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Tips for a long layover in Beijing ​

Travel tips for a 20-hour layover at Beijing Capital International Airport.

These notes are based on a 20-hour layover and focus on what helps most for a short visit. ✈️

Summary ​

Tech and apps

  • eSIM is essential. Buy and install it BEFORE arriving in China.
  • Set up WeChat Pay and Alipay ahead of time. Passport verification is required.
  • Do not bother getting cash. Just use WeChat Pay or Alipay.
  • Get a Nomad eSIM.
    • 10 GB is sufficient for 2 people during a 20-hour stay.
    • Google Maps and Instagram worked on the Nomad eSIM.
  • Chinese public Wi-Fi blocks many sites.
  • iMessage and Apple Mail (Hide My Email) work on Chinese Wi-Fi. Gmail does not.
  • NordVPN and ClearVPN do not work on Chinese Wi-Fi.
  • DiDi taxi rides were cheap, quick, and reliable.
  • Download Chinese maps, such as Baidu Maps, for offline navigation.

Airport and transit

  • Carry photocopies of your passport and ID for security checks.
  • Beijing Capital International Airport has limited amenities after security.
    • Food choices are better before security.
    • Shopping and food options are pricey and limited after security.
  • Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
  • Avoid layovers under 8 hours because you cannot leave the airport.
  • Air China offers free, basic transit hotels for layovers over 8 hours. They are clean.
  • Luggage checks are strict. Remove ALL batteries from your bags. 🔋

General notes

  • Smoking is common in public areas. Masks help reduce secondhand smoke.
  • Prepare for squat toilets.

Pick a 20-hour layover over a 5-hour layover ​

  • With 20 hours, we could leave the airport, sleep in a bed, and visit 1 attraction.
  • You cannot leave the airport if your layover is under 8 hours.
  • Beijing Capital International Airport is basic, so a 5-8-hour layover would be boring.

Air China ​

  • Book directly through Air China.
  • We booked a round trip via Booking.com. It led to check-in issues when the aircraft changed and seats were no longer available.
  • Air China was a decent, full-service airline.
  • Food surprisingly good, and the flight attendants were friendly.
  • The seats were old but decent.
  • Create an Air China account for each passenger before booking to avoid issues.
  • Download the Air China app for easy check-in and boarding pass access.

Air China transit hotel ​

  • Air China offers free transit hotels for layovers over 8 hours.
  • We stayed at the Beijing Airport Lanwan International Hotel.
    • Name in Chinese: 北京空港蓝湾国际酒店
    • Address: 22 Tianzhu East Road, Shunyi District, Beijing, China
    • Address in Chinese: 天竺地区天柱东路22号, 首都国际机场及新国际会展, 北京, 中国, 101312
    • Google Maps: Beijing Lanwan International Airport Hotel Tower A
    • Hotel phone: (0086) 10-64568436
  • The room was basic. The shower pressure was weak, but the room was clean.
  • The room was quiet enough to sleep well. Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
  • The hotel is close to the airport, but it is far from the city and tourist attractions.
  • It is great if you want to rest and do not plan to explore the city.
  • Next time, we will book a city hotel to explore downtown Beijing.
  • A fancy Western-style shopping center is nearby, but there is not much else.

How to book the transit hotel ​

  • After booking your Air China flight, book the transit hotel through the Air China website or app.
  • Details: Air China transit accommodation
  • Upon arrival, head directly to the Air China Transfer Service Counter in Terminal 3 (T3) for hotel arrangements.
  • If the counter is closed, contact the transit hotel directly or call Air China customer service at 95583 for assistance.
  • You can only book single rooms. If you are traveling with a partner, book 2 single rooms. We ended up with a double room on arrival.

Alipay and WeChat Pay - Chinese QR code payment apps ​

Tourists can use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China.

  • Register accounts in advance and verify your identity using your passport.
  • Payments are made via QR codes and linked to your foreign credit cards (Wise credit card worked seamlessly for us).
  • Both Alipay and WeChat Pay accept the same phone number.
  • A phone number is not required if you completed identity verification in advance, but it is recommended to use a number with Wi-Fi Calling enabled to receive SMS verification codes in China.

For detailed setup instructions:

Visa requirements ​

As of 2025-05-23

Travelers from countries like Japan and Australia qualify for China's unilateral visa-free entry program. Verify your eligibility beforehand to avoid surprises.

Useful resources:

eSIM for internet access ​

Stay connected with an eSIM. 📶

  • Ensure you buy and install your eSIM before arriving in China.
  • You cannot buy an eSIM locally in China.
  • Nomad's China plan provided reliable access, including blocked sites like Google and Instagram.

For more information:

Caution ⚠️: Purchase sufficient eSIM data before arriving in China!

You cannot top up or buy more data once in China.

If you have to use Chinese public Wi-Fi ​

  • China blocks Google, Facebook, Instagram, and other popular sites.
  • iCloud Mail and iMessage work on Chinese Wi-Fi, but Gmail does not.
  • NordVPN and ClearVPN do not work on Chinese Wi-Fi.

Layover logistics ​

Arrival procedures at Beijing Capital International Airport ​

  1. Go to the Temporary Entry Permit Application desk. Expect about a 1.5-hour wait.
  2. Complete fingerprint scanning at designated machines.
  3. Checked baggage continues to your final destination.

Caution ⚠️: Pack everything you need during your layover in your carry-on bag.

Your checked luggage goes directly to your final destination.

Leaving the airport ​

  • Use the provided shuttle bus service to reach your transit hotel.

Forbidden City ​

  • Tickets go on sale 1 week in advance and require passport verification.
  • Arrive early. 08:00 is a good target to avoid heavy crowds.
  • Book tickets ahead because they can be difficult to secure.
  • There is a lot of walking and stairs, so wear comfortable shoes.

More information: The Palace Museum ticketing

Example itinerary ​

Sample timeline from a 20-hour layover. 🗓️

  • Route: Tokyo Haneda - Beijing Capital International Airport.
  • Transit location: Beijing Capital International Airport (T3).
  • Layover duration: 20 hours 50 minutes.
  • Landed at 16:45 (China time).
  • Went through customs and security.
  • Took the monorail to the Terminal 3 exit.
  • Went to the Air China Transfer Service Counter to check in for the bus to the hotel.
  • Waited about 30 minutes to get on the bus.
  • Arrived at the hotel around 18:30.
  • Checked in and dropped off luggage.
  • Took a taxi to the 中粮祥云国际生活区 / COFCO Xiangyun International Living Community.
  • Walked around the shopping center and had dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Took a taxi back to the hotel around 22:00.
  • Woke up at 06:00 the next day.
  • Ate the included breakfast at the hotel.
  • Checked out and took a taxi to the Forbidden City.
  • Arrived at the Forbidden City around 10:00.
    • The morning traffic into the city is heavy, so plan accordingly.
  • Walked around the Forbidden City for 2 hours.
  • Took a taxi to the airport around 12:30.
  • Arrived at the airport around 13:00.
  • Went through security and customs.

A little preparation helps. Enjoy your transit in Beijing.