HOW TO find subway maps in Beijing
Getting subway maps in Beijing should be much easier than it currently is. It’s a baffling problem; it’s a major city with a huge subway system and yet there are no take-away-able subway maps at the station. If you ask one of the attendants, they’ll just point you to the poster maps or give you a confused look.
btw: Subway (dì tiě / 地铁) + Map (dì tú / 地图) = Subway Map (dì tiě dì tú / 地铁地图)
Bookstores
Beijing subway maps are available in bookstores. Usually. You might have to hit a few bookstores until you find one with a tourist section.
Go to a hotel
Another easy way is to drop into any hotel and just ask for a map. Better hotels have better maps.
Tourist Centres
If you go to tourist attractions in Beijing you are bound to find a Tourist Centre booth. Easy to get a city map or a subway map of Beijing there.
Buy” a temporary subway card
The one-ride subway cards have maps printed on one side. Great if you want a subway map that you can fit in your wallet. Next time you’re taking the subway, buy two tickets for your destination; one for your actual ride and one to keep in your wallet.
If you’re a germophobe, I would drench these babies in hand sanitizer, I’ve seen people pick their nails, teeth nose and ears with these bad boys.
