VI
EN
When thinking of Beijing, people often picture ancient structures like the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square. But now, amidst the skies of this ultra-modern city, Beijing Daxing Airport (or Daxing Airport) – the "starfish airport" – shines with its magnificent beauty and grand scale. Opened on the 70th anniversary of China's National Day in 2019, Daxing Airport is not only the world's largest airport, but also a work of art perfectly combining architecture and technology, creating an unforgettable experience for anyone who sets foot there.
Designed like a dream soaring high
Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, Daxing Airport is inspired by the image of a giant phoenix soaring into the sky, but the media often calls it the "starfish airport" because of its unique architectural shape. This architecture is not only visually stunning but also highly efficient, with seven floors and intelligently arranged check-in, security, and boarding areas.
Passengers will travel through light-filled corridors beneath a dome constructed from over 8,000 different pieces of glass, experiencing a space that simultaneously preserves traditional cultural characteristics and offers unparalleled modern convenience, with every detail designed to save time and create a comfortable feeling.
The architecture is soft and graceful, making subtle use of natural light, bearing the distinct mark of Zaha Hadid.
The amazing thing is that even though the airport terminal covers an area of 700,000 m², equivalent to the area of... 97 football fields, you won't have to worry about getting around. Thanks to the "one-stop shop" design, passengers can easily access the boarding gates from the check-in area within just 8 minutes. Everything is arranged so that passengers can enjoy every moment here, instead of feeling lost in a giant maze.
Modern architecture and technology inside Daxing Airport.
Future technology and modern experiences
If you think airports are just places to wait for flights, Dai Hung will change your mind. It's a space of constant movement and cutting-edge technology. Robot guides, facial recognition systems that allow you to navigate through procedures in the blink of an eye, and natural light flooding the corridors—all are testaments to a futuristic airport space.
Here you'll find everything from high-end services like restaurants and shopping areas with a wide range of duty-free shops from luxury brands, to performance spaces, co-working areas, and even a pet hotel. Daxing Airport is like a miniature city, transforming boring layovers into a modern, enjoyable travel experience with all the amenities.
Here you'll find everything from high-end services like restaurants and shopping areas with a wide range of duty-free shops from luxury brands, to performance spaces, co-working areas, and even a pet hotel.
Gateway to the future and culture
Daxing Airport is not only a gateway connecting Beijing to the world, but also a new cultural symbol of the city. It plays a key role in boosting the tourism economy and enhancing China's position on the international aviation map. With flights connecting major cities worldwide, Daxing Airport is gradually establishing itself as one of the world's busiest and most important air transport hubs.
But the best thing about Daxing is the blend of tradition and modernity, with the highlight being the cleverly arranged gardens and green spaces, creating the feeling of being lost in a traditional oasis in the heart of modernity. You can also find small corners designed with inspiration from classical Chinese architecture, such as curved arches, interwoven with modern lighting and spacious open areas. This creates an experience that is not simply about transportation, but also a journey of discovery of culture and architecture.
At the end of the main corridor of the airport terminal, there are five gardens with corresponding names: "Silk Garden," "Tea Garden," "Pottery Garden," "Suburban Garden," and "Chinese Garden." All are designed with a strong influence of ancient Chinese culture.
The future of long-haul flights
With its enormous scale and relentless ambition, Beijing Daxing Airport promises to be the world's largest aviation hub by 2040. Plans to expand to seven runways and increase capacity to serve 100 million passengers annually are just the beginning of not just an airport, but a statement of China's vision: to make the country the center of all flights, connecting cultures and bringing the world closer to Beijing.
