Here to Stay: Subway Security Measures Extended Indefinitely

Beijing is now the only city in the world carrying out passenger security checks along the entire length of its subway system. Originally the security measures were only intended as a safety precaution for the Olympic Games and were scheduled to expire on Sep 20. However, the city's Public Security Bureau, citing the success of the security checks during the Olympic period - around 18,700 dangerous articles were discovered and 32 people were detained - have decided that the measures should remain permanently.

In response to questions about the effect of the security measures on passenger flow during morning/evening rush hours, officials emphasised that people taking the subway during rush hour usually only carry small bags, and that these will only be inspected randomly. All large articles however, will be required to be examined. In addition to bags being passed through X-ray machines, sniffer dogs will also continue to patrol the Beijing subway system.

From personal experience, the measures are not too intrusive. I've only ever been asked to put my bag through the X-ray machine and have never had the "wand" waved over me. The hastily-employed security guards who conduct the searches don't seem to pay too much attention to what's passing through the machine either.

Links and Sources
Sina: 地铁全线安检将长期执行
NetEase: 北京地铁今起对乘客进行安检 (image)
The Beijing News: 地铁安检警犬将长期“上班”
Sohu: 北京加强安检力度 乘客携易燃品坐公交一律拘留 (image of dogs)