Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): Welcome to the World’s Biggest Airport Terminal
In Beijing, China, It’s Go Big or Go Home
NOVEMBER 2024
The North China Plain
Beijing, the captivating capital city of China, has a remarkable and storied history that stretches well over 3,000 years. Originally known as Ji, it was founded during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BC) as nothing more than a tiny humble settlement. Its unique location on the outer fringes of the North China Plain make it a highly desirable political and cultural hub.
The Ming Dynasty
During the 13th century, under the Mongol Empire, Kublai Khan established it as Dadu or Great Capital once the Mongols finally succeeded in conquering the Song Dynasty. This solidly established Beijing’s rise to fame as a major global political center. The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) further secured this status when the Yongle Emperor moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing in 1421, giving rise to the Forbidden City, which still today remains a symbol of imperial power.
The Qing Dynasty
Throughout the centuries, Beijing was met with numerous challenges, including hostile invasions, rebellions, and dynastic shifts. The ending of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 led to a brief timeframe of political instability and ultimately the creation of the Republic of China. The city witnessed significant changes in the early part of the 20th century, marked by Western influences and modernization.
A New Governance and Ideology
The establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 brought a new and exciting era. Beijing was now to become the capital under Mao Zedong, where it became the center of a new governance and ideology. The city quickly evolved, with far-reaching city-wide development and infrastructure growth that included many new large-scale projects.
Enhancing International Appeal
In more recent times, Beijing has clearly emerged as a global super-hub. The 2008 Olympics displayed its impressive ubiquitous modernization, driving greater international appeal. Today, Beijing is the perfect mix of ancient Chinese history and modern living, with historical icons like the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven coexisting alongside state-of-the-art towering modern skyscrapers.
A Major Player in Global Trade
Looking into the future, Beijing is presented with a host of opportunities and true challenges. As an integral component of the world’s economy, its technological advances and projects like the Belt and Road Initiative position it as a major player in global trade. However, many overwhelming challenges, such as environmental pollution, population density, and social concerns, must be addressed to allow for continued sustainable growth. New airport development is crucial to almost every city’s future, as these strategic facilities typically become the epicenter of economic growth, connectivity, and revenue generating tourism.
Stimulating International Trade
Airports stimulate international trade and quickly draw new businesses, spawning job opportunities and boosting local economic activity. Additional passenger flight options improve local accessibility, making a city far more attractive in terms of investment. Modern airports drive innovations in infrastructure, promoting the city’s overall image. Smartly planned airport developments also provide a leg up to surrounding communities, sparking added urban growth while improving the quality of life for residents.
Innovative and Unique
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is a perfect example of these concepts. It is vital to the city’s ongoing global integration and future prosperity. The airport’s highly innovative and unique design, along with its massive size, set it apart as one of Asia’s most remarkable aviation accomplishments. The sprawling passenger terminal opened its doors in 2019 and has quickly become one of the most essential airline terminals in all of China.
JFK International
Some say that the Beijing International Airport bears a striking resemblance to the iconic mid-century TWA terminal located at New York’s famous JFK international airport. This similarity is best seen in its hub-and-spoke design. In other words, a central terminal featuring aircraft gates situated along corridors meandering outward from a common landside hub. The TWA facility was finished in 1962 and, at the time, was viewed as groundbreaking in its design and functionality. That said, the new massive Beijing airport terminal has taken this concept to new heights.
The Largest Single-Structure Terminal on the Planet
With six distinct spokes, the terminal is mammoth in size, with well over 7.5 million-square-feet of space under cover. This gives the Beijing airport terminal the title of the largest single-structure terminal on the planet. In fact, this amount of space spans nearly one-quarter of a square mile in size. While Istanbul Airport (IST) wins in terms of being the largest airport found anywhere in the world, the Beijing terminal is set apart as being the biggest single-structure terminal on the planet. The airport features multitudes of shopping and dining as well as many VIP lounges, along with stress-reducing relaxation spaces for weary long-haul travelers.
The Chinese Architectural Idea of Weaving Individual Spaces
The behemoth terminal was designed by London’s Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with ADP Ingénierie, an engineering consultancy organization that specializes in sustainable airport design. Beijing Daxing’s unique starfish-style layout was created to reflect the traditional Chinese architectural idea of weaving individual spaces through a central hub. The product is an award-winning airline terminal mega-complex where travelrs are never more than a short walk to all boarding gates — though an endless array of custom interior designs and decorations can tend to slow passenger movement down a bit.
Ease Congestion
The project broke ground in 2014 and is considered by many airport designers as being a true architectural feat. The main objective of the project was to replace the old and outdated Nanyuan Airport, which was first opened in 1910. As a secondary goal, the airport was intended to ease congestion at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). At the height on the terminal construction project, there were reported to be well over 40,000 engineers and construction crews located on site, working around the clock.
A Spectacular Iridescent Shell
The project’s price tag is estimated at more than $17 billion dollars and boasts some of the most modern design elements in an airport terminal to date. This includes the generous use of steal and glass. It also incorporates a spectacular iridescent shell and hundreds of convex skylights that leverage natural sunlight. In addition, the facility makes use of many artificial intelligence (AI) types of technology that include robotic customer service agents. While this technology is far from having achieved functional perfection, the intent is clearly to set the airport apart as being unique.
Traveling With Small Children
The airport is also special in its desire to provide passengers with relaxation amenities. Everything from yoga spaces to Zen-gardens are on tap. With nearly 100 eateries and shops, the terminal is on par with some of the best shopping malls in the world. Those traveling with small children will be happy to know that there are several playgrounds located throughout the terminal that are sure to keep the kids entertained during those longer international layovers.
Three Additional Runways
Upon its grand opening, the mega-terminal was projected to accommodate approximately 72 million international and domestic passengers by the year 2025. That said, the terminal and its super-large infrastructure is expected to see nearly 100 million in passenger traffic on an annual basis in the next 15 years. On the air side, the airport was designed to include four main runways, with plans calling for up to three additional runways in the coming years. Passenger transfers to the downtown area are streamlined with easy connections to rail, taxi, and bus directly from the terminal.
Captivating Architecture
Beijing offers so many must-see attractions. The Great Wall is an historic symbol that spans more than 13,000 miles, delivering breathtaking views and unlimited hiking options. Then there is the Forbidden City, once the imperial palace with its captivating architecture and rich historical importance, drawing visitors to engage with its giant courtyards and museums. Tiananmen Square, one of the globe’s biggest public squares, is a poignant location for historical contemplation. Also, the Summer Palace, with its breathtaking gardens and water features, is ideal for peaceful day and evening walks.
Up Close and Personal
Equally impressive is the Temple of Heaven, where emperors from centuries past prayed for abundant harvests. For more modern experiences, the 798 Art District is overflowing with contemporary galleries and local street art. Finally, immerse in the local culture by visiting a multitude of bustling markets, including Wangfujing, or sampling authentic Chinese street food. Beijing perfectly integrates the ancient with the modern. Visit this special place for your next vacation and enjoy seeing the Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) up close and personal for yourself.