We tried to buy day passes but, apparently, the metro system here doesn't offer them. So we paid 2R or about 30 cents for tickets. We had booked a room through Expedia before leaving so we knew we had to find the Andingmen Station. From the south station there was only one train north and then we travelled to the second connection with Line 2 which makes a loop around central Beijing. That look looked a little older than what we say in Shanghai but still slightly more modern than say, the NYC or Paris systems.
We exited and needed to ask for direction to the hotel. We were nervous when the kind lady suggested we take a taxi. (I guess it is common and cheap here.) Still we found it was only about three blocks from the station. The Beijing Andingmen Hotel is off a busy main street. The buildings though aren't towering. I think we're close to walk to the Forbidden City, etc.
We ate at the hotel and had far too much fried rice and spicy chicken, for only less than $4 each. I am having the same problem I have when we travel to Asia as far as sleep. At first, I think I've coped exceedingly well with the time changes. Then I find myself barely able to keep my eyes open at 8:30 at night. Consequently, we are going to bed early.
Tomorrow see what we will do on the first of four days in Beijing!