Beijing is a city of staggering scale. With over 21 million residents and a metro system that stretches across more than 800 kilometers, most visitors default to the subway, taxis, or ride-hailing apps like Didi. These are efficient, yes, but they also strip away the texture of the city. What many travelers don’t realize is that Beijing offers a handful of overlooked transport options that not only get you where you need to go but also immerse you in local life, save you money, and sometimes even reveal hidden corners of the capital. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, these alternatives deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Most tourists never notice the overhead wires crisscrossing Beijing’s older neighborhoods. Those wires power a fleet of electric trolleybuses—a transport mode that has quietly served the city since the 1950s. Unlike the modern, air-conditioned buses that dominate main arteries, trolleybuses operate on fixed routes that wind through hutongs and tree-lined avenues, offering a window into Beijing’s past.
Riding a trolleybus is an experience in itself. The vehicles are often older, with vinyl seats and windows that you can actually open—a rarity in Beijing’s sealed public transport. Lines like the 107 trolleybus, which runs from Dongzhimen to somewhere near the Drum Tower, take you past traditional courtyard homes and local markets where vendors sell jianbing and steaming bowls of tofu. The pace is slower than the subway, but that’s the point. You’re not just moving through the city; you’re observing it.
For tourists, trolleybuses are especially useful for exploring areas like the old city wall remnants or the quieter sections of the Second Ring Road. They also offer a cheap alternative to taxis—a single ride costs about 1 yuan (roughly 14 cents) if you use a transit card. The catch? Routes can be confusing, and English signage is minimal. But with a map app and a bit of patience, you can unlock a network that feels like a secret.
Beijing’s bike-sharing programs—Mobike, Hellobike, and Didi Bike—are everywhere, but most tourists overlook them in favor of subway passes or private drivers. That’s a mistake. Cycling through Beijing is not just practical; it’s transformative. The city has invested heavily in bike lanes, many of which run parallel to major roads, and the flat terrain makes pedaling easy even for casual riders.
What makes bike-sharing unique is the access it gives you to Beijing’s backstreets. You can’t take a taxi through a hutong that’s barely wide enough for a bicycle, but you can glide through it on two wheels. Routes like the one from the Lama Temple to the Confucius Temple are perfect for bikes, as are the quieter lanes around Shichahai Lake. You’ll pass locals playing mahjong on sidewalks, elderly men walking caged birds, and street vendors selling candied hawthorn skewers.
The practical side is equally compelling. A 30-minute ride costs about 1.5 yuan, and you can park almost anywhere within designated zones. The apps are in Chinese, but most have English versions, and registration is quick with a foreign passport. Just be prepared for the occasional aggressive driver or pedestrian who steps into the bike lane without looking. Helmets are not provided, so bring your own if you’re concerned.
Rickshaws in Beijing have a bad reputation among savvy travelers. They’re often seen as overpriced, with drivers who push for tips and steer you toward commission-paying shops. But if you choose wisely, a rickshaw ride through the hutongs is one of the most intimate ways to experience the city.
The key is to avoid the drivers who loiter near major tourist sites like the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square. Instead, head to less crowded hutong clusters like those around the Bell and Drum Towers or Nanluoguxiang’s side alleys. Negotiate the price upfront—expect to pay around 100-150 yuan for a 30-minute tour—and specify that you want a route that avoids souvenir stops. A good driver will take you past hidden temples, communal wells, and even private homes where residents might wave from their doorways.
What makes rickshaws special is the human element. Drivers often share stories about the neighborhood’s history, pointing out architectural details you’d otherwise miss. Some are elderly men who grew up in these hutongs and remember when they were lined with coal stoves and shared courtyards. The ride itself is bumpy and slow, but that’s exactly what you want in a district designed for foot traffic, not cars.
Most tourists know about the subway, but few realize that Beijing has an extensive suburban railway network—the S-train lines—that connects the city center to outlying districts and even neighboring provinces. These trains are rarely crowded, offer scenic views, and cost a fraction of what you’d pay for a private car.
The most useful line for tourists is the S2, which runs from Beijing North Railway Station to Yanqing District, home to the Badaling section of the Great Wall. Unlike the chaotic bus tours that pack you into a coach with 50 other people, the S2 is a relaxed, 80-minute ride through the mountains. The train passes through tunnels and over bridges, with views of the wall appearing in the distance. Tickets are about 6 yuan, and you can buy them at the station or with a transit card.
Another overlooked route is the S1 line, which runs from Pingguoyuan to Mentougou District. This line skirts the western hills, passing through rural villages and forests that feel a world away from Beijing’s skyscrapers. It’s perfect for a day trip to Tanzhe Temple or the Jietai Temple, both of which are quieter alternatives to the Forbidden City. The trains run every 30-60 minutes, so plan ahead, but the lack of crowds makes it worth the effort.
Beijing is not Venice, but it has a network of canals that date back to the Yuan Dynasty. Most of these waterways are used for drainage or irrigation, but a few have been restored for leisure boating. The most famous is the Tonghui River, which runs through the city’s eastern suburbs, but there’s also a shorter route along the moat near the Temple of Heaven.
The canal boats are not a practical way to get from point A to point B—they’re slow and have limited schedules. But for a sunset cruise, they’re unbeatable. Boats depart from piers near the Yonghegong Lama Temple or the Dongbianmen Watchtower, and the ride takes you past ancient bridges, willow trees, and modern apartment blocks that tower over the water. The commentary is usually in Chinese, but the visuals speak for themselves.
Tickets cost around 50 yuan per person, and boats run from April to October. The best time to go is late afternoon, when the light turns golden and the city’s noise fades. It’s a transport option that prioritizes experience over efficiency—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
If you want to see how Beijingers actually get around, forget the subway and try a shared minibus. These are small vans, often unmarked, that operate on fixed routes in the city’s outskirts. They’re chaotic, uncomfortable, and occasionally terrifying, but they’re also a window into a side of Beijing that most tourists never see.
Minibuses are common in areas like the southern suburbs or near the Fifth Ring Road, where public transport is sparse. Drivers shout destinations out the window, and passengers flag them down like taxis. The fare is negotiable—usually 5-10 yuan—and you might share the ride with chickens, luggage, or a dozen other people. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re heading to a less touristy attraction like the Marco Polo Bridge or the Wanping Fortress, a minibus can get you there faster than a bus and cheaper than a taxi.
The catch is safety. These minibuses are not regulated like official taxis, and drivers sometimes speed or ignore traffic rules. Sit near the door, keep your belongings close, and trust your instincts. If the van looks dangerously overloaded, wait for the next one.
Beijing’s night bus network is a lifeline for shift workers and late-night revelers, but tourists rarely use it. That’s a shame, because a night bus ride through the city after midnight is a surreal experience. The streets are empty, the neon signs are still lit, and the bus itself is often half-empty, with passengers who are either exhausted or drunk.
Lines like the Night 1 or Night 2 run along major corridors like Chang’an Avenue, passing landmarks like the Forbidden City and the National Theatre. The buses are clean, safe, and run every 30-60 minutes from around 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Fares are the same as daytime buses—about 2 yuan—and you can use a transit card. The only downside is that stops are less frequent, so you might have to walk a bit to reach your destination.
For photographers, the night bus is a gift. The city’s architecture is dramatically lit, and the lack of traffic means you can capture long-exposure shots without worrying about cars. Just bring a jacket—Beijing’s nights can be chilly, even in summer.
Electric scooters, or diandongche, are everywhere in Beijing. They’re cheap, fast, and easy to park, making them the preferred mode of transport for delivery drivers, students, and anyone who hates traffic jams. Tourists rarely consider renting one, but it’s possible if you know where to look.
Some hotels and hostels offer scooter rentals for about 50-80 yuan per day. You’ll need a valid driver’s license (an international permit is not always accepted, so check ahead), and you should be comfortable navigating Beijing’s chaotic streets. Helmets are legally required, but enforcement is spotty.
The advantage of a scooter is freedom. You can explore the city’s outskirts—places like the Olympic Park or the 798 Art District—without waiting for buses or paying for taxis. You can also weave through traffic in a way that cars can’t, cutting your travel time in half. The downside is that Beijing’s drivers are not always scooter-friendly, and the air quality can be poor. If you’re adventurous and cautious, though, a scooter turns Beijing into your personal playground.
Pedicabs are three-wheeled bicycles with a passenger seat in the front. They’re common in tourist areas like the Summer Palace or the Temple of Heaven, but they’re also used by locals for short trips. Unlike rickshaws, pedicabs are pedal-powered, which means they’re quieter and more eco-friendly.
The best pedicab routes are in parks. At the Summer Palace, for example, you can hire a pedicab to take you from the main gate to the Long Corridor, saving your legs for the climb up Longevity Hill. At the Temple of Heaven, pedicabs ferry visitors between the main halls, offering a breezy ride through the cypress groves.
Prices are negotiable, but expect to pay around 20-30 yuan for a short ride. The drivers are often older men who know the park’s history and can point out details you’d miss on foot. It’s not a practical way to cross the city, but within a tourist site, it’s a charming alternative to walking.
The Airport Express is one of Beijing’s most efficient transport options, but most tourists only use it to get to or from the airport. That’s a missed opportunity. The line has three stations—Dongzhimen, Sanyuanqiao, and Terminal 3—and each one offers connections to other parts of the city.
What’s overlooked is that the Airport Express is also a great way to reach the eastern suburbs. Sanyuanqiao, for instance, is a hub for buses that go to the 798 Art District or the Chaoyang Park area. Dongzhimen connects to the subway and the trolleybus network, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the hutongs.
The train itself is comfortable, with luggage racks and digital displays. The fare is 25 yuan, which is more expensive than the subway but still cheaper than a taxi. If you’re staying near the eastern part of the city, the Airport Express can be a faster and more reliable option than driving, especially during rush hour.
It sounds obvious, but walking is one of the most overlooked transport options in Beijing. The city is surprisingly walkable in certain areas, especially around the old city center. The hutongs, the lakes, and the parks are all best explored on foot, and you’ll discover things that no vehicle can show you.
Consider the route from the Forbidden City to the Drum Tower. It’s about 3 kilometers, and it takes you past Jingshan Park, the Bell Tower, and dozens of small shops and restaurants. Or the walk along the moat near the Temple of Heaven, where you can see locals practicing tai chi or playing badminton. Walking forces you to slow down and notice the details—the carved stone bridges, the street art, the smells of street food.
The only challenge is Beijing’s size. You can’t walk everywhere, but you can walk between clusters of attractions. Combine walking with one or two of the transport options above, and you’ll have a richer, more varied experience than any subway map can offer.
Beijing rewards those who stray from the beaten path. The subway and taxis are fine, but they’re the equivalent of reading a city’s Wikipedia page—efficient but shallow. The transport options outlined here are slower, less convenient, and sometimes confusing, but they offer something that speed can’t: connection. Whether it’s the elderly trolleybus driver who smiles as you board, the bike-share that takes you down a lane no car can fit, or the night bus that shows you the city’s quiet side, these overlooked modes of travel turn a trip into a story.
So next time you’re in Beijing, leave the subway map in your pocket. Grab a bike, hail a rickshaw, or just walk. The city is waiting to be discovered—one slow ride at a time.
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Author: Beijing Travel
Link: https://beijingtravel.github.io/travel-blog/beijings-most-overlooked-transport-options.htm
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