Seeking simple solutions to subway’s growing pains

When I first came to Beijing, Line 13 had just opened. The fastest way to get to Dongzhimen from Wudaokou was seemingly to change trains at Xizhimen. I shall only describe this experience as a horror show that I ultimately avoided by taking Line 13, even though it was the long way around.

Fortunately, it has been many years since I made it out that far west because, as a long-term resident of Chaoyang district, any attempt at such a long journey would invariably lead to nose bleeds and a close brush with death.

Thankfully, the issue of long transfer distances is being looked at by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning as part of its overall aim to standardize the subway system in the city.

I have seen the city's underground network grow from an exuberant child of three lines with an early curfew to the spotty teenager it is today; awkward and gangly-looking, surly, unable to cope with the growth spurts it is experiencing. When considering the long-term development and expansion of the subway system, this can only be a good thing.

If I may be so bold as to proffer my most humble opinion to the transportation authorities, I would like to bring up the issue of the transfer at Guomao from Line 10 to Line 1.

After nearly a decade of training and conditioning, I consider myself to be something of a Shaolin monk of the underground, inured to the press of people, able to surrender to the flow of the crowd.

However, walking down the corridor towards the stairs leading up to Line 1 can be quite a harrowing experience, even for a hardened veteran.

What begins as a slow march is reduced to a shuffle due to the fact it is inadvisable to be in such a throng while standing on only one leg.

There have been occasions where I have had to summon all of my mental composure to avoid freaking out. Ideally, such levels of stress and elevated heart rate would be better suited to once-in-a-lifetime events - like the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain - not one's daily commute.

Sadly, there may be no easy solutions for the existing transfer points. However, there are some tips on how to get ahead of the pack that I've picked up over the years.

Around three columns past the bottom of the stairs is a good place to get on the train going from Dongzhimen to Jianguomen on Line 2, as you should be lined up perfectly for a quick exit and a straight line down the stairs to Line 1.

For those of you taking Line 5 down to Line 1, get on at the third carriage from the front of the train. This allows you the opportunity to get out in front of the commuter crush and access a clear path to Line 1.

As for other tips, dear readers, you may glean them from the bitter cup of experience.