Paris - Beijing Flights

The Paris (CDG) ↔ Beijing (PEK) route is a key long-haul connection between Europe and China, with direct flights taking approximately 10–11 hours. Major carriers include Air China (CA), China Eastern (MU), and Air France (AF), offering daily operations. Travelers should note the 6-hour time difference (daylight saving from March to October reduces it to 5 hours), making jet lag management essential for comfort.

Airport Information

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Location & Access: Located 28 km northeast of central Paris, about 30–40 minutes by car.

Facilities: Three terminals and four runways; T1 hosts Air China, T2E serves Air France and China Eastern for direct flights. Amenities include Chinese information desks, duty-free shops (L’Oréal, Sephora), lounges, currency exchange, and charging stations. Tax refund counters are available at T1 and T2E.

Transportation to Paris:

• RER B train: CDG → Gare du Nord, 33 minutes, €11.45. Recommended.
• Roissy Bus: CDG → Opéra, 45 minutes, €12.
• Taxi: €50–70, 30–40 minutes; night surcharge applies.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Location & Access: 32 km northeast of Beijing, in Shunyi District, 40–60 minutes by car.

Facilities: Three terminals; T3-C for Air China, T2 for Air France and China Eastern. Features include Chinese signage, bank/ATM services, lounges, restaurants (Quanjude Roast Duck, Starbucks), and charging areas. Immigration is efficient, typically 5–10 minutes per traveler.

Transportation to Beijing:

• Airport Express: T2/T3 → Dongzhimen, 25 minutes, ¥25.
• Airport Shuttle Bus: ¥20–40, covering city destinations.
• Taxi: ¥100–120 including highway fees, 24/7 availability.

Direct Flight Timetable (Summer–Autumn 2026: Mar 29 – Oct 24)

Outbound: Paris (CDG) → Beijing (PEK)

Return: Beijing (PEK) → Paris (CDG)

Flight Booking Tips

Timing & Channels

• Book 30–45 days in advance for best fares.
• Check airline websites (Air China, China Eastern, Air France) or booking platforms (Ctrip, Trip.com) for promotions.
• Prefer flexible tickets for free changes; special fares are non-refundable.

Travel Documents

• Passport valid >6 months with 2 blank pages.
• Schengen Visa for France.
• Return ticket and hotel booking confirmation.
• Check-in: International flights 3 hours prior at CDG (T1/T2E) and PEK (T3-C/T2).

Baggage Rules (Economy)

• Air China / China Eastern: 2 checked bags × 23kg, 1 carry-on × 7kg.
• Air France: 1 checked bag × 23kg, 1 carry-on × 12kg; excess charges apply.
• Prohibited items: Liquids >100ml, sharp objects, hazardous materials.

China Entry & Travel Tips

Entry Process

• Immigration Card completed on board (English/Chinese).
• Immigration & Customs: 5–10 minutes if no declarations.
• Prohibited items: Fresh fruits, meat, aquatic products, plant seeds.

Suggested Beijing 5-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive → Hotel → Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Wangfujing Night Market
• Day 2: Great Wall (Badaling/Mutianyu) → Olympic Park (Bird’s Nest & Water Cube Night View)
• Day 3: Temple of Heaven → Summer Palace (Kunming Lake & Tower of Buddhist Incense)
• Day 4: Old Summer Palace → Nanluoguxiang (hutong snacks) → Houhai Bar Street
• Day 5: National Museum → Qianmen Street → Return

Jet Lag & Sleep Adjustment

• Paris → Beijing: Stay awake after boarding, sleep 4–5h mid-flight, follow Beijing time after landing.
• Beijing → Paris: Sleep 3–4h after takeoff, stay awake for remainder, sunlight on arrival helps adaptation.

Practical Tips

• Language: English widely available at major sites; simple Chinese greetings help.
• Payment: Alipay/WeChat widely accepted; carry ~¥500 cash for emergencies.
• Seasonal Clothing (May): Paris 10–20°C (light jacket), Beijing 15–28°C (t-shirt + light jacket).
• Safety: Beijing is safe; keep belongings secure. Emergency numbers: 110 (police), 120 (medical).