance you can load onto your pass is 1,000 RMB, which should be more than enough for a few days of exploring the city.
When you’re ready to hit the streets, simply swipe your pass to travel on Beijing’s subway, buses, and even taxis. For subway and bus rides, make sure to scan in and out at the stations or stops. The Beijing Pass lets you take full advantage of the city’s public transport discounts.
But the Beijing Pass isn’t just for getting around. It also opens doors to a world of shopping and cultural experiences. When visiting authorized commercial spots or cultural attractions, look for the “Beijing Pass” logo. Show your card to the staff, place it on the POS machine, and you’re good to go.
Please note: To ensure you’re using the pass correctly, always check the official website of the Beijing Municipal Transportation One Card Company for the latest terms and updates.
3. Choosing the Right Beijing Pass for Your Travels
The Beijing Pass offers three unique designs, each catering to different preferences. You can choose from the iconic Great Wall design, the cultural Temple of Heaven design, or the practical Comprehensive design.
The Great Wall and Temple of Heaven cards are both priced at 100 RMB. This includes 80 RMB in balance for use and a 20 RMB card fee. These cards are perfect for tourists who plan to explore Beijing’s iconic landmarks, offering plenty of funds for public transport and attractions.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Comprehensive design card is available for 50 RMB, with 30 RMB in balance and a 20 RMB card fee. It’s a great option if you’re looking to save on transportation while still enjoying the benefits of the pass.
So when you buy a Beijing Pass, you’ll pay a deposit of 20 RMB (card fee). This deposit is non-refundable. Once you’ve purchased the pass, it can’t be returned or replaced if lost. However, don’t worry — any unused balance on the card can be refunded before you leave. Just remember, the deposit (card fee) itself isn’t refundable, so be sure to make the most of your card during your stay.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use the Beijing Pass for All Subway Lines?
Yes, the Beijing Pass not only works on every line of the Beijing subway, but it is also valid for all of Beijing’s public transportation. This includes buses, trams, suburban railways, airport express trains, and taxis.
Can I Share My Beijing Pass with Someone Else?
No, when using the Beijing Pass on public transportation in Beijing, each card is for single-person use only.
What Happens if I Lose My Pass?
Once you purchase the Beijing Pass, it’s important to know that it cannot be returned or replaced if lost. However, the remaining balance on the card can be refunded, so you won’t lose your funds if you decide not to use the pass. Just keep in mind: if the card is lost, you won’t be able to recover any remaining balance. So, make sure to hold on to your card and use it wisely during your trip!
How to Check My Remaining Balance or Validity？
You don’t even need to check manually every time. Each time you swipe your card, the balance is automatically displayed. It’s that easy!
What Travelers Are Saying About the Beijing Pass
The Beijing Pass has received glowing feedback from foreign visitors. Many travelers are impressed by its convenience. Canadian tourist Quoinn shared, “I’ve never encountered such a convenient card before. It completely surprised me! The Beijing Pass will make my travels much easier. No more waiting in line for tickets at every stop. It’s going to save me so much time.”
Syrian visitor Ramez echoed this sentiment, calling the card “a huge blessing for any first-time traveler to Beijing.”
These testimonials highlight how the Beijing Pass enhances travel experiences for tourists, offering them both convenience and ease when navigating the city.
