Ever glimpse a dragon taking flight? That’s the closest I can get to describing Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital International Airport. Beijing Capital International Airport isn’t just an airport. It’s China’s gateway to the world, a bustling hub connecting millions to destinations across the globe and a testament to China’s rapid modernization. Opened in 1958, Beijing Capital International Airport has witnessed remarkable growth, transforming from a single-terminal airport to a three-terminal behemoth. The airport’s Terminal 3, designed by the renowned architect Norman Foster, is itself an architectural marvel. Built to accommodate the influx of visitors for the 2008 Summer Olympics, it stands as the largest man-made structure in the world by area. Imagine the sheer scale. This terminal alone can handle over 70 million passengers a year. But what makes Beijing Capital International Airport truly special are the stories whispered within its walls. Terminal 3, with its dragon-inspired design, is a symbolic representation of China’s ambition and progress. Its red roof, a traditional symbol of good luck, stretches over a space filled with subtle nods to Chinese culture. From the “Menhai,” a giant copper vat used for fire fighting in the Forbidden City, to carvings inspired by the Nine-Dragon Wall, the terminal is a celebration of heritage within a modern context. And let’s not forget the ingenuity. Over 200 cameras meticulously track luggage, whisking bags away on a high-speed system capable of handling 19,200 pieces per hour. The triangular skylights, a hallmark of Foster’s design, bathe the terminal in natural light. They automatically adjust to control the interior brightness. Beijing Capital International Airport isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about experience. Whether you’re savoring a meal in the “global kitchen,” browsing the extensive retail areas, or simply admiring the dragon-scale skylights, the airport offers a unique glimpse into the heart of China. So, the next time you find yourself at Beijing Capital International Airport, take a moment to appreciate the journey. It’s a journey through time, architecture, and the ever-evolving story of China.
Beijing Capital International Airport
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
Learning about Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing is only the beginning of your adventure. Explory helps you go further with a powerful digital guide that transforms every walk into an experience. Using our intuitive city guide, you can easily connect stories with locations, creating your own city tour while enjoying Beijing at your own rhythm.
Explory’s goal is to make your trip unforgettable. Our guide combines storytelling with orientation, giving you the chance to uncover the rich layers of Beijing. Thanks to the integrated audio guide, you can listen to fascinating narratives while exploring the streets. Beyond the well-known attractions, Explory highlights hidden gems and secret corners that make the city truly unique.
With the city guide, you’ll gain insights and flexibility. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular traveler, the app offers exploration on your terms. Each curated city tour blends local culture, history, and atmosphere into one seamless experience. The emphasis on exploration ensures you won’t just see Beijing, but actually connect with it. And because our content reveals hidden gems, you’ll always discover something new.
Expand your journey by downloading the Explory App. Explore over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories, all accessible from your phone. Whether you need a trusted guide, a flexible audio guide, or a structured city tour, Explory offers everything in one place. Start your adventure today and explore Beijing like never before with Explory.
More Places in Beijing
St. Peter’s Basilica
“Have you seen the cameras?” That’s what I thought the first time I saw the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception,
Jianwai Subdistrict
Thirty thousand souls. That’s how many people call Jianwai Subdistrict home. Jianwai Subdistrict sits nestled on the western side of