Understanding Tongzhou
Tongzhou is a district of Beijing, named after a historical prefecture. Visitors should note that several places in China share the name, including Tongzhou District in Nantong, Jiangsu, and a town in Guizhou, so it is worth confirming which Tongzhou you are heading to before you plan your journey.
Getting into Tongzhou
Tongzhou is connected to the rest of Beijing by metro, and the good news for visitors is that you can reach the district without changing trains. Metro Line 1–Batong Line runs through to Tongzhou without any interchange at Sihui Station. The stations from Beiyuan onward to the terminal station all lie within Tongzhou District.
If you prefer to travel by bus from central Beijing, there are a few established options:
- At Sihui Station you can change to bus 322, which goes to Beiyuan and continues along Xinhua Street, the main shopping street.
- Bus 804 runs from Guomao to Beiyuan and then further along Xinhua Street.
- A fast bus route to Tongzhou has been established along Chaoyang Road.
Subway Line 6 also serves Tongzhou, with stations on the west bank of the Grand Canal, and some stations can serve the new municipal administration area on the east bank. Line 7 has its eastern stations in Tongzhou, ending at Universal Resort.
A new metro line along Chaoyang Road is under construction and will improve access to the modern area east of the canal when it opens.
Getting around the district
Some of the routes described above also run through the district, so they can double as local transport once you are inside Tongzhou. Further local buses are available as well.
Be aware that a large part of the district is not well covered by public transportation, so some destinations will require a taxi or a longer walk.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Official taxis are scarce in the district. Unofficial "black" taxis are everywhere, at least in the central part of the district. Visitors should weigh the convenience against the usual risks of using unlicensed transport.
Practical tips
- Confirm you are travelling to Tongzhou District in Beijing, not one of the other places sharing the name.
- Use the Line 1–Batong Line for a direct metro connection into the district.
- Buses 322 and 804 both serve Beiyuan and Xinhua Street, useful for shopping and central district errands.
- Plan for gaps in public transport coverage outside the well-served areas, and arrange a licensed taxi where possible.