Five new subway lines broaden local horizons

On Dec 30, Beijing's subway system got not one but five new subway lines and line extensions, bringing once remote parts of the city's periphery well within the reach of more centrally based residents. METRO took a trip out to see what Beijing's suburbs have to offer.

Commuters walk down the stairs at Life Science Park Station on the Changping Line. Photo by Natalie Thomas / For China Daily

Line 15

The claret-colored line stretches out to the northeast, connecting Wangjing West to Houshayu. For those who love shopping and all things Korean, the new Wangjing line has much to offer.

Maquanying station lies a stone's throw from Beijing Scitech Outlet Mall. Part shopping mall, part Orange County suburb, here you will find major high-end labels at discounted prices, without the crowds of somewhere like Xidan.

Wangjing station also finally makes downtown Wangjing, with its abundance of Korean restaurants and shops, easily accessible for those living in other parts of the city.

Yizhuang Line

The dazzling pink line begins at the foot of Line 5 and brings southwest Beijing 13 new stops from Xiaocunqiao to Ciqu.

Of greatest interest to city dwellers is Yizhuang Culture Park, which has its very own subway station. A large park with a lake, plenty of green open spaces and a number of futuristic-looking sculptures, Yizhuang Culture Park offers a quiet and easily-accessible place to escape the chaos of the capital.

Of the five lines, Yizhuang Line also takes travelers to some of the least urbanized parts of Beijing. Those venturing out should be prepared to leave their usual city comforts behind.

Daxing Line

Forging ever southward, the aqua-colored Daxing Line continues from Line 4's terminus Gongyixiqiao to Tiangongyuan.

Similar to the Yizhuang Line, the Daxing Line once again takes trippers out to parts of the city without KFCs or Starbucks for miles.

It does, however, also bring them to the China Printing Museum via the Qingyuanlu stop. The largest printing museum in the world, this building traces the history of printing from its invention in ancient China up to the present day. It is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed on Mondays) and costs 20 yuan.

Fangshan Line

Currently a subway line orphan, the orange Fangshan Line - which stretches southwest from Dabaotai to Suzhuang - will join the subway grid when Line 9 opens later this year.

The Dabaotai stop makes the Western Han Imperial Tombs easily accessible to city residents. Much lesser known than its Qing and Ming dynasty counterparts, the Western Han Dynasty dates ran from 206 BC to AD 24.

Visitors will be able to check out dynasty relics as well as the preserved remains of three carriages and 11 horses buried alive with the emperor.

The tombs - open from 9 am to 6 pm with 10-yuan admission - have been spared the over-enthusiastic restoration treatment of many Chinese historical sites, making for a refreshing change.