As the founder of LanternGlow.guide, I’m thrilled to share these comprehensive new measures from Beijing Capital International Airport that will significantly enhance the travel experience for international visitors to China.
On August 6th, Beijing Capital Airport’s international and regional passenger volume exceeded 10 million passengers, 30 days earlier than last year, with projections to surpass 17 million for the full year. To help establish Beijing as “China’s premier inbound tourism destination,” Capital Airport has collaborated with various organizations to launch 16 service measures across five key areas: flight networks, service experience, process efficiency, consumption scenarios, and tourism products.
The 16 Service Measures:
Flight Network Enhancement
1. More Destinations, Denser Flight Networks
Capital Airport currently operates flights to 225 destinations across 57 countries, with 97 international and regional destinations and 52 intercontinental destinations, ranking first nationwide.
2. “Transit the World via Beijing” International Transfer Product Expansion
The “Transit the World via Beijing” transfer product launched jointly by Capital Airport and Air China now covers 98 domestic destinations (including Harbin, Changchun, Nanchang, Hohhot) and 55 international/regional destinations (including Frankfurt, London, Paris, Los Angeles), offering passengers convenient “single-ticket, direct baggage” transfer services.
3. Launch of First Cross-Airline International/Regional Through Flight Service
Air China, Air Macau, and Capital Airport will introduce the first cross-airline international and regional through flight service for passengers traveling between Beijing and Macau.
Service Experience Optimization
4. Creating a “Beijing Service” Comprehensive Service Center Model
The Beijing Service (Capital Airport Service Point) provides foreign travelers with one-stop services including foreign card cash withdrawal, communication card processing, cultural and tourism bookings, and transportation arrangements.
5. Comprehensive Online English Services
Capital Airport has launched English-version official mini-programs and apps, providing foreign passengers with over 40 functions including flight information queries, airport Wi-Fi, immigration policy inquiries, transfer guides, and Beijing tourism information.
6. New Integrated Baggage Services
Capital Airport has established 7 integrated baggage service counters, providing one-stop services including baggage packing, storage, and door-to-door delivery. Foreign passengers eligible for the 24-hour transit visa-free policy can enjoy free storage for single baggage items for up to 3 days with passport verification.
Process Efficiency Improvements
7. Continuous Enhancement of Immigration Clearance Efficiency
In collaboration with Beijing Border Inspection Station, implementing a “dual-lane parallel inspection” model to reduce passenger waiting times, establishing dedicated areas for temporary entry permit processing with one-stop issuance services.
8. Optimized Customs Supervision Layout
Working with customs authorities to conduct medical inspections and temperature screenings for inbound passengers while effectively reducing queue times and improving on-site organization.
9. Comprehensive Upgrade of International Security Screening Capacity
T3 international-to-international transfers added 5 new security screening channels, T2 international departure joint inspection areas received complete upgrades, comprehensively improving service capacity and operational efficiency.
10. Widespread Application of International/Regional Electronic Boarding Pass Services
13 airlines operating 19 routes, including Air China, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, and United Airlines, have activated international and regional electronic boarding pass services, with Hong Kong routes achieving full electronic boarding pass coverage.
Enhanced Consumption Experience
11. 24-Hour Dining Services
21 stores operate 24/7, with comprehensive online pre-ordering through the Food Boarding Pass mini-program, offering in-store packaging and pickup services.
12. Renovated T3 International Transit Area Passenger Lounges
Passengers can select rest facilities through multiple channels including online reservations and phone bookings.
13. Advanced Retail Shopping Experience
All duty-free retail stores at Capital Airport offer mailing services. Passengers can purchase various specialty products, with a Beijing Gifts specialty store launching soon. Over 50 new departure tax refund store locations have been added, making shopping and tax refunds convenient for foreign travelers.
14. Global Financial Payment System
Main terminals feature 6 foreign exchange institutions, 2 banks, and 11 ATM machines. Commercial stores throughout the terminal support various payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, foreign credit cards, cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and digital RMB.
Tourism Product Integration
15. Direct Bus Service to Universal Studios
Starting August 5th, direct bus service from Capital Airport to Universal Studios Beijing has officially launched.
16. Continuous Growth in Inbound Tourism Products
In partnership with Ctrip Group, upgraded inbound tourism products build upon the free half-day Beijing tour foundation, creating customized service packages for short-term inbound transit visa-free visitors, including complimentary flight tickets, hotel vouchers, attraction tickets, and multiple exclusive discount coupons.
For International Travelers: These exclusive packages are available through Ctrip’s international platform, offering seamless booking in English with customer support designed for foreign visitors. The partnership ensures that transit passengers can maximize their brief Beijing experience with pre-arranged, hassle-free tour packages that require minimal planning time.
💡 Pro Tip for LanternGlow Readers: As your trusted China travel guide, I’ve partnered with Ctrip to help you access these exclusive airport-sponsored tour packages directly. Book your Beijing transit tour package here to take advantage of these government-backed tourism incentives, including the complimentary half-day tours and additional discount vouchers for extended stays.
The collaboration between Beijing Capital Airport and Ctrip represents a significant step toward making Beijing more accessible for international visitors, particularly those on short layovers who want to experience authentic Chinese culture without complex logistics planning.
What This Means for International Travelers
These 16 measures represent a comprehensive upgrade to Beijing’s position as China’s gateway for international tourism. For travelers following our LanternGlow.guide recommendations, these improvements will create a seamless, welcoming experience from arrival to departure, making your Beijing adventure more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.
The focus on digital services, payment flexibility, and cultural integration perfectly aligns with the needs of modern international travelers exploring China’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.
About This Report:
The information in this article is compiled from official Beijing Capital International Airport announcements regarding new service measures for international travelers, published August 2025.
Source: Beijing Capital International Airport Official Communications
Translation & Analysis: LanternGlow.guide