Meet the Line That'll Take You From Changping to Miyun
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When you hear people talking about catching the subway, it's usually thought of as a means to get from point A to point B within the city. But did you know Beijing also boasts a subway line that can take you to the northern suburbs?
The suburban line, also called the S5 Line, has been in operation since 2017. Stretching from Beijing North (北京北 běijīng běi) in Xicheng to Gubeikou (古北口 gǔběikǒu) in the town of Miyun, the line spans a total length of 144.8 km, with 7 stations. It can take you to a number of interesting areas – from the ancient Ming Tombs (明十三陵 míng shísān líng) in Changping to the spectacular gorges of Qinglong Gorge (青龙峡 qīnglóngxiá), the Black Dragon Pond (黑龙潭 hēi lóngtán), and Wuzhen-style architecture in Gubei Water Town (古北水镇 gǔběi shuǐ zhèn). If you're not one for driving or catching a cab to get to these places, there's no better way to see these vast 'burbs than by taking the S5.
If you're looking for a quick getaway this National Holiday but don't want to venture too far outside Beijing, then this is the guide for you!
If you take Subway Line 2 or line 4, you can get off at Xizhimen (西直门 xīzhímén) and use Exit A1 or A2. (Use exit E2 or F1 if you are coming from Subway Line 13). Once exited, there will be clear, blue signs that will direct your way to Beijing North Station.
You can scan your ticket through the 亿通行 (yìtōngxíng) app, the same app you use for your daily subway rides.
The entire trip, spanning Beijing North to Gubeikou, costs RMB 12. A ticket from Beijing North to Yanqi Lake (雁栖湖 yànqīhú), the line's halfway point, is only RMB 9.
I definitely recommend Yanqi Lake, which once hosted an APEC meeting in 2014. Hit up the walking trails and watch as wild geese fly across the lake, headed south before winter hits. It’s quite a stunning view. My favorite thing is to have a little picnic on the lawn by the lake. You can go with a group of friends and play games while listening to geese honking away.
I was only a 10-year-old when I first visited Heilongtan, but I have fond memories of the place. If you like hiking while surrounded by rocky, jagged mountains and deep, cool ponds, this is a spot you won't want to miss!
For stunning evening or nighttime views in an ancient town but can't quite make it to Wuzhen, Gubei Watertown is your best bet as a replacement. The town has a wide array of restaurants to enjoy all kinds of eats – from mom-and-pop places dishing out beef stew to classic steakhouses – it has everything to fill up a hungry belly. Also, be sure to hit up a spot called Hilltop Church (山顶教堂 shāndǐng jiàotáng), where you'll be treated to panoramic views of of the entire town.
Read: Where to Explore Ancient Villages in the Suburbs of Beijing
Images: Dianping, Weibo
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