Transport infrastructure development

The Olympic Games Beijing 2008 accelerated investment in the city’s infrastructure. Beijing vastly expanded its transport system to improve local, regional, national and international connections. These transport improvements continue to be used by millions in their daily commute, and have helped reduce pollution since the conclusion of the Olympic Games.

Transport infrastructure development
© 2015 / International Olympic Committee (IOC) / MARTIN, Greg - All rights reserved - Beijing’s Olympic Park subway station ‘Olympic Green’.

Highways and subway lines were created or extended. From two lines in 2001, the Beijing subway now has 27, covering 800 kilometres in all. The number of public transport buses in operation has also increased. Major urban development projects from the period included the construction of Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3. One of the largest buildings in the world, it handles 60 million passengers a year. A new railway connecting the airport to the city centre also opened.