Airports offer free tours to make China stopovers more rewarding

Resumen detallado

The answer came with an unexpected bonus — a free visit to Beijing Wildlife Park. The airport had just launched a program offering transfer passengers free admission to the park.…

When Australian traveler Henry Irving arrived at Beijing Daxing International Airport with a day between flights, he had a question: What could he do with his time in the Chinese capital?

The answer came with an unexpected bonus — a free visit to Beijing Wildlife Park.

The airport had just launched a program offering transfer passengers free admission to the park. Feeling lucky, Irving signed up.

Located about 13 kilometers from the airport, a 25-to-30-minute taxi ride away, the park offers a change of scene from departure boards and boarding gates, with red pandas, capybaras, elephants and more.

Set in a forest in southern Beijing's Daxing district, the park offers plenty to explore on foot. Visitors can also hop aboard a small train for a 10-kilometer ride through landscapes designed to resemble wetlands, mountains and grasslands.

Launched on Nov 11 by the airport and the park, the offer waives the usual admission fee of 150 yuan ($22).

Through Dec 31, passengers making international transfers, as well as those traveling to or from China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan region, can apply at the Beijing Service counter on the terminal's first floor. Eligible journeys include transfers between domestic and international or regional flights, as well as between two international or regional flights.

Travelers must show identification and proof of both flight segments to receive a voucher, which can be exchanged for an admission ticket at the park. Shopping and dining vouchers, as well as a visitor's guide, are also available. The number of daily places is limited, with admission offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

For travelers unfamiliar with Beijing, getting a ticket is only part of the journey. Wang Qiang, deputy general manager of the airport's aviation business department, said the airport had also considered how visitors would get to the park, where they could store their luggage and how they could return in time for their next flight.

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