Beijing to Extend Subway Service Almost to Yanjiao in Hebei Province

The Beijing Subway continues to expand by leaps and bounds, and the next jump will take it close to or even across provincial lines, due east in the direction of the bedroom community of Yanjiao just over the line in Hebei province.

As part of its efforts to move government offices and major polluters out of Beijing to relieve traffic congestion and reduce air pollution in the city, the Beijing Municipal Government said Friday that some Beijing Subway lines or other commuter transport lines will expand to cities in Hebei. The only line that was confirmed was an extension of Line 6, which will continue east from its current terminus in Caofang to reach Dongxiaoying near Yanjiao, People's Daily reported. Yanjiao commuters currently face a 35-minute or longer bus ride to Caofang in order to connect with the subway.

The government of Langfang, an island of Hebei province sandwiched between the federally-governed municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin, is still hoping that subway lines will reach parts of the area, to encourage more people employed in Beijing to settle there.

Despite the long commute, nearby Hebei residents enjoy some benefits, such as no restrictions on dog size and fireworks available year-round, along with more space and lower real estate prices.

Photo: Wikia