"72 Hours In Beijing"
LOCATION: BEIJING, CHINA
Now there have been many questions about flying through Beijing and maneuvering in and out of the airport. Sometimes, you get caught in a maze and end up not finding your way out, or end up being told that you cannot leave the airport without a visa. However things have changed.
As of January 2013, select countries now have an allotted 72 hours to go out of the airport (but remain in Beijing), of course, given that the traveller has proof of onward travel.
Once you’ve gotten off your (most likely) international flight, you proceed through immigration/customs and present your onward ticket. They will ask if you would like to leave the airport, and if you plan on doing so, simply say “Yes”. At this point you should receive an entry stamp in your passport, which also indicates the date of your expected departure. After this, make your way to the Airport train. You will get to T3-C for baggage claim. It is at this part of the airport where you can inquire about car service, lockers to leave your stuff, surrounding restaurants and tour information. However, let me warn you, the english language isn’t necessarily the best way to communicate at the tour desks, only a few workers could understand what I was saying when I was there. Here you may also exit to grab a taxi to your desired destination. As for many, “The Great Wall”, is the desired location. However, there are plenty of tours that run to Ming’s Tomb and the Forbidden City, but as always, DO YOUR RESEARCH and be aware of how much time you have if you are on a layover!
From asking about car service at the desk, I was quoted a staggering 1200 RMB, which translates into about $200 USD. This includes pickup from airport, travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall which is the closest to the airport and back, or drop off at hotel (travel time of about 3-4 hours). Many private drivers and even taxi drivers (who don’t run the meter) quote this price. Some of them even go upwards of 1500-2000 RMB. Of course I am sure one can definitely find a cheaper price (Some have even quoted they were able to get round trip for 600 RMB!!!) Given the amount of time I had, I chalked up an L in my budget column and gave in to airport car service, simply because of the limited amount of time I had.
However, this allowed me 2 hours at the Great Wall, which personally felt like more than enough time to be amazed, and to appreciate where I was at the moment. Was it enough to fully grasp the history and importance of this ancient site? No. Then again, no amount of time is really enough when it comes to things like this. I’m simply grateful I was able to end my LOST2XX3 trip knowing I made it to the Great Wall Of China, even in quite frigid temperature. The small history that I do remember from my social studies classes rung in my head as if my teacher was right there making me read it out of our textbook. An entry ticket and a round trip cable car trip will run you about 125 RMB which is roughly less than 21 USD. Not too shabby. Not to mention, I was also able to take the toboggan down from the wall. THIS was the best way to end my visit. I ended up in a little race with the china man who was hot on my trails. The inner kid in me was as satsfied as ever.
