Ruth Haines
Beijing Capital International Airport is a sprawling, modern airport with a range of amenities to keep travellers entertained during layovers. The airport is located 32 kilometres (20 miles) northeast of Beijing's city centre, which can be reached in approximately one hour. Travellers with longer layovers can opt for sightseeing in the city, including iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City. Those who prefer to stay within the airport can indulge in duty-free shopping, enjoy diverse dining options, relax in airport lounges, or explore the airport's gardens and free WiFi offerings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 32km from Beijing's city centre |
| Transport to city centre | 1 hour by car, 30-35 minutes by Airport Express train |
| Transport cost to city centre | ¥25 by train, ¥80 by taxi |
| Nearby attractions | Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, 798 Art District, Temple of Heaven |
| Food options | Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Western (Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, Costa Coffee, Pizza Hut) |
| Airport lounges | Accessible to all travellers, with single-visit passes available online |
| Amenities | Free WiFi, free showers, gardens with fish ponds |
| Shopping | Duty-free shops, convenience stores, specialty stores |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the city: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and the Great Wall
- Airport lounges: pay to access showers, food, and entertainment
- Airport food: Chinese cuisine, teahouses, and Western fast food
- Airport shopping: duty-free stores, convenience stores, and luxury brands
- Airport spa: traditional Chinese foot massages and full-service spas
Explore the city: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and the Great Wall
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is a significant gateway to China, located 32 km from the city centre. If you have a long layover, you can explore Beijing and visit some of its famous landmarks. It is recommended to have at least 8 hours between flights to explore the city comfortably.
One of the most popular destinations in Beijing is Tiananmen Square, located about 40 minutes from the airport. The square is named after the Tiananmen Gate, or the "Gate of Heavenly Peace", which separates it from the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is located at the north end of the square, and it was the imperial palace for the Ming through Qing Dynasties. It was built in the early 1400s and contains almost 1,000 buildings. The Palace Museum has managed the Forbidden City since 1925, and it became a World Heritage Site in 1987.
Another iconic landmark in Beijing is the Great Wall, specifically the Mutianyu Great Wall, which you can visit directly from the airport. This section of the wall is known for its well-preserved architecture and breathtaking scenery. You can book a private car tour, which is faster and more convenient, or use public transportation.
To get to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City from the airport, you can take the Airport Express train, which connects downtown Dongzhimen to all airport terminals and takes approximately 35-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from outside each terminal, although travel time can range from 1 to 1.5 hours due to traffic.
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Airport lounges: pay to access showers, food, and entertainment
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) offers a range of airport lounges that can be accessed by purchasing a day pass, annual membership, or paying at the door. These lounges provide a great opportunity to freshen up with a shower, enjoy a meal, and relax before your flight.
For those looking for a quick refresh, the airport's lounges offer a convenient solution. With a variety of options available, travellers can choose the lounge that best suits their needs, with some even including shower facilities. A great option for those who didn't get a chance to shower before their flight or are looking to feel refreshed during a layover.
When it comes to dining, the airport lounges provide a range of culinary delights. Travellers can indulge in a variety of Chinese cuisines, experiencing the local culture through food. For those craving a taste of home, Western options such as Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, and Costa Coffee are also available within the airport. The lounges themselves also offer food, providing a comfortable and relaxed dining experience.
In addition to showers and dining, the airport lounges at Beijing Capital Airport offer entertainment and relaxation. Le SPA in Terminal 3 provides traditional Chinese foot massages, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. The terminal also features two gardens with fish ponds, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling airport atmosphere. For those seeking a more comprehensive spa experience, the Hilton Beijing Airport Hotel, which is accessible via a free 24-hour shuttle, offers paid entries to its full-service spa.
With so much to offer, the airport lounges at Beijing Capital Airport provide a great way to pass the time, freshen up, and experience a taste of local culture during your journey.
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Airport food: Chinese cuisine, teahouses, and Western fast food
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has a wide variety of food options, ranging from casual settings to to-go kiosks. The airport offers a great opportunity to sample Chinese cuisine and experience traditional teahouses, as well as offering a range of Western fast-food options.
For those wanting to try Chinese food, Tai Hing is a Hong Kong-style restaurant chain serving Chinese dishes. Alternatively, Hua's Cuisines offers Beijing local foods. For a quick snack, there are Chinese and Western options, including fries, porridge, fried breadsticks, paninis, burgers, and chips.
Beijing's teahouses are an integral part of the local culture and identity. They are places where news is exchanged and discussed, and they offer a range of teas and infused drinks. The airport has a variety of tea options, including classic tea, cheese tea, and fresh tea options like Joyful Golden Phoenix, Jade Crystal, and Spring Throughout the Year. For something stronger, there is also alcohol-infused tea, such as the popular Champagne Oolong Tea and Brandy Black Tea.
For those wanting more familiar Western options, there are plenty of choices, including Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and Costa Coffee. These outlets offer a range of coffee, desserts, and bread, as well as other Western snacks.
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Airport shopping: duty-free stores, convenience stores, and luxury brands
Beijing Capital International Airport is a shopper's paradise, with a variety of options ranging from duty-free stores to luxury brands and convenience shops.
The airport is home to several duty-free retailers, including the China Duty Free Group (CDFG) and Sunrise China, which offer a wide array of international beauty brands, spirits, wines, perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco, liquor, and packaged foods. These duty-free stores are located in Terminals 2 and 3, with CDFG managing the T2 international terminal departures and arrivals areas and Sunrise China operating a large departures and arrivals space at T3.
For luxury brand shopping, Terminal 3 is the place to be, with boutiques from renowned fashion houses such as Bally, Montblanc, Ferragamo, and Hugo Boss. These luxury brands offer high-end fashion, accessories, and more to discerning travellers looking for a touch of elegance.
In addition to the duty-free and luxury options, Beijing Capital International Airport also features various convenience stores and shops catering to travellers' last-minute needs. From souvenirs to snacks, travellers can find unique Chinese mementos and local specialties to remember their trip by or simply pick up any essential items they may require during their journey.
The shopping experience at Beijing Capital International Airport is enhanced by the airport's modern and spacious design, making it a pleasant environment to explore and browse through the various stores. With well-organised layout and ample resting areas, travellers can comfortably indulge in some retail therapy before their flights.
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Airport spa: traditional Chinese foot massages and full-service spas
Beijing Capital Airport, also known as PEK, is a sprawling, modern airport that serves as a significant gateway into China. If you're looking to relax and rejuvenate during your time at the airport, there are some spa options available to you.
Le SPA in Terminal 3 offers traditional Chinese foot massages for a quick pick-me-up. If you're looking for a full-service spa, you'll need to head outside the airport. The nearby Hilton Beijing Airport hotel offers paid access to their fitness centre, indoor heated swimming pool, and full spa. A free shuttle runs 24 hours between the hotel and the airport, making it a convenient option for travellers.
If you're willing to venture further, there are numerous spas in Beijing offering traditional Chinese massages, foot massages, and full-service treatments. Dragonfly Spa, with two locations in the city centre, is a popular choice known for its relaxing decor and affordable prices. 99 Massage & Spa Center in Chaoyang District provides a range of services, including aromatic oil massage, body massage, and foot massage, with both single and double rooms available. Liangzi Spa, with multiple branches across the country, is renowned for its exceptional foot massages and nail salon services.
For a more unique experience, Aixin Keep-fit Center offers traditional Chinese massages performed by skilled blind masseuses at reasonable prices. They also provide nail, hand, and foot treatments, as well as aromatherapy services. If you're looking for a luxurious spa experience, Heavenly Spa at the Westin Beijing Chaoyang offers a wide range of services, including Chinese massage, yoga, reflexology foot treatments, and a hydrotherapy centre.
Remember to consider the duration of your layover when planning to leave the airport. It is recommended to have at least 8 hours between flights if you want to explore beyond the airport, as the city centre is approximately 32 kilometres away.
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Frequently asked questions
Beijing Capital International Airport offers plenty of options for travellers during layovers. You can find various restaurants offering Chinese cuisine, teahouses, and other Asian cuisines. There are also Western fast-food options like Starbucks, KFC, Costa Coffee, and McDonald's. The airport also has free WiFi, duty-free shopping, and airport lounges with shower facilities. If you have a longer layover, you can explore nearby areas like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, or even take a tour of the Great Wall.
It is recommended to have at least 8 hours between flights if you want to leave the airport and explore Beijing. The airport is 32 kilometres from the city centre, and travel time can take up to 1 hour each way due to traffic. Make sure you give yourself ample time to pass through security checkpoints when re-entering the airport. Check the visa requirements for your nationality before planning to leave the airport.
The Great Wall, especially the Mutianyu section, is a popular destination for travellers with longer layovers. You can book a private car tour or use public transportation to reach the Great Wall. Other recommended places include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the 798 Art District, which is closer to the airport.
Yes, Beijing Airport offers a variety of options for travellers seeking relaxation. Terminal 3 has two gardens with fish ponds where you can unwind and feed the fish. You can also find spa services like traditional Chinese foot massages at Le SPA in Terminal 3. Additionally, there are airport lounges with comfortable seating, multimedia devices, and shower facilities for a tranquil break during your layover.
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