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Riding the rails

By Wei Xiaohao | Chian Daily | Updated: 2013-04-22 10:09

As the subway system in China's capital continues to add lines and stations and conveniences, photographer Wei Xiaohao climbs aboard with a record-setting crowd.

As of March 8, the total number of passengers on Beijing's 16-line metro service has topped more than 10 million per day, officially making it the busiest subway in the world. For only 2 yuan ($0.32), you can ride anywhere on the entire 442-km system, except for the airport express (25 yuan). As part of many people's everyday routine, the subway offers a peek into the lifestyle of modern city-dwellers.

Riding the rails

Xizhimen, the junction of lines 2, 4 and 13 on the subway, is one of the busiest stations. The daily average of transferring passengers is around 480,000. Photos by Wei Xiaohao / China Daily

Riding the rails

Unlike the other passengers, who exit the station to go to work, the underground musician's labors begin inside the subway.

Riding the rails

Long lines of commuters stand at the platform doors during morning rush hour.

Riding the rails

Taking a nap in the crowded carriage seems to require special technique.

Riding the rails

Line 2, opened in 1984, is the second oldest. Preserved in 1980s style, the line has no shield doors and a subway usher reminds passengers to stand clear for the arrival of a train.

Riding the rails

During the evening peak hour, subway carriages are packed with haggard-looking commuters.

 

Riding the rails

Riding the rails

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