Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

The Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is located approximately 32 kilometres northeast of Beijing's city centre, this is the busiest airport in Asia and one of the busiest in the world. It has three terminals, with Terminal 3 being the primary terminal for international flights. The airport offers extensive facilities and services, making it a major hub for both domestic and international travel.

The Airport Express Train is the fastest and most convenient option, connecting Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 to Dongzhimen Station in downtown Beijing in about 20 minutes. Taxis offer a more direct route, taking 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. For a budget-friendly choice, the Airport Shuttle Bus provides multiple routes to various parts of the city, taking about an hour.

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Website: en.bcia.com.cn

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Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

The Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), opened in September 2019, is located about 46 kilometres south of Beijing. It is known for its impressive design and state-of-the-art facilities, including the world's largest single-building airport terminal. The airport is expected to handle 100 million passengers annually by 2025, making it one of the busiest airports globally.

The Daxing Airport Express train links the airport to Caoqiao Station on Line 10 of the Beijing Subway in about 20 minutes. Another efficient option is the Beijing–Xiong'an Intercity Railway, which connects the airport to Beijing West Railway Station in approximately 30 minutes. Taxis are also available, taking about an hour to reach the city centre. Alternatively, the Airport Shuttle Bus offers several routes to different parts of the city, taking about 1.5 hours.

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Website: daxing-pkx-airport.com

More Information: Also known as Beijing New Airport.

Best Time To Visit

Most of Beijing's attractions feature timeless architecture and rich cultural heritage, making them enjoyable year-round. However, the outdoor temperatures are most pleasant in spring and autumn, as winter can be too cold and summer too hot for comfort. Additionally, the city’s parks and gardens are particularly beautiful during these seasons, with blossoming flowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.

It's best to avoid Chinese public holidays, especially from October 1st to 7th, when the city is crowded with local tourists.

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Public Transport

The subway is the best way to move around the city and avoid traffic jams in Beijing. Currently, there are 24 lines in operation. Line 1, Line 2 and 4 run through the centre of Beijing and cover most of the attractions. The subway runs from 5am to 11pm daily. Subway stations are marked by navy blue signs with a 'D' (for Ditie or subway) in a circle. Route signs are bilingual.

Bus service is another option to travel around the city. With more than 1,600 routes, the buses take you through both the downtown and suburbs. Buses generally run from 5am to 11:30pm. Applications like 'Beijing Public Transport' (北京公交) or 'Ruubypay' (亿通行) will help you pick the best route. You can pay with cash, coins and notes by putting the exact amount into the fare box on the bus, or pay with a transportation card or applications. For the card, you need to tap both on and off on the bus.

The transportation card in Beijing is called Yikatong, and using it offers travel discounts. You can purchase and top up a Yikatong card at the service centre in the subway stations. At major stations, you can refund the card as long as you have your receipt. You can also top up the card using the machines at stations.

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Website: www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing/transportation

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Mobile Payments

In China, mobile payment apps such as Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay are widely used and accepted almost everywhere, including restaurants, shops, street food stalls and tourist attractions. To use them, you can link your international credit card or set up a local bank account. Both apps provide features in English and are user-friendly, making it easy to handle payments, split bills, and even pay for transportation. Download these apps before your trip and familiarise yourself with their functionality to enhance your travel experience in Beijing.

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Website: english.visitbeijing.com.cn/article/4HWNoka8e95

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Taxi

Taxis are the default mode of transportation for many foreigners in Beijing. Have your destination written down in Chinese and hail a cab. Make sure there is a taximeter and it starts at its initial point. You can also use the popular ride hailing app Didi if you have a Chinese phone number and internet access.

Beijing taxi drivers may speak only a little English. Expect to get your change; tipping is discouraged. Taxi from the airport to the city centre takes approximately 50 minutes, depending on the traffic. Ask for your receipt by saying "Fa-piao / 发票".

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Website: english.visitbeijing.com.cn/article/47OLiWSO3PP

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Internet Access and VPN in China

Because of the internet security laws of China, certain websites and applications are not accessible from the mainland, which includes those very commonly used in the west (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google and Gmail, Skype and more). Some travellers have been able to gain access to those via a VPN service installed prior to arrival in China.

Make sure you comply with local laws and regulations when deciding on whether or not to employ a VPN, and which one to choose. If you do, only use those explicitly allowed by the Chinese government, and only use them for authorised purposes to avoid any trouble. There have been reports of foreigners in China getting their cell service cut off in response to unauthorised use of VPN; restoring cell service required a trip to the local police station, where contents of the device were investigated and certain apps removed.

Given that Google is banned in China, Google Maps might not be the most accurate and reliable source of information. Some local apps such as Baidu Maps tend to work better than Google Maps.

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Post Office

In Beijing, post offices are conveniently located throughout the city, offering a range of services including mail, parcel delivery and various banking functions. Mailboxes, typically green, are also widely available and can be found in residential areas, near businesses, and on main streets, making it easy to send letters and small parcels.

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Pharmacy

Pharmacies are easy to locate but do keep in mind that staff often will not speak English, so it is recommended that you bring along someone who can interpret for you, or have the name of the needed medicine written down in Chinese.

One pharmacy staffed with English speakers is Vista Clinic, located at Kerry Centre Shopping Mall.

Address: Beijing Kerry Centre Mall, 3rd floor, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing

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Phone: +86 10 8529 6618

Website: www.vista-china.net/en

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Electricity

In Mainland China, the standard power plugs and sockets are Type A, Type C, and Type I. The voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, Type C plugs have two round pins, and Type I plugs have three flat pins in a triangular pattern. It's advisable to carry a universal adapter if you plan to use devices with different plug types. Make sure your devices are compatible with the 220V voltage to avoid any electrical issues.

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Telephone

Country code: +86
Area code: (0)10

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