Transport option from Beijing South station

Question

Hello,could anyone please advise what is the best option to get to to Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing from Beijing South station? I am a bit wary about taxi "scams". I have set up WeChat and Didi on my phone, however will not know if it will work properly until we get to China next week. Is there a designated place outside the station for e-hailing?

Thank you!

Answer

Beijing South Railway Station is a major transport hub, so you have several options to reach Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing, which is located in the Wangfujing area of downtown Beijing. Since you’re concerned about taxi scams and will rely on e-hailing apps like Didi, it’s useful to know the recommended approaches.

Transport options:

Didi / E-hailing: Beijing South has designated pick-up points for app-based ride services. After you exit the station, follow the signs for the “Taxi / Ride-Hailing” area. There are usually signs in Chinese and English. The e-hailing pick-up point is separate from regular taxis. You can request a Didi ride directly on the app; the driver will meet you at the designated area.
Official taxi: There is an official taxi queue outside the station. To avoid scams, only use the marked taxi lines, make sure the meter is turned on, and confirm the driver knows the hotel address. Most drivers are honest, but pre-booking a Didi ride may feel safer.
Subway / Metro: The fastest metro option is to take Line 4 from Beijing South Railway Station to Xuanwumen, then transfer to Line 1 toward Wangfujing. Get off at Wangfujing Station. The hotel is a short walk from the station. This is cheaper than taxis but may be less convenient if you have heavy luggage.

Tips:

Ensure your Didi and WeChat accounts are verified before arriving. Sometimes international SIMs or roaming can cause issues, so consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport if needed.
Show the hotel address in Chinese to the driver; it helps even with e-hailing apps in case of GPS misrouting.
Allow 30–40 minutes travel time by car, depending on traffic, especially during peak hours.
If taking metro, Beijing South has clear signage in English, and the stations are wheelchair/luggage-friendly, but walking between lines may take 10–15 minutes.

In summary, for convenience and safety, booking a Didi ride from the official pick-up point is recommended. Taxis are also fine if you use the official queue. Metro is a cost-effective alternative if you prefer public transport and don’t mind the short transfer and walking.