You’re in luck if you have a stopover in Beijing! The city hosts two major (and beautiful!) international airports. Need ideas about how to kill some time? This post will cover what to do in Beijing airport, for both Beijing’s Daxing and Capital Airports.
Layovers can be so controversial. On the one hand, you’re exhausted from being on the go and need some rest and refueling. On the other, you may only have a few hours in this airport (maybe even country!) and you want to explore!
Both of Beijing’s largest airports have you totally covered, whether you plan to spend your stop hustling and bustling, or just relaxing. So let’s dive in!
What to Do in Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Daxing airport was finished in 2019, and as of 2023 is the largest airport in the world. Walking around this airport is jaw-dropping enough. The architecture and sheer massiveness of the place is incredible.
There are so many amazing functions, such as screens which can tell you your flight and gate information, as well as instructions of how to get there, using ONLY facial recognition! Amazing!
There are TOO many things to do at this airport, so lucky for you, even if you don’t get to leave the building itself, you’ll still get a taste of Beijing just from this beautiful, massive “starfish”-shaped hub.
Shopping & Restaurants
The options for shopping in Daxing are endless. From big-name designers, to souvenir shops, there are plenty of options for gifts to give friends, or just a little something for yourself.
Restaurants range from fast-food options, like McDonalds and Starbucks, to high-end fine-dining. Personally, grabbing a bite to eat during a transfer is like therapy to me. I love watching the bustling airport over a quick meal.
Stroll through the Gardens
Yep, you read that right. Daxing Airport has FIVE gardens, one at the end of each corridor. Could there be a more perfect way to de-stress during your layover? We all know that travel can be exhausting!
Designed in traditional Chinese style, you can totally get some GORGEOUS snaps just during your layover! I mean, Insta-worthy shots of Beijing, without even having left the airport? Sounds like a win to me!!
Spas & Lounges
Did you know that even if you’re not some kind of airline VIP, there are several airlines and companies which allow you to pay for entry to their VIP lounges? Depending on how long your layover is, it may be worth it!
Furthermore, Daxing airport hosts several spas for travelers to get some much-needed pampering mid-journey. Prices in airports tends to be higher than they are outside, but some travelers will consider the cost worth it.
What to Do at Capital Airport (PEK) In Beijing
Remodeled for the 2008 Olympics, Beijing Capital Airport is just as beautiful as ever, in my opinion. While it’s much smaller than Daxing, and certainly not as glam, it is still an absolutely stunning airport with lots to do!
Shopping & dining
While the options may not be as copious as Daxing airport, there are still plenty of culinary stops available. Daxing definitely has Capital Airport outplayed in terms of fine-dining options.
Still, the dining options are plentiful enough to find whatever you’re craving.
As for shopping, it’s a similar situation: there are plenty of designer brands and souvenir shops, though not quite as many options as Daxing. You’re still bound to find whatever you need, though!
Check out Exhibitions and Art Displays
It’s super common for there to be displays set up throughout the airport halls! Once when I was in the airport, there was a beautiful walk-through diorama of the Forbidden City. It was kind of like a mini tour!
As the airport is much smaller than Daxing, your odds of bumping into an exhibition as you stroll are much higher. So happy hunting!
Hourly Lounges
According to the airport website, in addition to the private airline VIP lounges which entry can be bought into (about $30 USD), there are also hourly lounges in each terminal, where you can pay by the hour.
Even better, there are apparently “sleeping pods” in this airport, if you want to catch some Z’s!
So that’s a quick overview of what to do at Beijing’s airports! Even if you just have a few hours to spend, there are plenty of options for you to fill your layover with fun and memorable experiences. Enjoy!
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