Beijing is a happening city! Don't miss a thing with our weekend roundup of the latest news. Air China Adds New Direct Flights to Europe Beijing continues to add direct European flight connections. In addition to the recently reported connection with Finland, here are three newly announced routes beginning operation this year. 1. Brussels, Belgium Air China has launched regular, direct flights between Beijing and Brussels, Belgium. The flights are scheduled to run five days a week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Flights will depart from and arrive in Beijing at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and depart from and arrive in Belgium at Brussels Airport (BRU). Beijing to Brussels (CA963) Departs Beijing at 2.40am* (local time) Arrives in Brussels at 6.20am* (local time) Brussels to Beijing (CA964) Departs Brussels at 1pm* (local time) Arrives next day in Beijing at 5.50am* (local time) *Times are approximate and specific departure and arrival times may be slightly adjusted depending on scheduling and other conditions on the day. 2. Frankfurt, Germany At the end of next month, Air China will launch its first direct route between Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and Frankfurt, Germany. On the German side, flights will depart from and arrive in Frankfurt, Germany, at Frankfurt Airport (FRA). The route will operate daily. Beijing to Frankfurt (CA957) – Beijing Departures Begin Apr 28 Departs Beijing at 1.30pm* (local time) Arrives in Frankfurt at 5.50pm* (local time) Frankfurt to Beijing (CA958) – Beijing Arrivals Begin Apr 27 Departs Frankfurt at 7.10pm* (local time) Arrives next day in Beijing at 10.45am* (local time) *Times are approximate and specific departure and arrival times may be slightly adjusted depending on scheduling and other conditions on the day. Air China will continue to operate service between Frankfurt and Beijing from Beijing Capital International Airport, the airline’s main hub. 3. Milan, Italy Beginning Jun 13, Air China will operate a direct flight route between Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). Flights are scheduled to depart Beijing in the afternoon and arrive in Milan in the early evening (CA749). Flights are scheduled to depart Milan later in the evening and arrive back in Beijing in the afternoon of the next day (CA750). Tourist Caught Etching Words on Great Wall A Chinese tourist to the Badaling Great Wall was recently detained and fined for carving words into some of the stones of the Wall while her friend filmed her. It is not clear whether the friend who filmed the destructive act also received punishment. In a video taken by another visitor, the woman, who appears to be middle-aged or slightly older, can be seen using both hands to twist and scratch with a small implement to deface the Great Wall. The message carved into the stone reportedly read, “In commemoration of the visit of the [surname] sisters.” As incomprehensible as it may seem that anyone would voluntarily vandalize a site of such cultural importance as the Great Wall, the recent incident is sadly not the first. Every year or so, there are reports of visitors caught using keys, wire or other sharp tools to cause damage to the Wall and other historical sites. Punishment can include a fine of up to RMB 500 as well as potential administrative detention of five to ten days. READ: Lamdre Becomes Only Beijing Entry in Asias 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Images: Unsplash Provided:Paid:
March 28, 2026