Going Underground: Sanyuanqiao, Line 10 and Airport Express

SELLING POINT
Escape. Capital International Air- port’s runway could be said to start here, this massive bridge on the northeast corner of the Third Ring Road that launches you onto the Airport Expressway. When traffic is smooth, you’re only 15 minutes from catching your flight.

PEDAL
If you’re arriving in Beijing, on the other hand, transferring directly from the Airport Express onto a bike is a smart way to dodge the conges- tion of the city – luggage permitting, of course. A short stroll north of Exit D, along the ring road, will take you to the Asahi bike store. Two floors of cruisers, mountain bikes and tan- dems will have you geared up and rolling freely along the fulu for less than RMB 3,000.

GORGE
Home Plate Bar-B-Que first brought the restaurant strip just behind Gateway Plaza (Exit C2) into the expat consciousness. It’s also home to healthy Mexican wraps from the Avocado Tree, excellent hummus at tiny Middle Eastern restaurant Al Safir and novel sliders at 3sums. A greasy fill-up at Kro’s Nest is just around the corner.

SHOP
Following Xiaoyun Lu west and crossing under the Third Ring Road will bring you to Sanyuanli market, where fresh produce and imported cheese and coffee can be had at bargain prices. The Phoenix City just north of Exit D is a mallrat’s dream, with a giant Uniqlo – the area’s best-kept secret – offering the largest variety of selection and sizes of any outlet in the city.

A version of this article originally appeared in the May 2013 issue of the Beijinger