Beijing Subway Line 2 in-depth play strategy:Ditan Park admission ticket and one-stop clock in imperial capital essence

Don’t worry about traffic anymore! This Metro Line 2, which surrounds the core area of Beijing, is your golden tourist line. 24 stations connect the history, culture, food, and shopping essence of the imperial capital, and you can play the capital with a transportation card! Follow me to unlock the most convenient journey to the imperial capital.

1. Highlight sites and must-visit attractions

1. Jishuitan Station

Deshengmen Arrow Tower: One of the nine gates of the inner city of Beijing in the Ming and Qing dynasties, the majestic posture still exists.

Admission: Free (appearance), reservations are required to climb the stairs and may be charged (opening conditions are subject to change, it is recommended to check before leaving).

Opening hours: Exterior can be visited all day.

Location & Exit: Exit B2 and walk north for about 5 minutes.

Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall: Commemorate the outstanding scientists of the Yuan Dynasty and learn about the achievements of ancient astronomy and water conservancy.

Tickets: Free (advance reservation required on the official public account)

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-16:00 (closed on Mondays).

Location & Exit: Located in the Huitong Ancestral Hall on the west side of Jishuitan Bridge, about 10 minutes walk west along the riverside trail from Deshengmen West Street.

2. Gulou Street Station

Bell and Drum Tower: The timekeeping center of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, feel the “evening drum and morning bell”.

Tickets: The full price of the Drum Tower is 20 yuan, the full price of the Bell Tower is 15 yuan, and the joint ticket is 30 yuan. Reservations must be made in advance on the official account of “Beijing Bell and Drum Tower”.

Opening hours: peak season (end of April to end of October) 9:30-17:30 (ticket sales stop at 17:00);

Low season 9:30-16:30 (ticket sales stop at 16:00).

Closed on Mondays (except holidays).

Location & Exit: Exit B and walk south along Old Gulou Street for about 10 minutes.

Strategy: There is a drumming performance in the drum tower (the number of performances is fixed, pay attention to the announcement), and the view from the tower is excellent. The steps of the bell tower are steep, and you can do what you can.

Note: The flow of people is huge during peak seasons and holidays, so it is recommended to arrive early or off-peak. The stairs are steep, so pay attention to safety.

3. Andingmen Station

Ditan Park: The place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the “Imperial Earth God”, famous for Ginkgo Avenue.

Tickets: Park tickets are 2 yuan; Imperial Room tickets are 5 yuan (need to be purchased separately).

Opening hours: Peak season (May 1-October 31) 6:00-21:30;

Low season (November 1 – April 30) 6:00-20:30. The garden within the garden (such as the Imperial Chamber) is usually open from 8:30 to 17:00.

Location & Exit: Exit A leads to the south gate of the park.

Strategy: Autumn (late October and early November) when ginkgo biloba is golden is the most beautiful. Weekdays are a good place for citizens to relax and exercise, and the atmosphere is quiet. Near the west gate is the famous Golden Ding Pavilion (open 24 hours).

4. Lama Temple Station – The Core Stop!

Lama Temple: One of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist temples in Beijing, formerly known as the Yongzheng Emperor’s residence

Tickets: $25. It is highly recommended to make an appointment and purchase tickets in advance on the official public account of “Lama Temple Tourist and Believer Service”! There may be long queues at the on-site ticket window.

Opening hours: peak season (April 1-October 31) 9:00-16:30;

Low season (November 1-March 31) 9:00-16:00.

Location & Exit: Exit C (Southwest Exit) and walk south for about 5 minutes to the North Gate (Main Entrance).

Strategy: There are relatively few people in the morning. You can get incense for free when you enter. The visit route usually runs from south to north along the central axis. The French logistics office is very popular, and there is a queue on demand. Maintain silence and respect religious practices.

Note: Photography and videography are prohibited in the hall. Dress appropriately.

Confucius Temple and Guozijian: The highest institution of education and the place of worship of Confucius in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, with profound cultural heritage.

Tickets: 30 yuan for joint tickets (can be reserved on the official account of “Confucius Temple and Guozijian Museum” or purchased on site).

Opening hours: 8:30-18:00 (high season), 8:30-17:00 (low season) (closed on Mondays).

Location & Exit: Exit F of Lama Temple Station, walk south along Lama Temple Street for about 200 meters, turn right at the Guozijian Street Archway (opposite Lama Temple).

Strategy: Feel the ancient education system and appreciate a large number of Jinshi inscriptions. The environment is quiet and quaint.

Wudaoying Hutong: A gathering place for literary and artistic petty bourgeoisie, with many specialty shops, cafes and restaurants.

Admission: Free.

Opening hours: The store is usually around 10:00-22:00.

Location & Exit; You can reach both ends of the alley in a few minutes, just a few minutes’ walk from Exit D of Lama Temple Station or Exit A of Andingmen Station.

Strategy: Suitable for leisurely strolling, taking photos, and looking for small items. Compared with Nanluoguxiang, it is quieter and more exquisite. We recommend “Sycamore Coffee” and “METAL HANDS”.

5. Dongzhimen Station

Russian Cultural Center/Russian Embassy in China: (Exterior) Complex with a distinctive Russian style.

Tickets: Free (appearance).

Opening hours: Exterior can be visited all day.

Location & Exit: Exit B1, walk north along Dongzhimen North Middle Street.

Strategy: Suitable for tourists who are interested in architecture to take photos and check in. The interior is generally not open to the public.

Contemporary MOMA: Avant-garde Art Community, which includes Kubrick Bookstore and Broadway Movie Center.

Admission: Free (access to the community).

Opening hours: The community is open all day, and the internal stores have their own business hours.

Location & Exit: A little walk from Dongzhimen Station (about 15-20 minutes), or you can consider bus/cycling. The nearest metro is Liufang Station on Line 13.

6. Higashi 40-jo Station

Poly Theater: An important venue for elegant art performances in Beijing.

Tickets: Depends on the show.

Opening hours: Open when there is a performance, please check the performance information of the day.

Location & Exit: Exit D is just out.

Strategy: Tourists who are interested in concerts, dramas, dances, etc. can check the official website or ticketing website in advance to purchase tickets.

7. Chaoyangmen Station

Zhihua Temple (Beijing Cultural Museum Exchange Hall): An ancient temple in the Ming Dynasty, famous for its Beijing music and exquisite algae wells.

Tickets: 20 yuan (reservation must be made on the official account of “Zhihua Temple”).

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8:30-16:30 (ticket sales/admission ends at 16:00), closed on Mondays.

Location & Exit: Exit G or H, walk west along Chaoyangmen Inner Street for about 10 minutes, inside Lumicang Hutong.

Guide: There are precious Kyoto music performances (about 20 minutes) at 10:00 a.m. and 15:00 p.m. every day, so don’t miss it! Admire the Ming Dynasty wheel collection and algae wells.

Beijing Dongyue Temple (Beijing Folk Museum): The largest temple of the Taoist Zhengyi sect in North China, known for its inscriptions and folk culture.

Tickets: 10 yuan (need to make an appointment on the official account of “Beijing Folk Museum”).

Opening hours: 8:30-16:30 (last admission at 16:00), closed on Mondays.

Location & Exit: Exit A, cross the intersection north (facing the street).

Strategy: Learn about Taoist culture and old Beijing folklore. There are a large number of stele forests, which are worth taking a closer look at.

8. Jianguomen Station

Beijing Ancient Observatory: One of the oldest observatories in the world, displaying exquisite ancient astronomical instruments.

Tickets: 20 yuan (need to make an appointment on the official account of the “Beijing Planetarium” to purchase tickets for the ancient observatory).

Opening hours: Peak season (March 15-October 15) 9:00-17:30 (last admission at 17:00);

Low season 9:00-16:30 (last admission at 16:00).

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (except statutory holidays).

Location & Exit: Exit C, walk east for about 5-7 minutes, located at the southwest corner of Jianguomun Interchange.

Strategy: Take the stage to see bronze astronomical instruments up close and learn about ancient astronomical achievements.

China Customs Museum: Learn about the history and development of Chinese customs.

Tickets: Free (you need to exchange tickets at the entrance with your ID card or make a reservation on the official account in advance).

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-16:30 (last admission at 16:00), closed on Mondays.

Location & Exit: About 5 minutes walk east along Jianguomen Inner Street from the ancient observatory, at the entrance of Dawool Hutong. Pay attention to the signage.

Strategy: The highlight is the “Customs 902” boat in the underground exhibition hall (which served and witnessed Deng Xiaoping’s southern tour speech).

9. Beijing Station

Beijing Station: One of the “Top Ten Buildings” of the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a landmark building with the characteristics of the times.

Admission: Free (exterior and public areas inside the station).

Opening hours: All day (valid tickets are required for boarding in the station).

Location & Exit: The MRT station is seamlessly connected to the train station.

Guide: Suitable for architecture enthusiasts and nostalgic travelers to take photos. Note that this is a transportation hub, with a dense flow of people, so take care of your belongings.

10. Chongwenmen Station

Ming City Wall Ruins Park: The only remaining remains of the Ming Dynasty city wall in Beijing, you can climb the city for a stroll.

Tickets: Entrance fees: 10 yuan (only the southeast corner tower and a short section of the city wall to the west). The park itself is free to visit.

Opening hours: Park: Open all day.

Entrance to the city (southeast corner tower): 8:30-17:00 in peak season;

Off-season 8:30-16:30 (may be fine-tuned).

Location & Exit: Exit B/C and walk south for about 5 minutes to the park (the landing point is at the corner tower at the east end of the park).

Strategy: Spring (late March and early April) when plum blossoms are in full bloom are the most beautiful. Climbing the city wall, you can overlook ancient and modern buildings such as Beijing Railway Station and China Zun. There is an exhibition of the history of the Beijing city wall in the corner tower. The park is a good place for citizens to relax.

11. Qianmen Station – Core Site!

Qianmen Street & Dashilan: A commercial pedestrian street with a strong Beijing flavor.

Admission: Free.

Opening hours: The store is usually around 9:00-22:00.

Location & Exit: Exit B or C leads to the south end of the street.

Strategy: Take a bell car (tram) to experience the old style (charged). Visit time-honored brands such as Ruifenxiang (silk cloth), Neiliansheng (cloth shoes), Tongrentang (traditional Chinese medicine), and Zhang Yiyuan (tea). Taste Quanjude (roast duck), Duyi (shumai), Tianxingju (fried liver) and other delicacies. The Great Barrier (pronounced Da Shi Lanr) is the essence area, go inside.

Yangmeizhu Xie Street: Adjacent to Dashilan, small shops and cafes with a more literary and artistic atmosphere and design.

Admission: Free.

Opening hours: The store is usually around 11:00-20:00.

Location & Exit: Turn west from the middle section of Qianmen Street (near the west entrance of Dashilan).

Strategy: Avoid the hustle and bustle of the main street and enjoy a more leisurely time shopping and drinking coffee.

China Railway Museum (Zhengyangmen Pavilion): Located on the site of the former Zhengyangmen East Station of the Beijing-Fengfeng Railway, it displays the history of China’s railway development.

Tickets: Free (reservations must be made at the “Beijing Cultural Museum” or “China Railway Museum” official account).

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:00), closed on Mondays.

Location & Exit: Exit C of Qianmen Station, southeast side of Zhengyangmen Tower.

Strategy: The building itself is a cultural relic, and the exhibition is highly interactive, suitable for parents and children.

12. Peace Gate Station

Liulichang Cultural Street: A cultural street with a long history, famous for the four treasures of the study, ancient books and paintings, and antiques.

Admission: Free.

Opening hours: The store is usually around 9:00-18:00.

Location & Exit: Exit D, walk south for about 5-7 minutes.

Strategy: Divided into East Street (more calligraphy and painting) and West Street (more study rooms and four treasures, antiques). Visit famous stores such as Rongbaozhai (calligraphy and painting), Chinese bookstore (ancient books), Dai Yuexuan (lake pen), and Yidege (ink). Feel the traditional cultural atmosphere.

13. Xuanwumen Station

Fayuan Temple: The oldest existing Buddhist temple in Beijing, famous for its lilacs.

Tickets: 5 yuan.

Opening hours: 8:30-16:00.

Location & Exit: Exit C, walk south along Xuanwumenwai Street, turn east when you see Jiaozi Hutong, walk for about 15 minutes. Or closer from Exit D of Caishikou Station.

Strategy: Spring (April) is the best time for lilacs to bloom. The temple is simple and quiet, with few pilgrims, suitable for meditation.

Xuannan Culture Museum (Changchun Temple): Displays the history and culture of Beijing’s Xuannan area (south of Xuanwu Gate).

Tickets: Free (reservation is required at the official account of “Beijing Xuannan Culture Museum”).

Opening hours: 9:00-16:30 (last admission at 16:00), closed on Mondays.

Location & Exit: East side of Hogenji Temple, which can be visited together.

14. Changchun Street Station

Baoguo Temple and Baoguo Temple Collection Market: (Note: The opening of Baoguo Temple as a place of religious activities may change, and the collection market has undergone many changes, and the current antique market atmosphere is not as good as before)

Admission: Free (temple admission).

Opening hours: The opening hours of the temple need to be confirmed on-site. The market atmosphere needs to be visited on the spot.

Location & Exit: Exit C and walk south for about 5 minutes.

Strategy: At present, it is mainly small-scale exchanges such as ancient coins and old books and periodicals. Tourists with a general interest in the antique market can go as appropriate.

15. Fuxingmen Station

China Central Radio and Television Tower: Climb high to overlook the city of Beijing.

Tickets: Adult tickets for the observation deck are about 80 yuan (prices fluctuate from time to time, it is recommended to check the official website or group buying platform).

Opening hours: 8:30-22:00.

Location & Exit: Exit A, walk west for about 15-20 minutes, or transfer to the bus for more convenience.

Strategy: Excellent visibility when the weather is clear. There is a revolving restaurant in the tower (reservation required).

16. Fuchengmen Station

Lu Xun Museum (Lu Xun’s Former Residence in Beijing): Lu Xun’s last residence in Beijing is well preserved.

Tickets: Free (reservation required at the official account of “Beijing Lu Xun Museum”).

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-16:00 (last admission at 15:30),

The museum is closed on Mondays.

Location & Exit: Exit B, walk east for about 10 minutes.

Strategy: Visit the original display and life exhibition of Lu Xun’s former residence. Books are available for purchase at bookstores.

Miaoying Temple White Pagoda: An important symbol of the remains of the Yuan Dynasty, a Tibetan Buddhist pagoda.

Tickets: 20 yuan (reservation must be made on the official account of “Beijing White Pagoda Temple”).

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (ticket sales stop at 16:30), closed on Mondays.

Location & Exit: Opposite the road to the Lu Xun Museum to the east.

Strategy: Praying for blessings around the tower is a tradition. After the transformation of the surrounding hutongs (east and west branches at the palace gate, etc.), there are many special cafes (such as Polonio, Yao Coffee) and small shops, which are popular places for taking photos and taking a break.

2. Line 2 Golden Guide

1. Transportation tools: It is highly recommended to use the “Beijing All-in-One Card” APP or mobile phone NFC transportation card (such as Apple Pay/Huawei Wallet, etc. to open the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Interconnection Card), and swipe your mobile phone when entering and exiting the station, saving the trouble of queuing up to buy tickets. You can also purchase a one-way ticket or a physical card at the station self-service machine.

2. Must-experience site recommendation:

In-depth historical and cultural tour: Lama Temple Station (Lama Temple + Guozijian Confucius Temple) -> Chaoyangmen Station (Zhihua Temple) -> Jianguomen Station (Ancient Observatory) -> Qianmen Station (Qianmen Street/Railway Museum).

Roaming in literary and artistic alleys: Lama Temple Station (Wudaoying Hutong) -> Qianmen Station (Yangmeizhu Xie Street) -> Fuchengmen Station (alleys around Baita Temple).

Old Beijing style experience: Gulou Street Station (Bell and Drum Tower) -> Qianmen Station (Qianmen Dashilan) -> Hepingmen Station (Liulichang).

Park leisure viewing: Andingmen Station (Ditan Park) -> Chongwenmen Station (Ming City Wall Ruins Park).

3. Time planning: The ring line of Line 2 runs for about 40 minutes a week. But sightseeing takes a lot of time. It is recommended to focus on choosing 2-3 areas (site groups) for in-depth play a day to avoid rushing around.

For example: Lama Temple + Guozijian in the morning, Ditan or Wudaoying Hutong in the afternoon; Or Qianmen Dashilan in the morning and Tiananmen Square in the afternoon (need to go from Tiananmen East/West Station of Line 1/8).

4. Off-peak travel: Try to avoid weekend and holiday peaks at popular attractions (such as Lama Temple, Qianmen, Bell and Drum Tower). Weekday mornings are usually a good time when there are relatively few people.

5. Comfortable equipment: The core area of Beijing is densely populated and requires a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable sneakers! Prepare sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), rain gear, or warm clothing depending on the season.

3. Important precautions

1. Make an appointment! Booking! Booking! This is the top priority when traveling in Beijing! The Forbidden City, the National Museum, the Lama Temple, Tiananmen Square, and popular museums almost all need to make a real-name reservation on the official public account or designated platform 1-7 days in advance. Be sure to plan your trip in advance and make a reservation, otherwise you may end up in a closed door! The attractions that need to be reserved are indicated in the text.

2. Bring your ID card: Almost all attractions and museums require an original ID card to enter (including those that are free but require a reservation), so be sure to carry them with you and keep them safe.

3. Normalization of security checks: Security checks are required to enter the subway, key scenic spots, squares, etc. Liquids, power banks, etc. may need to be checked separately. Cooperate with the security check and reserve time.

4. Be wary of illegal “one-day tours”: In Qianmen, Tiananmen and other places, do not believe in low-priced “one-day tours” that distribute small advertisements on the side of the road or take the initiative to strike up conversations, there are many traps.

5. Take good care of your belongings: In densely populated places such as subways, buses, and scenic spots, pay attention to your mobile phone, wallet and other valuables, and beware of pickpocketing.

6. Respect cultural customs: Maintain quiet and solemn religious places (such as Lama Temple, Fayuan Temple) and abide by regulations (such as no photography, no noise, no touching of Buddha statues and cultural relics in the hall, etc.).

7. Civilized tourism: Take care of cultural relics, monuments and public facilities, do not carve and draw, and do not litter. Observe order in public places.

When you get on Line 2, you are on a time train through ancient and modern times. From royal altars to market alleys, from thousand-year-old temples to new landmarks of literature and art

This loop perfectly connects Beijing’s thickness and vividness. Swipe your transportation card, take this guide, and go! The thousands of weather in the imperial capital are waiting for you at the next stop.