Memoirs of Beijing

Last August 1, the Beijing South Station officially started operations and the first train out was the new C-trains to Tianjin.  These trains travel at a top speed of 350 kilometers per hours or 100 meters per second.  Travelling  between Beijing and Tianjin is further cut into half from the previous 1 hour to 30 mins.

One way ticket cost 69 yuan for first class and 58 yuan for second class.  The picture on the right is in the second class area.  Tickets can be purchased at the train stations (main, west and south)  3 days in advance.

According to my friend who travels to Tianjin regularly, there are a lot of people currently riding the C-trains because it’s new.   Travelling to the South station is not too convenient as you can either take the bus or taxi only.    The nearest subway stop is Xuanwumen in line 2 then ride a taxi bound south past 6 major roads.   It’s located in between the South 2nd ring road and third ring road.

Make sure you know where you’re getting off in Tianjin as they could either take you to Tianjin Main (天津站) or Tianjin West (天津西站) Station.

Pictures from xinhua

To accommodate the needs of people with disabilities during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Chinese government recently introduced taxis which are wheelchair accessible.  These taxis, they say are similar to London taxi cabs.  However, the colors are either navy blue and yellow or white and yellow.

I happen to see one last weekend and they are cute!  They look like the cars in the 60s which looks new and shiny.  These taxis are made by the local car manufacturer, Geely.

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