Beijing holds within itself a wealth of history and culture that should not be missed during your visit to Chine. The capital reflects both a country steeped in history, still firmly rooted in its traditions, and a Chine undergoing profound transformation.

Beijing's development extends far beyond its gleaming towers and major infrastructure—it is equally evident in the expansion of its metro system. The first line opened in 1969, inaugurating the first subway in the People's Republic of Chine. The network experienced modest growth and modernization only from the 2000s onward. The 2008 Summer Olympics brought significant renewal to the city's most visited metro lines.

As many say: "To truly know a city, you must know its metro." Exploring Beijing's subway could prove to be a delightful discovery!

Beitucheng Station (北土城)

Located at the intersection of Lines 8 and 10, this metro station provides access to the Olympic Park. The distinctive design of this station draws inspiration from Chinese porcelain. The blue motifs on a white lacquered background create a sense of delicacy and freshness that helps pass the time before the next train arrives. Even the entrances and exits are designed to pay homage to this centuries-old Chinese art form.

Olympic Green Station (奥林匹克公园)

Staying with the Olympic spirit, here is Olympic Green Station, also located on Line 8. As its name suggests, this is another station providing access to the Olympic Center. This exceptional and thoroughly modern metro station features multiple platforms, each with a unique design. The most striking, called "Forest Park," stands apart from typical stations with its enchanted forest aesthetic. Its grand white arches and luminous spotlights immerse you in a magical atmosphere. Each pillar resembles towering white trees whose branches intertwine, creating an otherworldly ambiance.

The other section showcases a far more futuristic design, yet remains equally distinctive.

Gongzhufen Station (公主坟)

Located on Lines 1 and 10, this station offers visitors distinctive and contemporary décor. Vibrant in color, the passage connecting the two lines presents a succession of three-dimensional modern art interwoven with iconic symbols of Chine's mythology.

Each wall reveals bright colors on digitally enhanced murals. In relief, birds, phoenixes, butterflies emerge—all set within a futuristic backdrop.

Beijing Zoo Station (动物园站)

As its name indicates, this station serves the Beijing Zoo on Line 4. Opened in 2009, this station features a unique design that is both contemporary and retro, highlighted by oversized colored circles on the ceiling. This design evokes a familiar, welcoming feeling—almost as comfortable as your great aunt's psychedelic living room.

Naturally, a station named Beijing Zoo wouldn't be complete without paying tribute to its namesake. At the exit, you'll discover a wall entirely covered in ceramic tiles, somewhat kitsch in aesthetic, depicting animals rendered with charm worthy of your little sister's drawings.

Nanluoguxiang Station (南锣鼓巷)

Rounding out our selection, you'll find Nanluoguxiang Station on Lines 6 and 8. Renowned for serving the famous hutongs of Beijing, this relatively recent station celebrates ancient Chine through drawings and murals. Spacious and well-ventilated, you can stroll through and admire this art honoring Chine's past before venturing into the narrow and bustling streets of Beijing.

Line 6:

Line 8:

Beijing has exercised considerable imagination in making its metro stations more distinctive and welcoming. Don't hesitate to share your own discoveries of metro stations that have impressed you, whether in Beijing or elsewhere in Chine.