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A Complete Guide to Laying Over in Beijing (PEK)

a complete guide to laying over in Beijing International Airport PEK

I recently enjoyed two layovers in Beijing with my mum and the kids: one where we stayed in the airport (PEK) and one where we ventured into Beijing. I wanted to share what I learned and my personal experience of laying over in Beijing so you can make the most of your own Beijing layover.

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Below, you’ll find information on what to expect from a layover in Beijing PEK airport. To plan a layover outside of the airport in Beijing, read our guide to leaving the airport during a Beijing layover.

Laying Over in PEK Beijing Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is a vast hub with three terminals (T1, T2, T3) serving the capital of China. There is more than one airport in Beijing, so make sure you know which one you are flying into so you can plan your layover as best you can. PEK can handle over 100 million passengers a year, and it has steadily improved facilities for transit travellers – including those with children. A short layover (e.g. ~3 hours) will mostly keep you within the airport, so it’s good to know what to expect inside PEK. Below I address common questions and how to make the most of your time in the airport.

Do I Need a Visa?

For a brief layover where you do not leave the airport, you generally do not need a visa. If you’re just transiting in PEK from one country to another on a single ticket (and your luggage is checked through), you can stay in the transit area without going through Chinese immigration. In this case, you won’t enter China officially, so no visa is required. (You will still have to go through a security screening for transfers, which many travellers describe as the most tedious part of the process, but that’s all airside.) Please do check the government or embassy website for travel information for China which relates to your country for the most up-to-date information.

However, if you want to leave the airport during your layover (or if you have separate tickets requiring you to pick up luggage and re-check in), visa rules come into play. The good news is China has a generous transit visa exemption policy:

  • 24-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) – Almost all nationalities can transit through Beijing for up to 24 hours without a visa, as long as your next flight is to a different country than where you came from. For example, London → Beijing → Hong Kong is fine (different countries), but London → Beijing → London is not (since that’s just a round-trip). If your layover is under 24 hours and you meet this criterion, you can leave the airport after obtaining a temporary stay permit stamp at immigration (it’s free).
  • 144-hour / 240-hour Visa-Free Transit – Beijing (along with neighbouring Tianjin and Hebei) previously offered 72 or 144 hours visa-free, and as of late 2024 this has been extended to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of 55 countries. You can view the full list of 55 countries here. The list covers most of Europe, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, Brazil, etc. If you’re from one of these countries and transiting through Beijing to a third country, you can enter China for up to 10 days without a visa. You must have an onward ticket beyond China within that time frame.

So, if you have a long layover (e.g. 20 hours) and wish to explore Beijing, you likely qualify for visa-free transit. On arrival, do not head to the regular immigration line; instead, go to the dedicated visa-free transit counter to apply for the temporary stay permit. You’ll fill out an arrival card (the form for “Temporary Entry of Foreigners” – usually available on the plane or at the airport) and present your passport and onward boarding pass. The officer will stamp a transit permit in your passport allowing you to exit the airport. This process is usually straightforward but allocate extra time, as there can be a queue of layover travellers. With that permit, you do not need a standard visa for your short stay in Beijing.

In summary: No visa needed to just transit airside. Visa-free permits are available for short trips into Beijing (24h for most, up to 240h for many nationalities) as long as you’re in transit to another country. If you don’t qualify for these (or want to stay longer than allowed), you would need a Chinese visa in advance. But for the vast majority of layovers, no advance visa is necessary. Always double-check your eligibility before departure (airline staff at check-in often verify transit visa rules).

Do I Pass Out of Security?

This depends on your flight connections. If you are transferring from an international flight to another international flight at PEK on one itinerary, you typically stay airside – you will not go through full immigration and customs. Follow the purple “Transfer/Transit” signs after you deplane. You will go through a transit security checkpoint (so yes, you’ll go through a security screening again, with your carry-ons) but you do not exit into the public area. After security, you’ll be in the departures zone of the terminal waiting for your next flight. This means you don’t formally enter China, hence no visa needed in this scenario. This transit security can be time-consuming (lines and thorough checks), so if you have a tight connection, move quickly.

If you are connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight (within China), or vice versa, then you will need to go through immigration at Beijing. For example, if your route is Los Angeles → Beijing → Shanghai (with the second leg being a domestic flight), you’ll enter China in Beijing: go through immigration, collect any checked bags, pass customs, then go to the domestic departures area. In this case, you are entering China, so you’d need to either use the transit visa exemption (if Shanghai is your final exit within 24h/144h) or have a Chinese visa. Essentially, the first point of entry handles immigration.

If your flights are on separate tickets or different airlines that don’t transfer luggage, you’ll likely have to pick up your bags at PEK and re-check them, which forces you to exit security/immigration. Again, you’d use the visa-free transit stamp for this if eligible. Give yourself enough layover time in this scenario – between immigration lines, baggage claim, changing terminals (if needed), and security again, it can take a while.

Speaking of terminals: PEK has Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 for most international flights (Terminal 1 is smaller and mostly domestic). Know which terminals your flights use. Transferring between terminals requires leaving the secure area. PEK offers a free inter-terminal shuttle bus every 15 minutes that connects T3, T2, and T1. For example, if you arrive at T3 but depart from T2, you’d clear immigration (if coming from abroad), hop on the shuttle (outside arrivals), and then re-clear security in T2. The shuttle ride between T3 and T2 is around 10 minutes, but include wait time and navigation time. The Airport Express train also connects T3 -> T2 -> city, but that’s outside security as well. So unfortunately, you cannot stay airside if you have to change terminals – plan for that.

In short: Same-terminal international transfers keep you within security, just do transit security and head to your gate. Any scenario involving different terminals or entering China (domestic connections or leaving the airport) means you’ll exit and re-enter through security. If you do have to exit, make sure to budget time for immigration and another security check. The airport is well-marked in English, and staff can guide you if you’re unsure where to go for transfers.

Our experience of transferring to another flight in Terminal 2 was pretty smooth – though we did have special assistance booked which meant that we were taken exactly where we needed to go without any detours. We got from the plane to the departures area of Terminal 2 within about 40 minutes.

Eating in PEK Beijing Airport

One thing you won’t have to worry about during a layover in PEK is going hungry – the airport boasts a vast array of dining options, from local Chinese cuisine to international fast food. Spread across all terminals are restaurants, cafes, and food courts catering to different tastes and budgets.

If you’re craving a taste of Chinese cuisine, you can find everything from quick bowls of noodles and dumplings to Beijing specialties. For example, Crystal Jade in Terminal 3 (International Departures) is a well-regarded Cantonese restaurant known for delicious dim sum and noodle soups. There’s also Hua’s Restaurant (serving Peking duck and other Chinese dishes) and Qing Feng Steamed Bun Shop (famous for fluffy stuffed buns). You can indeed sample Peking Duck right at the airport – a nice introduction to Beijing’s food culture!

For a quick meal or familiar comfort food (especially for kids or picky eaters), PEK has plenty of Western and fast-food outlets. You’ll find McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and even a Pizza Hut, which can be a relief if your little ones just want chicken nuggets or pizza. Notably, there is a Starbucks in each terminal for your coffee fix, and places like Paris Baguette (bakery/café) for sandwiches and pastries.

A few surprises: there’s reportedly a Chick-Fil-A and a Dairy Queen in the airport, reflecting how international the food selection is. It must be in Terminal 3, as we did not come across these in Terminal 2.

Kid-friendly options are easy to find. Western chains mean you can get fries, burgers, or yogurt and fruit cups if that’s what your child will eat. Meanwhile, many Chinese eateries have picture menus; you can safely pick out dishes like fried rice, plain noodles, or dumplings which tend to be a hit with children. Keep in mind Chinese food can be spicy or have unfamiliar ingredients, so when ordering you can ask “no spice” (“不要辣, bú yào là”) if needed. Click here to learn how to pronounce it!

For sweet treats or a caffeine boost, apart from Starbucks you have places like Hey Tea (a popular Chinese tea shop known for cheese-topped tea drinks), ice cream stands, and multiple coffee shops (Pacific Coffee, Costa Coffee, etc.). There are also Chinese dessert kiosks if you’d like to try something like mango pudding or shaved ice.

Many eateries in PEK are open early and some late, to cater to odd-hour flights. However, during the deepest overnight hours (midnight to dawn), options will be limited – a few 24-hour spots exist (often a McDonald’s or a Chinese canteen). So plan to grab food before everything closes if you have an overnight layover.

One tip: prices at airport restaurants are higher than in the city (as expected), but still reasonable compared to Western airports. You can pay in Chinese yuan; some places may accept credit cards. If you’ve enabled a mobile payment app (WeChat Pay/Alipay) as discussed later, those are widely accepted even at fast food counters.

Lastly, don’t forget to stay hydrated – Beijing’s air can be dry. There are water fountains (including hot water dispensers for tea or baby formula) throughout the terminals, but it’s safest to stick to boiled or bottled water. You can buy bottled water easily at convenience stores in the airport (like Family Mart or 7-Eleven) for a few yuan.

Something to note: we landed at about 4.30am and were in Terminal 2 from 5am until we boarded our flight at around 7.15am and there was only one restaurant open at the time.

Shopping in Beijing Airport

If you love shopping (or just need to kill time), Beijing Capital Airport will keep you busy. Terminal 3, in particular, is bursting with shops ranging from luxury designer boutiques to souvenir stands. There are also plenty of stores selling electronics, cosmetics, liquor, and other duty-free goods.

For a more local touch, look out for shops selling Chinese specialties. Popular souvenirs include Chinese teas (often sold in beautiful tea sets and gift boxes), silk scarves and clothing, jade or cloisonné jewellery, calligraphy brushes, and Beijing opera masks. A tea shop can be a nice stop – you might even get to taste a sample. Traditional candy and snacks (like dried fruits, panda-shaped cookies, or spicy peanuts) are also fun to bring home; you’ll find these in the duty-paid gift shops.

Parents will be happy to know there are stores for kids too. For example, T100 Kids is a children’s clothing and accessories store. Toy sections can be found in some gift shops. Even the bookstores and newsstands in the airport often have a corner with toys or activity kits to entertain children on flights. If you forgot any baby essentials, try the convenience stores or pharmacy.

Browsing the airport shops can actually be a mini cultural experience. You’ll see displays of items like silk qipaos (traditional dresses), delicate porcelain, and even calligraphy sets. Some shops offer handicrafts like paper-cut art or cloisonné enamel vases. Don’t be shy about strolling through and looking even if you don’t plan to buy – the staff are generally used to window-shoppers in airports.

Prices for luxury brands will be similar to elsewhere (though duty-free means tax savings if applicable). Souvenir prices can be a bit marked up. You can use credit cards in most larger stores; for small purchases, having some yuan cash is handy. I ordered some yuan in advance of our trip via John Lewis’s travel money website. You can order via Topcashback (to earn a bonus in cashback on your spend) and pay with a travel reward card (to earn travel rewards on the same spend). They do next day delivery so you can even do it at short notice!

Note that bargaining is not the norm in airport stores (unlike some markets in the city). We also found that everything closed up from around 2am and was still closed when we boarded our flight from Terminal 2 at about 7.15am.

Beyond eating and shopping, PEK offers some unique and family-friendly ways to spend time: Each terminal has a children’s play zone where kids can climb and play on padded equipment. In fact, in 2015 the airport installed themed play areas in T1, T2, and T3 (with designs like a “Panda Paradise” and a “Kids’ Airfield” complete with toy planes). These zones are usually near the gates (for example, main play areas in T3 are around Gates C4, C9, and E21). They’re free to use and often have soft flooring and seating for parents – perfect for letting your little ones blow off steam between flights. Occasionally, staff or volunteers even dress up in cartoon costumes to entertain kids, and you’ll be more likely to encounter this during a holiday event.

PEK also infuses Chinese culture into the terminal design. Terminal 3 features indoor gardens and traditional décor – keep an eye out for the “Royal Garden” and “Suzhou Garden” areas with pavilions and water features. In one such area, there’s a pond where you can feed fish – the airport provides fish food between 9am and 3pm for passengers to feed the koi! This can be a calming, almost therapeutic activity for kids (and adults) who need a break from the hustle. Around lunchtime, you might even catch a live performance near the central fountain in T3.

Art installations are scattered throughout the terminals. There’s the impressive “Rainbow Bridge” fountain in the duty-free atrium and the “Starry Sky” lighted corridor near some gates in T3.

For those seeking relaxation, PEK has free rest zones with reclining chairs, soft lighting, and relatively quiet ambience. These are great if you need a nap or simply a low-sensory environment for a while. Travelers with sensory-sensitive children might find these zones useful – pop on noise-cancelling headphones and relax. There are also spa and massage services in the airport (some lounges have free massage chairs and there are pay-for-use spa kiosks).

Finally, if you have a very long layover and want to freshen up or sleep, remember the airport has hourly lounges/hotels (we’ll touch on that in the Lounges section). These can be a good alternative to staying in the public area.

If you want to plan ahead of time, you can find out which terminal you will likely fly in by checking the airport arrivals for the same day and time your flight will arrive and see which terminal it is due to land it. It is very likely that your flight will land in the same place. I managed to track a flight doing the same route as us before our trip to find out we will likely land in Terminal 2 of PEK.

Overall, Beijing Capital Airport is quite well-equipped to keep you and your family entertained during a layover – from play areas and cultural showcases to abundant food and shopping. You might be surprised that time passes quicker than expected!

Lounges in PEK Airport

If you have lounge access (via business/first class, elite status, or programs like Priority Pass), or you’re considering paying for it, Beijing Capital has a number of lounges across its terminals. A lounge can provide a quieter environment, free snacks and drinks, and other amenities which can be a godsend during a layover – especially with children in tow.

Airline Lounges: The main carrier at PEK is Air China (Star Alliance), which operates several lounges. In Terminal 3, Air China has both a Business Class lounge and a First Class lounge in the international section, and another lounge in the domestic section. Terminal 2 also has an Air China lounge for international departures. These lounges typically offer buffet-style Chinese and Western food, beverages, wifi, and shower facilities. They tend to be spacious but can get crowded during peak banks of flights.

Other airlines use contract lounges. For example, many SkyTeam airlines (and Oneworld, etc.) might direct premium passengers to the BGS Premier Lounge in Terminal 3E. This lounge is also accessible via Priority Pass and similar memberships. The BGS Premier Lounge near Gate E19 is quite well-regarded for a contract lounge: it has a snack buffet, drinks, a few massage chairs, a small quiet resting area, and even shower rooms. Their policy explicitly states children under 2 years old are admitted free, and they cap stays at 3 hours. If your child is older than 2, they would either need their own entry pass or count as a guest on your membership.

Another lounge option in Terminal 3 is the Air China Transit Lounge (T3-C) on the domestic side; it’s a pay-for-use lounge mainly for domestic connections but has some nap rooms and a shower. Terminal 2 has a Plaza Premium Lounge (open to all for a fee or memberships) which offers similar amenities – a comfortable spot while you wait for boarding.

Family-friendliness: While most lounges in Beijing don’t have elaborate kids’ play rooms, they are generally family-welcoming. Lounges like BGS Premier and Plaza Premium do allow children, and as noted, infants/toddlers under 2 often are free entry. Some lounges may have a small kids’ corner or at least family seating areas. In fact, VIP services at PEK highlight “children’s play areas in designated lounges” as part of their amenities. This suggests that certain lounges (perhaps the Air China domestic lounge or a high-end VIP lounge) have a little play zone or toys. It’s worth asking the front desk if they have anything for kids.

If you have an autistic child or a child with sensory sensitivities, a lounge can be a refuge. It’s quieter than the gate areas and you can often find a corner with some privacy. The lighting is usually softer and you can control your seating position (e.g. face away from crowds). Many lounges in PEK have “quiet rooms” or nap rooms – for example, the BGS Premier Lounge has a “sleeping zone.”

Showers and Rest: After a long flight, a hot shower can make a world of difference. Most international lounges in Beijing (Air China, BGS, Plaza Premium) have shower facilities. And lets be honest, knowing where the showers are when travelling with kids (especially diapered ones) is just good preparation! They’ll provide towels and basic toiletries. There can be a wait during busy times, so put your name down early.

Access without membership: If you don’t have free access, you can purchase a lounge pass at reception or often online via sites like GetYourGuide or Klook. Also, check if your credit card grants lounge access or if you can use something like DragonPass. With a family, you’ll have to consider cost for multiple people. Some lounges have discounted rates for kids or allow young children in free; always ask.

Hourly Hotel (Hourly Lounge): Apart from traditional lounges, PEK Terminal 3E has an Hourly Rate Hotel/Lounge inside security. This is essentially a small hotel within the terminal. If you really want a private space to sleep for a few hours, you can rent a room. The rooms are basic but have a bed and shower. The location in T3 is near Gate E10 (for international) and there’s also one in T3-C (domestic area). This could be worthwhile if you have an exhausted child who could use a quiet nap in a bed. Note that these rooms are limited, so sometimes they sell out. There’s a front desk you can inquire at upon arrival. In Terminal 2, there isn’t a full transit hotel airside, but there are “rest cabins” or chairs you can pay for, and landside of T2 there are a couple of airport hotels (but those require exiting immigration).

In summary, lounges in PEK can greatly enhance your layover comfort. All major lounges provide free Wi-Fi, ample power outlets, and a selection of Chinese and Western food. Many have views of the tarmac which kids might love – plane spotting in a comfy chair with a snack in hand. Whether you use a lounge or not, just know these options exist. And if your ticket or status gets you in, by all means take advantage of it to recharge before the next leg of your journey.

Layover in Beijing City

If you have a longer layover, you can leave the airport experience some of Beijing’s incredible sights. For us, we landed very in Beijing at around 8.30pm and then flew out of Beijing after at around 3am a few days later. Our guide to leaving the airport in Beijing during a layover covers what you need to know about leaving the airport, exploring Beijing (even with kids in tow), and making it back in time for your next flight.

Useful Apps for Laying Over in Beijing

Traveling in China has gotten a lot easier with smartphones. Here are some apps and digital tools that will be particularly useful during your Beijing layover:

  • Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) App: First, the airport itself has an official app. It provides interactive terminal maps, real-time flight updates, and even queue times for security/customs. It can be handy if you want to navigate the airport’s facilities or check your departure gate and timing while you’re out in the city.
  • Alipay (支付宝): The other big payment app. Alipay has a specific “Tour Pass” program where foreigners can use a prepaid wallet linked to their international card. If you’re keen to go cashless, you could download Alipay and follow the instructions to load, say, CNY 500 into a temporary account.
  • Google Translate / Microsoft Translator: Language will be the biggest barrier in doing things independently in China. Google Translate works great with internet, but Google services are blocked in China’s normal internet. If you have a VPN (see next point), then Google Translate can function fully (including cool features like using your camera to translate signs or menus on the fly). If you don’t have a VPN, download the offline Chinese pack in Google Translate beforehand – that way you can still type in phrases or show Chinese text and get basic translations offline. Alternatively, Microsoft Translator is not blocked and can work without VPN; it also supports camera and voice translation.
  • VPN (Virtual Private Network): If you want full internet access like you have at home (to use Google, Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp calls, etc.), you’ll need a VPN app. Popular ones (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Astrill, etc.) should be installed and set up before you arrive in China (important, because their websites might be blocked once you’re there). Free VPNs are not reliable; a paid one is worth it even for a short trip if you need connectivity. Uploading photos to Instagram or contacting someone via Gmail – those need VPN. Plan accordingly. Personally, I use NordVPN and have access to others via my malware software package. You can use our NordVPN referral link to get 1 month for free!
  • Entertainment for kids: Remember, many of the streaming services or sites like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube Kids, etc., won’t work without VPN. So if you rely on an iPad to keep your child entertained, download videos offline before you travel. You can download Netflix shows to the device, for example. Same for any apps that might need internet – make sure they can run offline or have data. For YouTube, you have to have a premium subscription to download videos to watch offline.

By equipping your phone with some of these apps, you’ll navigate Beijing International Airport more smoothly and feel more connected. It’s truly impressive how much you can overcome language barriers with a simple translation app in hand.

Useful Phrases for a Beijing Layover

Learning a few Mandarin Chinese phrases will enrich your layover experience. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, locals appreciate the effort. Here are some handy ones (with Mandarin in bold, pinyin pronunciation in italics, and the English meaning):

  • 你好 (nǐ hǎo) – Hello.
    This is the basic greeting. Use it when approaching someone, like “你好” to a cashier or a staff member; it’s polite and friendly.
  • 谢谢 (xièxie) – Thank you.
    Essential for courtesy. After someone helps you or serves you, a “谢谢” accompanied by a smile goes a long way.
  • 不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi) – Excuse me/Sorry (to bother you).
    This is used to get someone’s attention politely, or to apologize in a mild way (like if you accidentally bump into someone). For example, you might say this to a stranger if you need to ask for directions, akin to “pardon me”.
  • 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) – I’m sorry.
    This is a stronger apology (for a mistake). You likely won’t need this unless something goes awry, but good to know. If your child accidentally knocks something over in a shop, a quick “对不起” is appropriate.
  • 厕所在哪里？ (cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the toilet?
    Vital question when traveling with kids! “厕所” means toilet/restroom. (Another word you might see is 洗手间 xǐshǒujiān, which literally means “wash room” and is common on signs). To use this phrase, you could say it to a staff person at an attraction or restaurant. They may respond with some directions – if you don’t understand, they might point.
  • 多少錢？ (duōshao qián?) – How much is it?
    If you’re shopping at a market or buying street food without prices listed, this is useful. Note: In China, merchants may either type the number on a calculator/phone to show you, or even hand you a calculator to type what you’re willing to pay (bargaining situations). Knowing Chinese numbers helps, but if not, have them write it or use a translator app. (For reference, 1: 一 yī, 2: 二 èr/ 两 liǎng, 3: 三 sān, 4: 四 sì, 5: 五 wǔ, 6: 六 liù, 7: 七 qī, 8: 八 bā, 9: 九 jiǔ, 10: 十 shí. But prices beyond 10 get more complicated with tens/hundreds.)
  • 可以刷卡吗？ (kěyǐ shuā kǎ ma?) – Can I pay by card?
    “刷卡” means swipe card. In many shops, they understand English “Credit card?” but this phrase might help in a smaller store. They’ll usually either say 可以 (kěyǐ – can) or 不可以 (bù kěyǐ – cannot) or just shake their head no. More and more places take cards these days, but many still don’t, relying on mobile pay/cash.
  • 请帮忙拍照。 (qǐng bāngmáng pāi zhào.) – Please help take a photo.
    If you want a family photo at a site, you can ask a passerby this. “请” means please, “帮忙” is help, “拍照” is take a picture. Pair it with a smile and gesturing to your camera – most people will understand even if they don’t catch every word.
  • 我的孩子有自闭症。 (wǒ de háizi yǒu zìbìzhèng.) – My child has autism.
    This is a phrase you might use only if necessary – for instance, if you’re in a situation where your autistic child is overwhelmed (say a meltdown in public) and you need a bit of understanding from those around. “自闭症” (zìbìzhèng) is the term for autism. Awareness in China is growing, but it’s not as widespread; however, people tend to be sympathetic if they understand the situation. You could follow with 请多包涵 (qǐng duō bāohan) meaning “please excuse (us)” or 请您耐心 (qǐng nín nàixīn) meaning “please be patient”. Body language and tone will convey a lot too. Honestly, you might not need to say this explicitly – you could just focus on your child and not worry about others – but having the phrase might give you confidence that you can explain if needed.
  • 没关系 (méi guānxi) – It’s okay/No problem.
    You might hear this if, say, you apologize for something (like bumping someone and saying 不好意思), they might respond “没关系” meaning “no worries, it’s alright.” You can also use it if someone says sorry to you.
  • 再见 (zàijiàn) – Goodbye.
    A polite way to end an interaction. Saying “谢谢，再见！” (Thank you, goodbye) to a guide or driver or cashier is nice.
  • 挺好的 (tǐng hǎo de) – Very good.
    Just a casual phrase if someone asks how something was, or even when giving a compliment. If you eat at a small eatery and want to praise the food, you can say to the chef “挺好的!” with a thumbs-up. It will make them happy.
  • 请问… (qǐngwèn) – Excuse me, may I ask…
    This is a polite start to a question with a stranger. For example: “请问，天安门怎么走？” (Excuse me, how to get to Tiananmen?) – a bit advanced, but you get the idea. Even just “请问…” and pointing to a map can signal you need help.

Finally, keep in mind body language and smiles transcend language. The Chinese are generally kind to families with children. You might get the occasional curious look, especially if your kids look obviously foreign – don’t worry, that’s normal curiosity. If someone approaches your kids, they may just be saying hello or complimenting them. Common things locals might say to your child (in Chinese) could be “可爱!” (kě’ài – cute!) or to you “几岁了?” (jǐ suì le? – how old?). You can answer with fingers or simple English, it’s fine.

Good to Know for a Beijing Layover

To round out this guide, here are some additional tips and miscellaneous information that are “good to know” for your Beijing layover:

  • Currency: China’s currency is the Renminbi (RMB), also called yuan (元). The exchange rate fluctuates, but as a rough guide, ¥100 is about $14 USD (or £11). You’ll primarily see banknotes of ¥100 (red, Mao’s portrait), ¥50 (green), ¥20, ¥10, ¥5, and ¥1. There are also coins for ¥1, and smaller jiao coins (¥0.1, ¥0.5) but you probably won’t deal with those much. It’s a cash society historically, but as mentioned, mobile payments have overtaken cash in daily life. Still, as a foreigner, cash is handy.
  • Counterfeit notes: Unfortunately, fake currency can be an issue in China. The main thing is be cautious if receiving lots of change in ¥100 notes from small vendors – though likely not a problem on a short legit tour. ATMs at banks give genuine notes, so stick to those. Also, taxi drivers might claim a ¥100 you gave is fake (when it’s actually they who swapped it). To avoid that scam: try to use smaller bills for taxis, or be firm if you know it’s impossible because you got it from ATM. This is not super common but worth knowing.
  • Great Firewall (Internet censorship): We touched on VPNs in the apps section, but to reiterate: China blocks popular sites like Google (and all Google services like Gmail, Maps unless you have VPN), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, WhatsApp (texting usually works, but sending images or making calls on WhatsApp is hit or miss without VPN). If being connected to those is important during your layover, get a VPN set up. If it’s a short time and you can unplug, you might enjoy the digital detox.
  • Bathrooms: Most tourist sites and modern buildings have Western-style toilets available (at least a stall or two among the squat options). The airport and hotels definitely have Western toilets.
  • Etiquette: Chinese people love kids and you might find people being very welcoming. Don’t be shocked if someone wants to pat your child on the head or give them a small candy (it can happen). They usually ask you in gestures if it’s okay. Use your judgment – generally they mean well. If your child has autism and doesn’t like to be touched or approached, just keep a distance and perhaps explain “他不喜欢” (tā bù xǐhuan – “he doesn’t like (that)”) and people should back off. It’s okay to say no or just smile and hold your child close to prevent touches.
  • Staring: As mentioned, foreign tourists (especially Westerners) can attract stares in some parts of China. In Beijing it’s not too bad since they see many tourists. Some people might even ask for a photo with you or your kids (blonde children, for instance, are a rarity and seen as adorable). You can say yes or no. If it’s a quick thing and they’re nice, it can make their day to have a photo. But you’re not obliged. For an autistic child, this could be overwhelming – you as a parent can gently wave off photo requests or just say “不好” (bùhǎo – no/not okay) with a polite tone. Chinese folks will understand and usually retreat. They aren’t trying to be rude by staring; often it’s just curiosity or excitement to see foreigners.
  • Time Zone: Beijing is GMT+8 (China has one time zone across the whole country).
  • Communication: You’ll likely have a phone – keep it charged. Bring a power bank if you have one, as navigating and translating drains battery. Keep in mind that there are rules about bringing power banks to China that you need to follow. In China, they use the same plug type as US (type A) for two-prong, and type I or type C in some places. At the airport and some cafes, you might find charging stations. The airport even has portable power bank rentals.

A layover in Beijing is a whirlwind. By being prepared (as you are, by reading this guide!), you’ll handle the challenges and be able to focus on making your Beijing layover as successful as possible.

Continue Planning a Beijing Trip

Continue Planning Your Trip to China

Continue Planning Your Asia Itinerary With Kids

Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children

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