Subway in BJ

Really well done. All stations are 2 rmb  but only takes 5, 10, 20 and 50 notes.

Ticket machines only. Has English menu. All the maps are English and Chinese. The maps show which stations are 'change' stations. Just locate the stop you need, then work back to the station you are at. One you remember which stations you need to change, the rest is easy.

Each platform pretty much has the line running both ways in the same place. Just look up to see the electronic signs showing which way the train is headed. If it's the wrong way, turn 180 and get on the opp train. The train inside has an electronic board with its line map - a blinking light shows which stop is next, also bilingual. The trains move very fast. I caught a train during peak hour (around 7pm) and there was one on the same line arriving every 2-3 minutes. Each platform only does one line, so you can't accidentally get on the wrong train.

When you have to change, I found that right after stepping out there was clear signage showing me which way to the required platform.

Not only that, there are also signs for exits which name the main attractions out that exit. This is really handy when exits can be 100m from each other. The ticket is a plastic credit card which you just stick in the machine and it gets swallowed at the end of the trip.

Xray scanning is compulsory for all bags. They may be suspicious of  clear liquids.