Taxis

The most comfortable and efficient way to get around the city
Word to the wise: Most drivers do not speak English, so have the address or the Chinese name written down in characters; you can ask your hotel for help.

Talk of the town: 'Beijing Taxi' is the name of a documentary about the changing lives of three taxi drivers in the run-up to the 2008 Olympics.
Beijing has an abundance of multicoloured taxis which are fast, convenient and by far the most leisurely way to travel - especially at night when public transport almost completely shuts down. When getting a cab remember these five useful tips:

1. There are no-stopping zones around the city, so it's best to stand on the corner or at a taxi stand when flagging a cab.

2. Check the vehicle has a Beijing taxi sign and the drivers ID is stuck to the dashboard, so you know that it is a legitimate cab.

3. The meter should be turned on as soon as you get in - a charming computerised voice will welcome you into the taxi.

4. During the day the taxi meter starts at RMB 10 (up to 3km) and then it's RMB 2 for every extra kilometer. At night prices are a little steeper.

5. Journeys to most places within the city should cost around RMB 30-80.