Flying into Beijing
The city of Beijing is being transformed into a brand new place
complete with a new airline terminal due to be opened in February,
2008. In anticipation of the increased tourist population along
with the Olympic committee, trainers and athletes expected in August
of 2008 for the Olympic games, the Beijing Capital International
Airport Co., Inc. has built a brand new terminal at the Beijing
Capital International Airport that is state-of-the-art and can accommodate
over 40,000 travelers a year. There will be high-technology and
modern conveniences that welcome airline passengers and offer a
pleasant flying experience. The terminal building is beautifully
designed and the colors are aesthetically pleasing and vibrant.
The shape of the building represents a dragon and the roof has skylights
to allow daylight to stream into the terminal. The influx of international
airline companies has prompted even further expansion. There will
be another terminal built at the airport by around 2010. Airlines
are located at the airport, hotels and downtown. The best idea for
reservations is to call the particular airline you wish to travel
with. For information on air travel related questions call the Beijing
Capital International Airport Information Desk at 010-64541100.
There are many options available for traveling around the city
of Beijing. At the airport or before you arrive, you can arrange
to have pick-up service to your hotel usually by shuttle. Your travel
agent can book a chauffeur service and you can hire a personal guided
agenda while you visit Beijing. A Rickshaw is a fun alternative
for short rides. They operate in tourist areas and some shopping
sections of Beijing. There are also many local taxis outside the
airport terminal and hotels. You can either flag the taxi or call
in advance for reservations. You can take the subway but check for
the operating times and remember there are over 14 million people
in Beijing, many who have to go to work and possibly consider another
option during work travel times in the city proper. You can take
the city buses which run frequently and are very reasonable. Be
watchful if you do not speak good Chinese and keep your valuables
close. Or, do like most of the people in Beijing and rent a bicycle.
This as a fun and inexpensive way to get around and you will see
many sights not noticed when enclosed in a car. Be sure to educate
yourself on traffic patterns. Most streets have bike lanes due to
the great amount of bicycle travel in the city. You can rent a bicycle
from your hotel or from local shops.
Ground Travel