Dongzhimen

Dongzhimen was originally a gate in Beijing’s old city wall and is now a major transport hub and commercial district in northeastern central Beijing.

The area is dominated by a large subway and bus interchange, retail streets and office buildings. It functions as a primary transfer point for the Airport Express and several city subway lines.

Historically the site marked one of the eastern entrances through Beijing’s city defenses; the old gate and walls were removed as the city modernized and ring roads were constructed.

Dongzhimen sits just inside Beijing’s 2nd Ring Road, roughly 5 to 6 km northeast of Tiananmen Square, and is well integrated into the city’s public transport network.

• Transport hub: Serves as a primary transfer point for travelers using the Airport Express to Beijing Capital International Airport and for local commuters on Line 2 and Line 13.
• Traffic note: Busy during peak hours; expect heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic and use the underground interchange for subway transfers.

What to See #

• Dongzhimen Station: A major subway and transport interchange where Beijing Subway Line 2, Line 13 and the Airport Express meet, with a large bus terminal and taxi ranks nearby.
• Commercial and street district: Dongzhimenwai (the Outer Street) and nearby blocks provide shops, offices, restaurants and late-night venues serving commuters and visitors.