Beijing Daxing International Airport

Daxing International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true architectural masterpiece that looks as if it has stepped out of a science fiction novel. Designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid Architects, this gigantic terminal has been nicknamed the "Starfish" due to its flowing golden rays radiating from a central atrium. Here, futuristic design intertwines harmoniously with traditional Chinese culture, creating a space full of light, air, and technologies of the future. Daxing changes the perception of travel, turning the wait for a flight into a fascinating excursion through a world of innovation.

Airport Features and Advantages

Daxing is rightfully considered one of the most technologically advanced airports in the world. Its unique shape is not just a design choice but a brilliant logistical move: the distance from the central hall to the furthest boarding gate is only 600 metres, which takes no more than 8 minutes on foot. This is an incredible figure for the world's largest single-building terminal.

Travellers are welcomed by cutting-edge technologies: the widespread implementation of 5G, facial recognition systems for contactless check-in and boarding, as well as smart robot assistants. The baggage system is equipped with RFID tags, allowing suitcases to be tracked in real-time via an app.

Transport accessibility deserves special attention. Directly beneath the terminal lies a railway station where high-speed trains stop, capable of whisking you to the centre of Beijing in just 20 minutes. For those seeking tranquillity, thematic Chinese gardens—Silk, Tea, Porcelain, and others—are laid out at the end of each "ray" of the terminal, offering a place to relax in an open-air setting within the building.

• Official Website: www.bdia.com.cn
• Information Service Phone: +86-10-96158 (24-hour unified service centre)
• Address: Daxing District, Beijing & Guangyang District, Langfang City, Hebei Province, China
• Email: For most enquiries, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website or call the information service phone.
• Social Media: Daxing Airport is actively present on popular Chinese social networks such as WeChat and Weibo, where the latest news and updates are published.
• Lost & Found: For issues related to lost items within the terminal, please contact +86-10-96158. If luggage was lost by an airline, you must contact the carrier's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with any questions regarding airport services, use the unified 24-hour number: +86-10-96158.

Reaching Daxing International Airport, one of the world's most modern aviation hubs, can be done through several convenient methods. The transport system connecting the airport with Beijing and other cities in China is thought out to the smallest detail, allowing passengers to choose the best option for themselves in terms of speed, comfort, and cost.

Public Transport: Speed and Economy

The fastest and most reliable way to get to the airport is public transport. Several options are at your service:

• Metro (Daxing Airport Express): A dedicated high-speed metro line connects the airport to Caoqiao station in southern Beijing, where you can transfer to lines 10 and 19 of the city subway. The journey from Caoqiao to the airport takes only about 20 minutes. Carriages are equipped with comfortable seats and luggage space. This is the ideal choice to avoid city traffic jams.
• Intercity Train: The Beijing-Xiongan high-speed railway passes through the airport, linking it to Beijing West Railway Station. The trip takes 20-30 minutes. This option is particularly convenient for those arriving in the capital by train from other regions of the country.
• Shuttle Buses: An extensive network of bus routes connects Daxing with key points in Beijing and neighbouring cities such as Tianjin and Langfang. This is the most budget-friendly option; however, travel time depends heavily on traffic conditions and can take from 80 to 100 minutes or more.

Taxi and Transfers

A trip by taxi from central Beijing to Daxing Airport will take approximately 60-90 minutes, excluding traffic jams. This is a comfortable option, especially if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage or with family. The cost will be significantly higher than public transport. For greater convenience, you can book a private transfer in advance—the driver will meet you at the designated location and assist with luggage.

Car Rental and Parking

Offices of international and local rental companies are present at the airport. Car rental offers maximum freedom of movement but can be challenging for tourists due to the requirement of a Chinese driving licence and the specifics of local traffic. For those arriving in their own vehicle, Daxing Airport provides huge multi-level car parks divided into zones for short-term and long-term parking.

When planning your route, it is also worth considering flights through other airports in the region. Depending on your final destination, it might be more convenient to fly into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or even Tianjin Binhai International Airport, located in the neighbouring metropolis.

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is one of the most modern and technologically advanced aviation hubs in the world, known for its unique architecture and sophisticated logistics. Its main feature is a single, yet gigantic terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This solution has allowed for the maximum optimisation of passenger movement.

Structure and Navigation

The terminal is shaped like a starfish or, as it is also called, a "Golden Phoenix," with a central core and five piers radiating from it. This radial scheme is designed to reduce travel time from the security checkpoint to the furthest boarding gate. It is stated that this walk takes no more than 8 minutes on foot. All navigation is intuitive: all piers converge in the central hall, making it practically impossible to get lost. Signs are duplicated in English.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Passenger flows are separated vertically:

• 4th Floor (4F): Departure zone for international and domestic flights. Check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and passport control for those flying abroad are located here.
• 3rd Floor (3F): Departure zone for domestic flights.
• 2nd Floor (2F): Arrival zone for domestic flights. Passengers collect baggage and exit to the city here.
• 1st Floor (1F): Arrival zone for international flights. Immigration control, baggage claim, and customs inspection take place here.
• Floors B1 and B2: Transport hub. From here, you can access trains, the metro, and buses.

Transfers and Procedure Times

Since the terminal is unified, there are no classic "transfers between terminals" here. Movement occurs within one building—from the central hall to one of the five piers. Thanks to a high degree of automation (self-check-in kiosks, facial recognition systems) and a large number of counters and corridors, registration and security procedures are quite fast. Nevertheless, considering the size of the airport and traffic volumes, it is recommended to arrive early: 2-3 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international one.

Navigation Recommendations

For convenience, always check the information on the numerous electronic boards. Pay attention to your boarding gate number—the first letter in the number will correspond to the pier (A, B, C, D, or E), which simplifies orientation. The central hall serves as an excellent meeting and waiting point, offering a multitude of shops, cafes, and a unique garden in the courtyard.

The history of Daxing International Airport is not a chronicle of decades, but an impressive saga of modern ambitions and record-breaking construction speeds. The emergence of this aviation giant was dictated by acute necessity: by the early 2010s, the Capital Airport (Shoudu) was operating at the limit of its capacity, and Beijing required a new gateway to the skies.

The decision to build was made, and following a design phase involving leading global architectural bureaus, large-scale work began in 2014. The project proposed by Zaha Hadid Architects was chosen for its futuristic design and exceptional functionality. In just five years, south of the capital of China, on the border of Beijing and Hebei province, an ultra-modern complex was erected. This process became a clear demonstration of 21st-century engineering and construction capabilities.

The grand opening of the airport took place on September 25, 2019. This date was not chosen by chance—it preceded the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC, giving the event special symbolic weight. From its very first day of operation, Daxing entered history, gaining the status of the world's largest airport with a single terminal.

Unlike airports that developed over decades, Daxing was designed and built as a unified, integral organism, immediately equipped with the most advanced technologies. Its history is not about gradual modernisation, but about creating the ideal airport of the future from scratch. Every element, from facial recognition systems to robotic parking, was incorporated into the project initially, making Daxing a model for future aviation hubs around the world.

Daxing International Airport (PKX) is designed with special attention to passenger comfort and offers a wide range of services to make your stay here as pleasant as possible. In the terminal, you will find a multitude of restaurants, cafes, and lounges to suit every taste—from fast-food outlets to fine dining restaurants where you can experience Chinese and international dishes. Extensive Duty-Free zones and numerous shops offer a wide assortment of goods: from souvenirs and cosmetics to electronics and luxury brands.

For comfortable waiting, the airport is equipped with numerous lounges, including exclusive VIP and business lounges offering a private atmosphere, snacks, and beverages. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and a large number of sockets and USB ports are provided for charging gadgets. Financial matters are easily resolved thanks to the presence of bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points.

The airport is fully adapted for travellers with children and passengers with reduced mobility. For young tourists, there are play areas and nursing rooms. Passengers requiring additional assistance can use escort services, as well as special lifts, ramps, and equipped restrooms. In case of necessity, medical points and pharmacies operate around the clock at the airport.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, you can stay at the Aerotel Beijing, located directly within the terminal building. For business travellers, Daxing features modern business centres and conference halls, equipped with everything necessary for holding meetings and events.

Daxing International Airport (PKX) is a true paradise for gourmets. Unlike many airports where food choices are limited to standard fast food, Daxing offers a huge variety of establishments for every taste and budget, from authentic Chinese cuisine to world-famous chains.

Most restaurants and cafes are concentrated in the public area (landside), before security control. The main gastronomic avenue is located on the 5th floor of the terminal—this is a full-fledged food court with dozens of establishments. After passing security (airside), the departure zones also have an excellent selection of cafes and restaurants to grab a bite right before boarding your flight.

When in Beijing, even in transit, it is worth trying local cuisine dishes. In Daxing, you will find restaurants serving the famous Peking duck, steamed dim sum dumplings, hearty noodle soups, and other hits of Chinese gastronomy. Look out for establishments such as Crystal Jade or similar restaurants offering high-quality Asian cuisine. Don't forget to try the popular drink—bubble tea, which can be found at many kiosks.

If you are short on time, there are plenty of options for a quick snack at your service. International chains such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee, McDonald's, and Burger King offer familiar drinks and food. For a full lunch or dinner, it is better to head to one of the sit-down restaurants where you can enjoy your meal in peace. The price range varies: from a budget snack in fast food to more expensive dishes in premium-class restaurants.

Most establishments in the airport operate from early morning until late evening, adjusting to flight schedules, and some points in the departure zone are open 24/7. Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian dishes are easy to find on the menus of most Chinese and international restaurants (for example, tofu or vegetable dishes). While finding certified Halal or gluten-free options might be more challenging, staff at major chains are usually ready to assist with selecting suitable items.

Travelling through one of the most modern airports in the world, Daxing International Airport, can be easy and pleasant if you know a few key points. Here are helpful tips that will assist you in orienting yourself and making your trip as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Daxing is a huge and high-tech airport. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 3-4 hours before departure, and for domestic ones—2-3 hours. This will give you enough time to go through all procedures without rushing. The airport is equipped with many kiosks for self-check-in and baggage drop, and also uses biometric technologies, which significantly speeds up the process. Nevertheless, it is better to play it safe and arrive early.

Seat Selection and Carry-on Luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, follow standard rules: a window seat for view lovers, an aisle seat for those who want to stand up freely. Regarding carry-on luggage, remember standard restrictions: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Pay special attention to electronic devices: power banks and lithium-ion batteries are permitted in carry-on luggage only; checking them in is strictly prohibited.

For Transfer Passengers. Daxing is designed for fast and convenient connections. Follow the "Transfers/Connections" signs. In most cases, when transferring between flights of the same airline or alliance, your luggage will be transferred automatically. However, always verify this information when checking in for your first flight.

Customs Control. Upon arrival in Beijing, you will need to fill out an arrival/departure card and possibly a customs declaration (this can often be done electronically at special terminals). If you have no goods to declare, proceed confidently through the "Green Channel". Otherwise, use the "Red Channel".

Saving Time and Money. To save time, use online check-in for your flight. The fastest and most budget-friendly way to get to the city or from it to the airport is the high-speed Airport Express metro line. Inside the terminal, there are many drinking water fountains, so you can bring an empty bottle and fill it after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, remain calm. First, check the information on the departure boards or in your airline's app. Daxing has many shops, restaurants, and comfortable waiting areas, including the famous indoor garden. For long delays, the airline is generally obliged to provide passengers with food and drinks, and for very long ones—hotel accommodation. Contact your carrier's counter for precise information.