Foreign visitors to Beijing, the capital city of China, now enjoy a seamless payment experience with just one card. On July 31, Beijing launched the “BEIJING PASS” for international travelers to China.

Upon arriving at the Beijing Capital International Airport, Alex and his family were among the first to experience the new “BEIJING PASS”. The card, beautifully adorned with an image of the Great Wall, captivated them. “It isn’t just a ‘convenient card,’ but also the first ‘piece of art’ I’ve bought in China. I knew visiting Beijing would be exciting, but I didn’t expect to receive a ‘gift’ upon my arrival,” said Alex.

Three available types of “BEIJING PASS” (Photo by Xinhua News Agency)

Accepted across three major payment scenarios

China has recently expanded its visa-free policy to include more countries and regions, with relevant convenient entry measures gradually taking effect. In addition to simplified entry procedures, Beijing endeavors to enhance foreign tourists’ travel experiences through the “BEIJING PASS” cards.

Feng Ya, the staff member who issued the card to Alex, explained that the “BEIJING PASS” cards are to be accepted across three major payment scenarios in Beijing, including transportation, scenic spots ticketing, and shopping, allowing foreign tourists to enjoy all services with just one card.

Foreign visitors arriving in Beijing can now purchase the cards and apply for refunds with their valid identity documents at any of the outlets at 15 key transportation hubs, including Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport, and several railway stations such as Beijing Railway Station and Beijing South Railway Station.

Foreign tourists learn about “BEIJING PASS” cards at Beijing Capital International Airport on July 31 (Photo by Xinhua News Agency)

Tourists can top up their cards at manual service counters or designated self-service devices at 490 stations across Beijing’s 27 subway lines, as well as on the “SilkPass” App at any time.

One card in hand enables you to explore the whole Beijing

Foreign tourists with a “BEIJING PASS” card can easily swipe the card for rides on Beijing’s urban rail transit, suburban railways, buses, and street tour taxis. The cards can even be used for public transportation in over 300 cities across China, including major tourist destinations such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanjing. Moreover, “BEIJING PASS” also allows for seamless entry and ticket purchases at 30 of Beijing’s popular tourist attractions and for shopping at 20 authorized supermarkets.

A user swipes the “BEIJING PASS” card to take Beijing’s subway on July 31 (Photo by Xinhua News Agency)

Such a scenario has become a reality: a foreign visitor arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport, takes the Airport Express, and transfers to the Temple of Heaven, where he/she purchases a ticket with “BEIJING PASS” to admire the “Beauty of Beijing Central Axis”. After a few bus stops, the visitor arrives at Xidan Hanguang Department Store to buy a new pair of sneakers. Throughout this experience, all payments are made without cash or change, using just the “BEIJING PASS” card.

In addition to consistently optimizing payment experiences and expanding usage scenarios, future versions of the “BEIJING PASS” cards will feature more cultural elements, including traditional folding fans, frog knots (an intangible cultural heritage item in China), the imperial jade seal, and panda dolls, to showcase Beijing’s charm.

(Edited based on reports from Xinhua News Agency)