Had a 10 hour overnight layover at Beijing airport...

Had a 10 hour overnight layover at Beijing airport terminal 3.

Pros: the security worked for us. Granted, the staff seem a little hostile but they were efficient and professional and we were through in a few minutes. The airport s interior design is modern and good-looking, and our flight was on time with customer boarding being well managed. There is free drinking water available.

Cons: we booked a hotel nearby to sleep overnight, but could not get out of the terminal despite having visas. Service staff spoke only a little English and directions were unclear (we were told to take the stairs to leave but stairs were nowhere to be seen). We ended up giving up on our prepaid hotel and sleeping on seats at the gate instead. WiFi doesn t work. If you plan to spend money, have local currency with you! There are no ATMs and the currency exchange counter does not accept non-Chinese credit/debit cards. The vending machines are half empty. There is nothing to do - a few high end cosmetic shops and 2 Starbucks cafes/1 Costa cafe. My partner was sick but the first aid room was locked with the lights off and based on interactions with staff I doubt we would have had any English-speaking support had his condition deteriorated.

Overall the airport looks smart and modern at first glance, but would advise against long layovers there if possible, due to lack of supporting services.