HoneymoonAdventureFamily TripSolo TravelFood & WineBackpacking
ubeen.to
Guides
Beijing Capital International Airport

Airport

← Back to city

Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing · China · Airport code: PEK

70,742,712 passengers (2025)
Getting into town

Getting to Beijing center

Airport FAQ

Just landed — what matters first

1How do I get from PEK to central Beijing by airport rail?

Use the Capital Airport Express linking PEK to Beijing’s city rail network. Follow signs for “Capital Airport Express” in the terminal, then buy a ticket at the station and enter the platform area.

2Is the PEK airport bus still running when I land at night?

Yes—night routes operate from Beijing Capital Airport. Look for the “Bus” desk/booths or bus signboards inside the arrivals hall, and choose the route listed for your destination area.

3Where do I buy a PEK taxi from, and what’s the official taxi area?

Go to the official taxi rank outside the terminal after baggage claim. Follow “Taxi” signs to the designated queue area; line up there and take the next available taxi with the meter started.

4Which mobile operators have SIM/eSIM options near arrivals at PEK?

Check for kiosks and counters in the terminal arrivals area for China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom (China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom). They can sell prepaid SIM or set up data options on compatible devices.

Built with data from OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage/Wikimedia.

Popular guidesParisTokyoNew YorkDubaiRomeBangkok

We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page — at no extra cost to you.

XInstagram
GuidesPrivacyTerms
© Ubeen Studios
Nearby

Things to do near Beijing

Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China

The Great Wall is described as the must-see on any trip to Beijing, and the input emphasizes that it is worth visiting multiple times because of its sheer scale and the variety of views, landscapes, and hikes it offers. Different sections suit different interests: Badaling is the best known but heavily restored and crowded, while Mutianyu is recommended for a similar restored experience with fewer crowds. Juyongguan, Jinshanling, Huanghuacheng, Simatai, and nearby Gubei Watertown broaden the options further.

Central Axis

The Central Axis is presented as the historic north-south spine of Beijing and a key expression of the city’s imperial planning. It runs through major landmarks that show the city’s evolution from Yuan through Qing times and was recognized in 2024 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along it connects the Drum and Bell Towers, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Zhengyangmen, Qianmen Street, Temple of Heaven, and the reconstructed Yongdingmen Gate.

Hutongs

Beijing’s hutongs offer some of the clearest glimpses of the city’s older residential fabric, with alleyways and courtyard homes dating back to the Yuan dynasty. The input notes that many were replaced by newer construction, but surviving areas still preserve the feel of traditional courtyard life. Popular examples like Nanluoguxiang, Qianmen, Dashilar, and quieter lanes near Fayuan Temple or Liulichang show very different versions of the hutong experience, from crowded snack streets to calmer coffee-shop and art-supply corners.

Qianmen and Dashilar

Qianmen Street and Dashilar Commercial Street are highlighted as lively places where Beijing’s commercial heritage is still visible in traditional brands, snacks, and historic shopfronts. They sit on and near the Central Axis, so they work well as part of a broader sightseeing route rather than as a stand-alone stop. The input also notes that modern development has softened some of the old atmosphere, but the area remains a useful place to experience a busy historic streetscape.

Nanluoguxiang

Nanluoguxiang is one of the most visited hutong lanes and is singled out for its strong atmosphere, snack shops, and excellent people-watching. The lane is only 786 meters long and 8 meters wide, but it becomes extremely crowded at peak times, which the input makes clear is part of both its appeal and its drawback. Even so, it is described as lively in the evening and a useful alternative to the closed Wangfujing night market.

Temple of Heaven and its park

The Temple of Heaven is presented as one of Beijing’s iconic symbols and a major stop on the Central Axis. Its importance comes not only from the temple complex itself but also from the surrounding park, which is described as a lively gathering place where locals do tai chi, calligraphy, and tea drinking. That combination of imperial ritual history and everyday public life makes it one of the best places to understand how Beijing’s heritage and social life overlap.

Explore the Beijing guide →