I’ve got a whopper to get through, 36-some-odd hours including three flights, a 12-hour layover and two taxis. I have been preparing for days/weeks for this next destination as it requires that much research. Here is my travel day Astana Kazakhstan to China on FlyArystan and China Eastern Airlines.
Astana NQZ
One of the most unique terminals I have seen, this old Soviet sphere is such an architectural gem. Now only used for domestic departures, that’s what I’m doing today. Inside is a bright cavernous space, completely retro and full of character. I have arrived too early to check-in so decide to sit and have porridge at one of the only restaurants on this side of security.
Astana to Almaty
Now its time to head through security and onto the FlyArystan Airbus for this relatively short two-hour flight to Almaty. From the current capital back to the old capital, a 12-hour layover awaits me there.
Almaty ALA
Having booked separate flights necessitated by my frugal budget, I pick up my suitcase and have to wait the majority of that 12 hours on the non-secure side of the airport. There are very limited dining and seating options in this terminal that is currently under a noisy renovation. My first stop is to Costa where I spend the next three hours on a hard wooden chair. First a tea while I do some typing, and then a croissant sandy and a beer. After some walking around and more sitting in a new location, its finally two hours before my red eye, and I can check-in.
The China Eastern staff are proficient and I’m through and into the airside of the terminal to enjoy my second meal of the day, dinner. Looks like most people are dining at TickerDaze so that is where I head. Chicken strips, fries and an ice-cold beer seem perfect before this longer flight.
Almaty to Beijing
I’m really tired now, its around 11pm but I’m super excited too. On board the Airbus 321, the seats are comfortable and clean. A meal is offered quite soon after takeoff, but the main course is so bland I cannot eat it.
The duration of this flight is through darkness and into early morning hours as we approach Beijing. Cloud cover prevents me from seeing the ground until quite close to landing. There is a short spell of green agricultural land and then I’m on the ground. My first time in China! Wahoo!!
Beijing PKX
There are two airports here and luckily, I find myself at Daxing International, the new big one. And it’s a stunner! Almost instantly I am amazed by what I see and its just keeps getting better and better. This is an airport made for the comfort of people and travellers, they have thought of everything.
Navigation is simple as every sign is in multiple languages. There are toilets everywhere I look and they are glistening, no bad odors, pristine. There are large nursing rooms for parents and small children. Full of amenities such as microwaves, seating, sinks and kitchen area. Anything a parent might need to warm or prepare food or care for their child. Free lockers to store any heavy or bulky carry-ons, while you explore the terminal. Free lie-flat lounges and sleeping areas. Everything is so clean, not a wrapper or errant cup anywhere.
The décor and architecture are stunning. Lots of shops but not grossly opulent. Even little grocery stores where I can purchase reasonably priced snacks and drinks. I only have a three-hour layover so am constantly motoring the time while trying to see everything.
Daxing Gardens
You cannot believe the feeling of walking through doors inside an airport, and finding yourself in a garden, complete with ponds, fountains, plants, flowers, sunshine and most of all, fresh air. There are two of these large gardens in Daxing, one is called the ‘Porcelain Garden’ and the other is called ‘Farmland’. Both free, both a pleasure to be in and filled with seating areas and pretty statuary.
After being awake for more than 24 hours now, it is overwhelming to walk outside those doors into sunshine on my face. It almost makes me burst into tears. Wishing I had a longer layover, I head back inside now from Farmland and continue my explorations.
From Wagas I treat myself to a fresh cinnamon bun and an iced coffee and use my Alipay for the second time in the last hour. Works like a dream and that means I’ll have one less thing to worry about when I reach my final destination.
Beijing to Chengdu
Alright, my last flight of this exhausting travel day, again on China Eastern and the same model Airbus. The scenery gets greener and lusher as we head towards Chengdu. Another full meal and this time it’s a winner. Everything is delicious and I gobble it up in no time.
Chengdu TFU
Arriving now I am beside myself with excitement. This flight was just about three hours long and most of it overcast and cloudy. The Chengdu Tianfu airport feels rather utilitarian but I am hardly noticing anything, completely tired now. Most signs still have some English so I can navigate easily. The Immigration counters move quickly. I am not asked nearly as many questions as I anticipated and haven’t had to show a single document such as my proof of hotel or departing flight. Into baggage collection now and my suitcase is there.
I had researched the option of taking a Didi (like Uber) from the airport to my hotel, but decided against it. Reviews tell me that trying to locate the pick-up point somewhere in one of the parking garages, and then hoping the App actually works can be a struggle. Especially since I’m as exhausted as I am and not thinking straight. Instead, I opt for a taxi, which in most countries I will not entertain as they are almost always a scam.
This airport taxi system is so organized and efficient, my end price is almost exactly the same as the Didi would have been without all the hassle. My drive takes an hour and 10 minutes, 63 kilometers, and the cost is ¥240 or $50 CAD.
I’m here! I’m in China, I could just cry. Not from exhaustion but from sheer excitement. This country has only ever been a dream and now I find myself actually here. Its 3pm Chengdu time when I reach my hotel. No Airbnb for now, as it doesn’t exist here. Time to lay down and stretch my back, then get right back up and hit the streets to find food. Welcome to China!!!!
