Xiju Station

Xiju Station Beijing: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Xiju Station, located in Beijing’s Fengtai District, is a modern interchange that plays a vital role in the city’s extensive subway network. Connecting Lines 10 and 14, Xiju Station is more than a transit point—it’s a gateway to exploring both the dynamic urban fabric of southwestern Beijing and the city’s rich historical heritage. This guide provides comprehensive information on Xiju Station’s history, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, station layout, and nearby historical attractions, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Introduction
Historical Evolution of Xiju Station
Practical Visitor Information
Station Layout and Accessibility
Accessibility Features
Passenger Flow and Navigation
Amenities and Surroundings
Travel Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visiting the Forbidden City via Xiju Station
Summary and Recommendations
Call to Action
References

Historical Evolution of Xiju Station

Urban and Transit Development Context

Fengtai District, where Xiju Station is located, has historically served as a crucial gateway between Beijing’s city center and its southwestern suburbs. The rapid urbanization of Beijing, especially in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, drove the expansion of the subway network, making it one of the largest in the world (Beijing Travels). This expansion was pivotal in transforming Fengtai from a semi-rural, industrial area into a thriving urban district (Ruqin Travel).

Planning and Construction of Line 14

Xiju Station’s historical significance is closely tied to the development of Line 14, envisioned to improve connectivity between southwestern and northeastern Beijing. The construction of Line 14 began in the early 2010s, and its western section (including Xiju) opened on May 5, 2013, as part of a phased rollout (Wikipedia: Line 14; MTR Beijing).

Role as a Key Interchange

Xiju Station serves as an interchange between Line 10 (a major loop line) and Line 14. This strategic intersection enables efficient transfers for commuters and visitors, linking southwestern districts with the city center and beyond (Wikipedia: Line 14). The station’s design includes spacious platforms, clear bilingual signage, and accessibility features to support high passenger volumes.

Socio-Economic Impact

With the arrival of modern subway infrastructure, Fengtai District has seen significant urban renewal. The improved accessibility has spurred residential and commercial development, increased property values, and attracted both local and international visitors. Xiju Station’s proximity to historical landmarks like the Marco Polo Bridge and Wanping Fortress has further positioned it as a key access point for cultural tourism (Ruqin Travel).

Technological and Operational Innovations

Xiju Station features advanced transit technologies, including wide-body six-car trains (Line 14), platform screen doors, and real-time passenger information systems (Wikipedia: Line 14). Comprehensive surveillance and safety measures reflect Beijing’s commitment to modern, efficient, and secure public transport (MTR Beijing).

Urban Planning and Cultural Considerations

Beijing’s subway expansion has always balanced modernization with cultural preservation. While Xiju Station’s development did not directly affect major heritage sites, its integration into Fengtai—a district rich in historical character—required careful urban planning to maintain the area’s cultural identity (Ruqin Travel). Earlier phases of Beijing’s subway construction did result in some loss of traditional city structures, sparking ongoing debates about urban heritage (Beijing Travels).

Milestones and Recent Developments

Since the full operation of Line 14 at the end of 2021, Xiju Station’s role as a major interchange has grown further (MTR Beijing). The continuous expansion of Beijing’s subway system keeps Xiju at the forefront of urban transit innovation.

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Operation

Xiju Station operates daily from approximately 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. For precise first and last train times, check the official Beijing Subway site or app (Beijing Subway Official Site).

Ticketing and Fare Information

Fares start at ¥3, based on travel distance.
Ticket Purchase: Use vending machines (cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay), staffed service counters, or the Beijing Transportation Smart Card (Yikatong) for convenience and discounts.
Mobile Payment: QR code payments via Chinese apps are widely accepted.

Accessibility and Amenities

Elevators and ramps throughout the station
Tactile paving for visually impaired passengers
Accessible restrooms and priority seating
Multilingual (Chinese, English) signage
Customer service centers for assistance

Travel Tips

Avoid peak hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM.
Use contactless payment for quicker entry.
Plan your route using navigation apps like Baidu Maps or ExploreBeijing.
Photo opportunities: Xiju’s modern design and the contrast with surrounding redevelopment areas are excellent for photographers.

Nearby Historical Attractions

Marco Polo Bridge (Lugou Bridge): Historic stone bridge, ~6 km from Xiju, famous for its carved lions and place in modern Chinese history.
Wanping Fortress: A Ming-era fortress near the bridge, now hosting museums and historical exhibits.
Fengtai Longquan Temple: A peaceful Buddhist temple a short taxi ride away.

Visitors can reach these sites via local buses or taxis from Xiju Station (Ruqin Travel).

Station Layout and Accessibility

Lines and Interchange

Lines Served: Line 10 (loop) and Line 14 (east-west corridor)
Connection: Provides seamless transfers between major city routes

Platform Arrangement

Two island platforms (one per line), both underground
Real-time displays and bilingual signage for easy navigation
Vertical connectivity via escalators, stairs, and elevators

Entrances and Exits

Multiple exits (labeled A, B, C, etc.) provide access to local neighborhoods, bus stops, and amenities.
- Exit A: Bus stops and shops
- Exit B: Residential areas/bike sharing
- Exit C: Offices and commercial centers

Ticketing and Fare Gates

Automated machines and staffed counters
Support for Yikatong cards, single-journey tokens, and digital payments

Security and Safety

Mandatory baggage scans and random checks
Extensive CCTV coverage
Emergency intercoms throughout the station

Accessibility Features

Xiju Station is designed for inclusivity:

Elevators and ramps for barrier-free movement
Tactile paving for the visually impaired
Accessible restrooms with handrails and emergency buttons
Trained staff available to assist passengers with special needs

Clear signage and floor markings throughout
Wide corridors and multiple exits to manage crowds, especially during rush hours
Emergency exits and first aid facilities are clearly indicated

Amenities and Surroundings

In-station: Convenience stores, vending machines, ATMs, public telephones
Nearby: Eateries, local shops, bike-sharing, bus connections
Points of interest: Access to Qilizhuang, Niwa, Dongguantou neighborhoods, and Fengtai District’s business and residential areas

Travel Tips for Visitors

Navigation Apps: Use Baidu Maps or ExploreBeijing for reliable subway and bus routes.
Payment: Yikatong smart card is recommended for seamless travel.
Luggage: No storage facilities—travel light.
Restrooms: Available, including accessible options.
Safety: Watch belongings, especially in crowded periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Xiju Station’s operating hours?
A: Roughly 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily (check for specific line times).

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Use vending machines, service counters, Yikatong cards, or mobile payment.

Q: Is the station wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes—elevators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms are available.

Q: Are there guided tours from Xiju?
A: Not directly, but many Beijing tours include sites near Xiju Station.

Q: Can I pay with an international credit card?
A: No, use cash or Chinese digital payment methods.

Visiting the Forbidden City via Xiju Station

Introduction to the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City (故宫) is Beijing’s most iconic historical site and a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. It served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is renowned for its grand architecture and cultural significance (The Palace Museum).

Location and Access

Address: Near Tiananmen Square, city center
Nearest Subway Stations: Tiananmen East (Line 1), Tiananmen West (Line 1)
Route from Xiju:
1. Take Line 10 or 14 to Xiju Station
2. Transfer to Line 1 at Gongzhufen or Jiaomenxi
3. Alight at Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (last entry ~4:10 PM); check for variations
Tickets: Book online in advance or purchase at the entrance; prices depend on season and visitor type
Peak tip: Advance online booking is strongly recommended, especially during holidays

Historical Significance

Built 1406–1420, the Forbidden City was China’s imperial and ceremonial center for nearly 500 years, housing 980+ buildings across 72 hectares.

Key Highlights Inside

Hall of Supreme Harmony: Main ceremonial venue
Imperial Garden: Traditional landscaping and tranquility
Palace of Heavenly Purity: Emperor’s residence
Treasure Gallery: Imperial artifacts and artworks

Visitor Tips

Time Needed: Allocate 3–4 hours
Guided Tours: English-language tours available
Photography: Allowed except with flash/tripods in certain areas
Accessibility: Wheelchair rental and accessible routes provided

Nearby Attractions

Tiananmen Square: Historic public space adjacent to the palace
Jingshan Park: Panoramic city views just north of the Forbidden City
Beihai Park: Famous imperial garden nearby

Tickets and Visitor Information

For the latest information, visit the official Palace Museum website.

FAQ

Q: Can I buy tickets on the day of my visit?
A: Yes, but advance online purchase is best to guarantee entry.

Q: Are tours available in English?
A: Yes, through various operators and at the site.

Q: Is the Forbidden City suitable for children?
A: Yes, but plan for breaks due to the large area.

Summary and Recommendations

Xiju Station stands as a testament to Beijing’s fusion of modern transit and deep-rooted history. As a vital interchange on Lines 10 and 14, equipped with advanced accessibility features and robust safety measures, it serves millions of passengers and provides convenient access to both the city’s heritage sites and contemporary developments (MTR Beijing; Wikipedia: Line 14). Travelers can easily reach landmarks such as the Marco Polo Bridge, Wanping Fortress, and the Forbidden City, taking advantage of Beijing’s efficient subway system (Ruqin Travel; The Palace Museum).

For a smooth and enriching journey, plan around operating hours, utilize smart ticketing (Yikatong), and leverage multilingual support and accessibility features. Keep up to date with official sources and apps such as the Audiala app for real-time transit information and cultural insights (Beijing Subway Official Site; ExploreBeijing).

Call to Action

Plan your Beijing adventure with confidence! Download the Audiala app for real-time subway schedules, explore our guides on city landmarks, and follow us on social media for the latest travel tips. For further details, visit the official Xiju Station guide and discover more about nearby attractions through Mapcarta.