Day 1 (31 Oct 2009) :- KL - Tianjin Airport – Beijing part 2

9.50 a.m – Welcome to Beijing South Station (subway access).erm, the station looks and feel like KL Sentral, but it’s more spacious and well designed.

Subway station looks like the same as KL. But, the only difference is that, passenger have to pass the security checked-they will scan all your belonging. It’s quit annoying because you have to do it every time you want to board subway. But whatever! Just follow the rules, don’t try do make a mess here, ok, or you might be being shoot!.(O_*)huhu.

f.a.q : what is the first thing I should do here?

answ : buy a Yikatong (an integrated circuit card (ICC card) that can store credit for multiple rides)it’s so worth it!, very convenient - because you don’t have to buy a one way ticket everytime you want to use subway (time effective) (like RAPIDPASS card) (cost – 20Y-need to recharge it, if out of balance). Flat rate for one way - 2Y.

Yikatong can be used for taxi ride,and city buses too.The system is expected to be further expanded for payments of parking fees and expressway tolls.-hey, we also have that->‘Touch&Go’.

f.a.q : What I’m supposed to do, if my Yikatong is out of balance?

answ: You can add credit toYikatong at ticket counters or vending machines in any subway station.

f.a.q : How to use Yikatong?

Answer : just touch your Yikatong on the gate panel. )-like putra LRT/dll . Click herehttp://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/feature_2/Subway_Tour/ (teach you virtually how to use it)-very interactive Or http://www.bjsubway.com/ for more info

f.a.q : How I want to read a Beijing Subway map ?

answer: it’s easy - download and study the Beijing Subway Map (download the map with English and chinese character –it’s really help a lot, especially when you want to ask the Chinese where you want to go, they always refer to the Chinese word) Refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Beijing-Subway.png, http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing/transportation/subway.htm

I did booked a hostel from airasia hostel, and it is at Qianmen. To reach there, I have to take subway from Beijing South, Line 4 to Xuanwumen station (subway interchange station), then change to Line 2 to Qianmen.
About Qianmen Hostel – from my point of view

Location:-tip top, easy to access via subway, near Tianmen Square, Forbidden City, – Just a walking distance, easy to find food around here, and quit cheap.

Room and services:-the room and bathroom is clean, everything in good condition, the receptionist and all the staff was really nice, helpful, and yes, they can speak English. Other facilities:-internet access, TV room,& cafe’.-please ask about room price, as you can bargain actually, hehe can get much cheaper.. :p

Tips : Don’t forget to buy a sim card for phone.(I bought China Mobile).You’ll need it for booking a hostel/flight or train/call your friends/call back home. It’s only cost you 100Y with 50Y credit. It’s a prepaid line; you can buy a top-up card at any phone store. If you can’t understand the instructions, ask the store lady/guy to do it for you. It’s much easy and cheap rather than roaming your line.