Daxing

Daxing is home to Daxing International Airport, known as the “New Gateway to China,” as well as one of northern China’s larger wildlife parks and ecological wetland parks. It is ideal for family outings, getting close to nature, and admiring modern architecture. Below is a guide to Daxing’s main attractions and suggested itineraries.

• Beijing Wildlife Park: A large wildlife park in northern China. Visitors can take a small train into the open-range area to see predators, or feed giraffes and ring-tailed lemurs at close range in the walking area, making for an engaging interactive experience.

• Daxing International Airport: The terminal has a smooth, flowing design with a distinctly futuristic feel, and has been called one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” The observation deck on the fifth floor is open to visitors without flight tickets, offering views of planes taking off and landing. The scenery is especially good in the evening.

• Nanhaizi Park: One of Beijing’s largest wetland parks. It includes a milu deer reserve where visitors can see and feed milu deer, commonly known as “four-unlike deer.” The lakeside lawns are ideal for picnics, camping, and flying kites.

• Tuanhe Palace Ruins Park: This site preserves the ruins of a Qing dynasty imperial residence. Its garden layout combines features of northern imperial gardens and gardens south of the Yangtze. The Daxing Museum inside is free to enter and offers an introduction to local history.

• Yongding Park: A large ecological park in southern Beijing. In autumn, visitors can see vast fields of sunflowers, pink muhly grass, and golden rice paddies. The park is free to enter and is well suited to photography and leisurely walks.

Two-Day In-Depth Itinerary

• Day 1: Nature and Cute Animals: Visit Beijing Wildlife Park in the morning. It is best to enter the predator area soon after opening to avoid peak crowds. In the afternoon, head to Nanhaizi Park to see the milu deer and enjoy a picnic on the lakeside lawn. Have dinner at 荟聚购物中心 in the evening.
• Day 2: History and Sci-Fi: Visit Tuanhe Palace Ruins Park in the morning and enjoy the imperial garden scenery in autumn. In the afternoon, go to the observation deck on the fifth floor of Daxing International Airport to see the “One City, One Line” art installation and C-shaped columns, then watch planes take off and land at dusk.

Recommended Local Food

Daxing offers both Beijing-style snacks and specialty food from across China. Here are several restaurants to consider:

Choosing Where to Stay

• Family trips and leisure: Consider 星光影视园假日酒店 or 龙熙维景酒店. Both hotels are close to the wildlife park and Nanhaizi Park, with convenient amenities nearby, making them suitable for families.

• Business trips, stopovers, and good value: Consider 北京大兴国际创新公园希尔顿欢朋酒店 or 大兴金苑路希尔顿花园酒店. They are relatively close to metro stations or the airport, have newer room facilities, and suit self-driving and business travelers.

Transport and Practical Tips

• Traveling by metro: Metro Line 4 provides access to areas near Beijing Wildlife Park, 荟聚购物中心, and Nanhaizi Park. The Daxing Airport Express takes about 19 minutes from Caoqiao to the airport.
• Driving: The attractions are spread out. For example, Beijing Wildlife Park and Nanhaizi Park are more than 10 kilometers apart, so driving or taking a taxi is convenient. Parking lots at Beijing Wildlife Park and Yongding Park often fill up on weekends, so set out early.
• Observation deck reservations: The Daxing Airport observation deck is on the fifth floor and does not require a flight ticket. Check opening hours and reservation requirements before setting out to avoid disruptions to your itinerary.
• Mosquito and sun protection: Nanhaizi Park and Yongding Park are large and densely vegetated. Bring mosquito repellent and a sun hat when visiting in summer or early autumn. There is plenty of walking, so comfortable sneakers are recommended.