LIVING IN BEIJING -

Transportation

Bus
Buses are a cheap option to travel. However, unless you are able to read Chinese well and enjoy crowded spaces, navigating around Beijing by bus can be difficult.

Bicycle and Motorbike
Bicycles and motorbikes are ideal for short distances and bypassing traffic. However, it can be dangerous to share the roads with some of Beijing's more “liberal” drivers. Electric bicycles are widely popular due to its environmentally friendliness and efficiency in navigating Beijing efficiently.

Taxi
10 yuan for the first 3km and 2 yuan for each subsequent kilometer, taxis are the most popular option among foreigners not working or living near a subway station. Beware of dishonest drivers who take the “scenic route” to your destination. Bring a map of Beijing with you if you are unsure.

Map of Beijing

Subway
The subway system, with 7 lines running throughout the city, has undergone a major renovation period to accommodate the 2008 Olympic Games. Subway fares are inexpensive, though the experience can be crowded. Oftentimes, the subway system is more reliable than above-ground transportation options.

Subway lines of Beijing as well as a printable map

Driving Unfortunately, neither your driver's license from home nor an international license is valid in China. However, with the right paperwork and a short exam, you can easily obtain a Chinese driver's license. Here are the requirements for obtaining a valid Chinese driver's license with your foreign or international license.

• Original and photocopy of your Alien Residence Certificate (validity for more than one year)
• Passport and photocopy
• Two recent photos taken within the past 6 months with a front view of face without hat (size 3cm by 2.5cm)
• Valid foreign driver's license and photocopy. Note that your foreign driver's license must be authenticated overseas by an embassy or consulate of the P.R.C., Representative Office, Liaison Office, or other office duly authorized by the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs or be authenticated in Taiwan by your country's embassy, consulate or other office which is duly authorized by ROC Ministry Of Foreign Affairs).
• If your license is not in English, a Chinese translation of foreign driving license. This must be authenticated by an embassy or consulate of the P.R.C., or by an overseas Representative Office or Liaison Office, or by an official registered notary in Taiwan.
• Official physical examination.
• Application fee

Notes:

• Those holding a valid driving license issued by a foreign nation and who obtain an Alien Residence Certificate (within validity of over one year) may apply for a non-professional driving license for the same type of vehicle within one year of entry to ROC without having to pass a driving test on the principles of equality and reciprocity.
• Rules for applying for a driving license of ROC are based on the principles of equality and reciprocity. Please check the table of reciprocating countries for eligibility.
• The ROC driving license of a foreign resident is valid for the same period as that person's Alien Residence Certificate. Before the driving license expires, one must first extend his/her period of legal residence. He/she can then extend the driving license at an appropriate Motor Vehicle Office without applying a new driving license. However the accumulated total period of validity of a driving license can't exceed six years.