Heart of Beijing with Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Wangfujing shopping street, and historic hutongs.

About Beijing City Center (Tiananmen)

Tiananmen Square and the surrounding central Beijing area represent the political, cultural, and historical heart of China. The square itself, flanked by the National Museum of China and the Great Hall of the People, is the ceremonial center of the nation. Through Tiananmen Gate to the north lies the Forbidden City, the imperial palace complex of 24 emperors that is now the world's most visited museum.

The area around Tiananmen has been the center of Chinese power for over 600 years. The Temple of Heaven complex to the southeast, where emperors performed annual prayer ceremonies, is set within a 273-hectare park where elderly Beijingers practice tai chi, play cards, and perform traditional music each morning. Qianmen Street, the restored pedestrian shopping avenue south of the square, recreates a Qing-dynasty commercial atmosphere.

From Daxing Airport, the city center journey passes through southern Beijing's developing districts. The airport itself, designed by the late Zaha Hadid, is an architectural marvel — a massive starfish-shaped terminal with a soaring interior featuring golden columns and skylights, often called the world's most beautiful airport building.

Nearby Landmarks

Forbidden City Tiananmen Gate Temple of Heaven National Museum Qianmen Street

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost CNY 120-180
Time 45-75 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost CNY 100-150 (use DiDi app)
Time 45-75 minutes

Level B1 DiDi pickup zone

Train (Daxing Airport Express)

Cost CNY 35
Time 19 minutes to Caoqiao
Frequency Every 8-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Daxing Airport Express from B1 to Caoqiao Station, transfer to Metro Line 10 or 4.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi CNY 120-180 45-75 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare CNY 100-150 (use DiDi app) 45-75 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train CNY 35 19 minutes to Caoqiao Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Daxing Airport Express runs until about 10:30 PM. After that, taxis from PKX to Tiananmen cost approximately ¥150-200 (45-60 min). DiDi ride-hailing is widely available. A night bus service operates from Daxing Airport but is slow and doesn't reach central Beijing directly.

Luggage Tips

The Daxing Airport Express has spacious luggage areas. However, transferring through crowded metro stations with large bags is difficult during peak hours. For heavy luggage, consider taking the express to Caoqiao and then a taxi to your hotel (about ¥40-60 from Caoqiao to central Beijing).

Accessibility

PKX airport is one of China's most accessible, with extensive barrier-free facilities throughout the Zaha Hadid-designed terminal. The Daxing Airport Express and connecting metro lines have elevators. Tiananmen Square is flat and accessible. The Forbidden City has wheelchair ramps at main gates.