If you’ve ever landed in a new country and felt overwhelmed at the airport, Beijing is determined to make sure that never happens again—at least not in its capital.

With a bold and comprehensive upgrade to its inbound tourism services, Beijing is setting a new global standard for hospitality—one that begins the moment you step off the plane.

Recently , Beijing unveiled a major initiative designed to elevate the city’s status as China’s leading destination for international travelers.

Led by the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, Beijing Capital International Airport, Trip.com Group, and other major agencies, the initiative introduces 16 targeted improvements across five core areas. The mission? Make arriving in Beijing faster, easier, and more welcoming than ever before.

And with international travel to China booming, the timing couldn’t be better.

A Tourism Boom Is Underway

Beijing Capital International Airport has been buzzing this summer, handling an average of 50,000 international passengers per day. By August 6, the airport had already welcomed over 10 million international and regional travelers in 2024—a full month ahead of last year’s pace.

By year’s end, total inbound and outbound traffic is expected to surpass 17 million.

Five Ways Beijing Is Transforming the Visitor Experience

Beijing’s hospitality upgrade is built around five key pillars designed to touch every part of a traveler’s journey:

1. More Flight Options

Expanding and optimizing international flight routes to connect Beijing with more destinations around the world.

2. Smarter Spending

Creating seamless payment and shopping experiences across airports, public transport, and tourist attractions.

3. Elevated Service

Improved traveler support—from multilingual signage and staff to better navigation and assistance systems.

4. Faster Processes

Streamlined immigration, customs, and entry permit systems to dramatically cut waiting times.

5. Better Tourism Products

Curated packages and experiences that showcase the best of Beijing’s history, culture, cuisine, and more

From Landing to Exploring: The "One-Stop" Welcome

Nowhere is this transformation more visible than at Beijing Capital International Airport.

Travelers arriving at Terminal 3 are greeted by a revamped experience that’s fast, friendly, and efficient:

• A dedicated zone for Temporary Entry Permits cuts processing time by 60%.

• A new dual-channel inspection system speeds up customs and immigration by 30% during peak hours.

• Smarter coordination with customs and health authorities reduces bottlenecks and delays.

Just steps from international arrivals, the "Beijing Services" counter is quickly becoming every traveler’s first go-to stop. It offers:

• Currency exchange

• Cash withdrawal (with foreign cards)

• Local SIM card sales

• Travel bookings and more

More than 110,000 international travelers have already used the counter this year alone.

Hospitality That Reaches Every Corner of the City

The city’s commitment doesn’t stop at the airport. With its “boundless service” philosophy, Beijing is creating a seamless experience for travelers wherever they go.

Highlights include:

• A 24/7 “Beijing Services” center offering round-the-clock help and info.

• Citywide tax refunds with single-point processing—the first of its kind in China.

• Full contactless payment compatibility across the entire subway system using five major international cards—every station, every gate, every line.

The Results Speak for Themselves

In just the first half of 2024:

• Beijing welcomed 2.467 million inbound visitors, up 48.8% year-on-year.

• Tourism revenue reached $3.2 billion, marking a 51.3% increase over the same period last year.

And with more upgrades underway, those numbers are only going to climb.

Welcome to Beijing—Where the Hospitality Is as Grand as the City Itself

Beijing isn’t just inviting the world in—it’s preparing for it, investing in services, infrastructure, and traveler experience at every level.

So whether you’re coming for the Great Wall, Forbidden City, business, or hotpot—you’ll find a city ready to greet you with open arms, high efficiency, and genuine warmth.

The gateway is open. The welcome is grand. And your journey starts here.