Lois Larson
Beijing offers a 24-hour direct visa-free transit and a 144-hour visa-free transit for citizens of certain countries, allowing you to leave the airport during your layover. If you're not eligible for the visa-free option, you can apply for a visa before departure. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is located around 32km from Beijing's city centre, and it takes about 1.5 hours to get to top attractions like the Mutianyu Great Wall or Forbidden City. If you have a shorter layover, it may not be worth leaving the airport, as you'll have limited time to explore. However, with a longer layover, you can turn your stopover into a mini-vacation by visiting famous sites like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall of China.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | Citizens of certain countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, including the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, etc. |
| Temporary Entry Permit | A 24/240-hour temporary entry permit is required to leave the airport. It allows you to leave the airport but requires you to depart from the same airport within 24 or 240 hours. |
| Customs and Immigration | Allow 2 hours for customs and immigration procedures when entering and exiting China. |
| Transportation | Beijing Airport Express, airport shuttle bus, taxi, private car, and intercity bus are available for transportation to and from the airport. |
| Time Management | Factor in travel time to attractions, such as the Mutianyu Great Wall or Forbidden City, which are about 1.5 hours from the airport each way. |
| Layover Duration | The recommended layover duration for exploring Beijing is 8-12 hours or more. Shorter layovers may not provide enough time to visit the city. |
| Airport Facilities | Beijing airports offer various facilities, including dining areas, shops, lounges, and relaxation zones. |
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What You'll Learn
- Visa requirements: For citizens of certain countries, a visa is not required for a short layover
- Transport options: Beijing has two major airports, with the Capital Airport closer to the city centre
- Attractions: The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square are must-see destinations
- Timing: Heavy traffic and travel time to and from the airport should be considered
- Food: Beijing duck is a must-try culinary delight
Visa requirements: For citizens of certain countries, a visa is not required for a short layover
As of December 17, 2024, eligible foreign travellers can stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa, under an expansion of the country's visa-free transit policy. This is a significant extension from the previous 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit policies.
To be eligible for the visa exemption, travellers must have a valid passport from one of the 55 countries on the approved list. These include 25 countries in the Europe Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Citizens of other countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, may not need a visa but are not eligible for the visa-free transit policy.
In addition to having a valid passport, travellers must have an interline ticket (connecting ticket) with a confirmed departure date and seat number leaving for a third country or region within 144 hours. They must also fill out a landing card for foreigners in transit upon arrival in China. It is important to note that eligible passengers must present these documents to staff at check-in.
If you are a citizen of a country not included in the visa-free transit policy, you may still be able to leave the airport during a layover in Beijing by obtaining a temporary entry permit. This permit allows you to leave the airport but requires you to depart from the same airport within 24 or 240 hours.
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Transport options: Beijing has two major airports, with the Capital Airport closer to the city centre
Beijing has two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Beijing Capital International Airport is the busier of the two, located about 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) from downtown Beijing. Beijing Daxing International Airport is situated in the southern suburbs of Beijing, approximately 46 kilometres (28.5 miles) from the city centre.
Beijing Capital International Airport offers several transport options to get to the city centre. These include:
- Subway: The Capital Airport Express of the Beijing Subway is available at Terminal 3.
- Shuttle bus: There are five regular airport shuttle bus lines operating between Beijing Capital Airport and the city centre or suburban areas. Two inter-city shuttle buses also run between the airport and Langfang City Terminal or Tianjin East Railway Station.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport, providing a direct and private transport option to the city centre.
- Private transfer: Private transfer services offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the airport and the city centre.
Beijing Daxing International Airport also provides various transport options for travellers to reach the city:
- Bullet train: Travellers can take a bullet train from Daxing Airport to Beijing West Station, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. From there, they can transfer to a subway or taxi to reach their final destination.
- Shuttle bus: The airport shuttle bus offers multiple routes to the city centre and nearby cities such as Tianjin. These buses depart at fixed intervals, usually every 30 to 60 minutes, and the journey to the city centre takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Taxi: For those who prefer a more direct and flexible option, taxis are available at Daxing Airport, providing a comfortable ride to the city centre.
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Attractions: The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square are must-see destinations
If you have a long layover in Beijing, you can leave the airport and explore the city. However, you will need the right documentation, such as a tourist visa or a "Visitors in Transit" permit. A temporary entry permit allows you to leave the airport but requires you to depart from the same airport within 24 or 240 hours.
The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square are must-see destinations. The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China. The wall was constructed to protect against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe. The first walls date back to the 7th century BC, and successive dynasties expanded the wall system. The best-known sections were built by the Ming dynasty, which are frequently renovated and regularly visited by tourists. The Badaling Great Wall near Zhangjiakou was the first section to be opened to the public, and it remains one of the most famous stretches of the wall. The wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is just a 1.5-hour drive from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
The Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an imperial palace complex in the centre of Beijing. It was the residence of 24 Ming and Qing dynasty emperors and the political centre of China for over 500 years. The palace consists of 980 surviving buildings with 8,886 bays of rooms. The Forbidden City is a rectangle, measuring 961 metres from north to south and 753 metres from east to west. It is enclosed in a larger, walled area called the Imperial City, which is now a park. The Meridian Gate has two protruding wings, forming three sides of a square with five gateways. The central gateway is part of the Imperial Way, a stone-flagged path that forms the central axis of the Forbidden City and the ancient city of Beijing.
Tiananmen Square is located in the heart of Beijing and is the largest city square in China. It is also one of the largest public squares in the world. In 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong declared the founding of the People's Republic of China in Tiananmen Square. On the square stands the Monument to the People's Heroes, an obelisk-shaped commemoration for those who served the People's Republic of China. To the east is the National Museum of China, and to the north is the Forbidden City, with the Tiananmen Gate as its entrance.
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Timing: Heavy traffic and travel time to and from the airport should be considered
Beijing has two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Beijing Capital Airport is the city's main international hub, located 25 kilometres northeast of Tiananmen Square, and is much closer to the downtown area than Beijing Daxing Airport.
When planning a layover in Beijing, it's important to consider the time required for travel to and from the airport, as well as potential heavy traffic. Beijing, like any capital city, experiences traffic congestion, especially during rush hours (8-9 am and 5:30-7 pm), weekends, and holidays. If you're travelling during these peak times, it's advisable to use the Airport Express Line, which offers a quick and convenient way to get to and from the airport. The Airport Express Line takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Dongzhimen Station, where you can transfer to other subway lines. The total travel time, including transfers, is about 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which offers a more direct option, especially if you're travelling with family or have heavy luggage. However, be cautious of taxi touts inside the terminal, as they may overcharge you. Legal taxis will have a meter, a visible driver ID, and a license plate starting with 京B (jing B). During rush hour, the travel time by taxi can be significantly longer due to traffic.
Another option is the airport bus, which is budget-friendly and offers direct routes to key areas in Beijing. However, the travel time can range from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and your destination. During rush hours, weekends, and holidays, congestion can cause delays, so it's best to avoid the airport shuttle bus during these times if you're in a hurry.
If you want a stress-free experience, you can opt for a private transfer service. These services provide English-speaking guides who will monitor your flight information, assist with luggage and immigration, and ensure a timely return to the airport.
In addition to travel time, it's important to factor in the time required for immigration and customs, which can take between 1.5 to 2 hours. If you plan to leave the airport during your layover, ensure you have the necessary documentation, such as a tourist visa or a "Visitors in Transit" permit, which allows you to explore the city for 24 or 240 hours.
With careful planning and consideration of travel time and traffic conditions, you can make the most of your Beijing layover and turn it into an exciting mini-vacation.
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Food: Beijing duck is a must-try culinary delight
If you're planning a trip with a layover in Beijing, you may be wondering if you can leave the airport and explore the city. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, check how much time you have during your layover. If it's less than a few hours, it might not be worth leaving the airport, as you'll need to factor in travel time to and from the city, which can take up to 2 hours depending on traffic. Additionally, you'll need to go through customs and immigration, which can take up to 2 hours as well.
If you have a longer layover that allows you to leave the airport, you'll need to make sure you have the proper documentation. For some countries, a visa is not required for short layovers confined to the airport. However, if you want to leave the airport during your layover, you will need either a tourist visa or a temporary entry permit valid for 24 or 240 hours. China also offers visa-free entry to travellers holding ordinary passports from certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Now, onto the food! Beijing duck, also known as Peking duck, is a must-try culinary delight when visiting Beijing. This dish has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the Imperial era and becoming a symbol of China by the mid-20th century. It is said that a skilled chef can carve each duck into more than 100 pieces. The ducks used for this dish are specially bred and slaughtered after 65 days. They are then seasoned and roasted in a closed or hung oven. The meat is characterised by its thin, crispy skin, and authentic versions of the dish serve mostly the skin with a small amount of meat. It is often served with spring onion, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce, all wrapped in a pancake.
There are several famous restaurants in Beijing that specialise in Peking duck, including Quanjude and Bianyifang, both centuries-old establishments. Each restaurant has its own style: Quanjude is known for using the hung oven roasting method, while Bianyifang uses the traditional closed oven.
So, if you have a layover in Beijing and want to try this delicious dish, be sure to plan ahead and allow enough time to explore the city and find a restaurant that serves this mouth-watering delicacy. It's definitely worth it!
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your nationality and the length of your layover. Citizens from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free policy. If you are not eligible for the visa-free policy, you will need to apply for a China Transit Visa (G Visa) before departure.
A minimum layover duration of 6-8 hours is generally recommended. If your layover is 8-12 hours, you may visit 1-2 attractions in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City or the Temple of Heaven. For a layover of more than 12 hours, you can visit multiple attractions, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and the Great Wall.
The Mutianyu Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just 1.5 hours from the Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Other attractions in Beijing that are accessible during a layover include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace.
Beijing has significant traffic problems, and it can take 2-3 hours to get to the city center from the airport. Therefore, it is recommended to arrange a layover tour in advance with a private vehicle and an English-speaking guide to save time and avoid hassle. Additionally, the first and last 2 hours of your layover will be spent on customs and immigration procedures, so plan your time accordingly.
