Fast, reliable, cheap, intimate - what's not to like about Beijing's subway system? In October 2007, the city unfurled an exhilarating new ticket price strategy: Rides cost a flat fee of RMB 2 re­gardless of number of transfers, distance, time of day or duration of travel. However, this benedic­tion is rumored to be temporary, encouraging us to open our hearts to the sexy new Line 5.

Swipe a smartcard or buy same-day tickets in the station. The first trains are at 5am (metro rail) and 6am (light rail), while last trains are at 10.30pm and l 1pm, respectively.