Beijing News: Increased Direct Flights to Europe & Damage to the Great Wall

      Beijing is an exciting city! Stay informed with our weekend summary of the latest news.

      Air China Introduces New Direct Flights to Europe

      Beijing continues to expand its direct flight connections to Europe. Following the recently announced route to Finland, here are three new routes set to start this year.

      1. Brussels, Belgium

      Air China has commenced regular direct flights between Beijing and Brussels, Belgium. These flights will operate five times a week, specifically on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Departures and arrivals in Beijing will be at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), while in Belgium, they will be at Brussels Airport (BRU).

      - *Beijing to Brussels (CA963)*

       Departure from Beijing: 2:40 AM* (local time)

       Arrival in Brussels: 6:20 AM* (local time)

      - *Brussels to Beijing (CA964)*

       Departure from Brussels: 1:00 PM* (local time)

       Arrival the next day in Beijing: 5:50 AM* (local time)

      *Times are approximate and may vary slightly based on scheduling and other daily conditions.

      2. Frankfurt, Germany

      At the end of next month, Air China will launch its inaugural direct route between Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and Frankfurt, Germany. Flights will depart from and arrive at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany, and the route will operate daily.

      - *Beijing to Frankfurt (CA957) – Departures Begin Apr 28*

       Departure from Beijing: 1:30 PM* (local time)

       Arrival in Frankfurt: 5:50 PM* (local time)

      - *Frankfurt to Beijing (CA958) – Arrivals Begin Apr 27*

       Departure from Frankfurt: 7:10 PM* (local time)

       Arrival the next day in Beijing: 10:45 AM* (local time)

      *Times are approximate and may slightly change due to scheduling and other conditions.

      Air China will also maintain service between Frankfurt and Beijing from its main hub at Beijing Capital International Airport.

      3. Milan, Italy

      Starting June 13, Air China will operate a direct flight route between Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). Flights will leave Beijing in the afternoon, reaching Milan in the early evening (CA749), and depart Milan later in the evening, arriving back in Beijing the following afternoon (CA750).

      Tourist Detained for Vandalizing the Great Wall

      A Chinese tourist visiting the Badaling section of the Great Wall was recently apprehended and fined for engraving words into the stones while her friend recorded the act. It remains unclear if the friend filming the incident faced any penalties.

      A video captured by another visitor shows a woman, appearing to be middle-aged or older, using both hands to carve into the Great Wall with a small tool. The inscription reportedly read, “In commemoration of the visit of the [surname] sisters.”

      Despite how baffling it may seem that anyone would vandalize such a culturally significant site, this is not the first incident of its kind. Each year, there are reports of visitors damaging the Wall and other historical sites with keys, wires, or sharp objects. Penalties can include fines of up to RMB 500 and possible administrative detention for five to ten days.

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      Images: Unsplash