What is the best card for a 5-day tourist in Beijing?

1. Beijing Pass is specially designed for foreigners travelling to Beijing and can be used for metro trains, buses and even scenic spots ticketing. You can purchase the pass and get the refund at Daxing Airport.
2. The cards cannot be topped up by credit card. You can top up the Beijing Pass at service counters at all metro stations or on the self-service machines.
3. It can be used for transportation and some scenic spots ticketing, not sure about the grocery and souvenir.

Because Beijing has real name verification policy for public transportation, I recommend using a transportation card even in one day trip.


About top 30 cities in China sells transportation card with China T-Union logo that don't require registration. You buy one and pump in a lot of money in it. It's good to go, and it won't cause much trouble. You can use it in most of China T-Union member cities.

Limitation is that you can only top it up and get a refund in the city you bought your card. If you're out of balancewhe you are in far away from original city, you will need to buy a new card.

Most of Yikatongs are now with China T-Union logo, there is no need to distinguish between Yikatong and Hutong Card.

Beijing Pass is another Yikatong, that has some shopping function. You can find a list of shops that support Beijing Pass on the net. Recent article written by a English speaking Chinese travel guide has that list on it.

Capital Airport T3and Daxing Airport Terminal Building have service desk at arrival floor and also in their subway station.

Please tell me if I understand correctly that when I return the Yikatong card, I receive a deposit immediately in cash, and the balance in a few days. Is it necessary to use my foreign passport when buying a card in order to return the deposit later?

If you use the handle service, you will get the deposit and also balance in cash. It's necessary to use your passport to buy the card and also return it.

You need to show your passport to prove that you don't have Chinese ID number. Then you won't have to register your name on your new Yikatong card or subway ticket.

It is still unclear that Beijing Pass is a sold card or a loan card. Yikatong issuer's web site is blocked access from overseas.

With under 100 Yuan balance, you should bet a refund immediately from designated places.

Hi,
1. Can i buy/return the Beijing Pass at Capital International Airport?
2. How much for the Beijing Pass?

1. You can buy one at capital airport but I'm not sure if you can return it.
2. The physical card is CNY20 and if you are using IPhone, you can also apply for one on the app SilkPass.

hello, may i ask about ticketing function of beijing pass? this mean i can top up money and use this card to purchase certain scenic spots ticket on beijing? do i as foreigner need to book in advance using this pass? or i can just bought the ticket of that scenic spot on the same day without booking in advance using this beijing pass? thank you in advance for answering my question

Yes, you are right and for some attractions, you can book on the same day, but famous ones like Temple of Heaven Summer Palace, Forbidden City still ask for reservation.