Transit through Beijing - Languages?

My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Thailand this winter (from the UK), and the cheapest option appears to be Air China, with a 6-hour layover in Beijing (PEK).

Given that neither of us can speak or read Chinese, will we be able to find our way around? Are the signs & displays repeated in English (or another language with Latin characters)? Are there plenty of multi-lingual staff? (both in the airport and the catering outlets)

Also, is 6 hours long enough to see anything of the city using the 72-hour visa-free transit option? or is it better to remain in the airport?

Best Answer

Airport in Beijing is international. All signs used Chinese and English. Airport staff mostly able to speak English.

Road from airport to city center will takes about 20 minutes on Airport Express. You will have enough time to make a small walk or get a delicious dinner. Near Dongzhimen station you can find a lot of good shopping centers.

Airport Express time table

  Dongzhimen -> Sanyuanqiao  -  4 min
  Sanyuanqiao  -> T3         - 19 min
  T3 -> T2                   - 14 min
  T2 -> Sanyuanqiao          - 17 min
  Sanyuanqiao -> Dongzhimen  -  4 min

Pictures about "Transit through Beijing - Languages?"

Transit through Beijing - Languages? - Unrecognizable passenger in bus during COVID 19 pandemic

Transit through Beijing - Languages? - Through glass of anonymous tourists in warm outerwear standing in waiting room of modern railway station

Transit through Beijing - Languages? - Empty railroad on station through window

Can you transit through Beijing?

24-Hour Direct Transit Under the 24-hour visa-free transit rule, no visa is required for international flight, ship, or train passengers who transit directly through mainland China and will stay for less than 24 hours. Passengers should hold tickets to a third country or region and have a confirmed seat.

Can you leave Beijing airport layover?

2. Can I Leave Beijing Airport During My Layover? If you qualify for any of the visa-free policies, you can leave the airport during your transit hours. All you need to do is fill in a Temporary Entry Card at the immigration desk in the airport.

Can I take transit flight to China?

Since July 20, 2020, the CAAC has required both foreign and Chinese passengers flying into China to obtain COVID-19 negative certificates, known as green Health Declaration Certificate (HDC) codes, before boarding if they are flying from or transiting in any of these countries.

How many terminals does Beijing airport have?

The airport has three terminals. Terminal 1 serves the domestic routes of Hainan Airlines and its subsidiaries (while its international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights operate from Terminal 2).

EF Beijing – Live the language (Original version)

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Images: Tim Samuel, Brian James, Sinitta Leunen, Владимир Васильев