Transport · Stations · Beijing
Beijing South Railway Station
北京南站. Beijing's primary high-speed hub, built for the 2008 Olympics, served by Metro Lines 4 and 14 with direct trains to Shanghai, Tianjin, and Hong Kong.
About this station
Beijing South Railway Station opened in 2008 to coincide with the Summer Olympics, replacing a far smaller station and anchoring the new Beijing–Tianjin intercity railway, which reduced the 120-kilometre journey between the two cities to under 30 minutes. The station was expanded again in subsequent years to handle the exploding volume of high-speed traffic.
The building is notable architecturally: a circular structure roughly 500 metres in diameter, with a domed roof of steel and glass inspired loosely by the design of the Temple of Heaven. From above, the elliptical footprint with radiating spoke-like canopies is a recognisable Beijing landmark in aerial photographs.
Beijing South is the northern terminus of the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed line, one of the busiest rail corridors in the world. G-trains depart every few minutes during peak hours. It is also the hub for the Beijing–Hong Kong service, which runs roughly 2,300 kilometres south to West Kowloon station in about 8 hours.
Entry tips
Allow 45 minutes from arrival to platform. Security queues at the main atrium entrances can be lengthy; the secondary entrances on the east side are often faster. The station is large — follow overhead signage carefully to reach the correct waiting area.
Security flow
Three-stage process: ID scan and baggage X-ray at the station perimeter, ticket validation at the waiting hall entrance, and a platform gate scan. International visitors use their passport throughout; keep it in hand rather than in a bag.
Food inside the station
Two levels of catering including Peking duck rice boxes, noodle bars, a congee stall, and coffee chains. The basement food court tends to be less crowded than the main hall level. Prices are elevated versus the city.
Food nearby
The Fengtai district immediately outside the station has limited dining. For a broader choice, Dazhalan hutong is accessible by Metro Line 4 (two stops to Caishikou area).
Transit to the city
Metro Lines 4 and 14 serve the station directly. Line 4 reaches Tiananmen West in about 20 minutes. Taxis queue under the station's south canopy; the ride-hailing zone is signposted separately.