Most people travel by train to get from one
place to another in China. Even if they have to stand for 14 plus hours,
they will because it’s convenient and inexpensive. But most of the big
cities have excellent public transportation systems whether that is bus or
subway. The Beijing subway system is really efficient, although it’s only
ranked #3 in the world for largest, just behind Tokyo #1 and Seoul #2.
The subway is a wonderful place. It’s like taking a mini train! The
Beijing government also did an excellent job making it foreigner
friendly. All signs, stops, and directions are shown not just in
characters, but also in English. It’s extremely helpful when you need to
get from one end of the city to another. It also comes often; if you just
miss one, don’t sweat it because in 5.67 minutes, another one will stop.
The tickets are all at a flat rate of 2 kuai per ride per person; that’s about
16 cents.
It’s open everyday and
most subway lines are open from 6am to 11pm. The downside to
the subway is that if you are traveling between the hours of 7am and 10pm it
can get extremely crowded, especially on lines 1 and 2 because they go through
the touristy places. I’ve been in crowded places, and crowded buses for
that matter. One time while riding on a bus in Seattle, some people
didn’t even get a seat! Recently however, my perception of ‘busy’ has been
broadened.
A couple weeks ago I
had the entire week off of school because October 1 is the anniversary of the
beginning of communism in China. They call it Golden Week here in
China. Many people have the day off and an effort to travel and see
family is made. One day of Golden Week, I went to Tiananmen Square with
my husband (that was a mistake). We got there all right because we left
at about 10 in the morning. But on the way back it was a completely
different story. First getting through the streets was like trying to
tell the waves to stop moving, and then when we finally got to the underground
getting on the subway was like pushing up a brick wall. We eventually did
get home, but I learned a very valuable lesson that day; there are no rhyme,
reasons, or rules on the subway. After getting on the subway, with about
6 other people it seemed like the entire area was full of people.
No wiggle room whatsoever, and no room to push (people) back any
further. I felt a little like a sardine. It was fun.
The only problem was that when subway stopped again and the doors opened,
people wanted to get on (and off). And when you’re in the middle of that
mix, sometimes you get pushed off… It was an unfortunate happenstance
that has fortunately only happened once since.
(Busy, busy, mellow)
Is there any difference?
Is there any difference?
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