Source: CCTV.com

02-25-2008 11:10

Expectations are running high as Beijing puts the final touches to its latest terminal at the International Capital Airport.

After close to 4 years of construction, and a hefty 27 billion yuan, Terminal 3 is set to fling open its doors this Friday.

Photo taken on Feb. 23, 2008 shows the inside view of the  newly-built No. 3 terminal of the Beijing Capital International Airport in a drill before its trial operation set for Feb. 29, 2008. [Asianewsphoto]

With a length of 2,900 meters, Terminal 3 looks like a Chinese dragon lying at the northeastern corner of Beijing.

The ball that the dragon is playing with is the distributing center including parking areas and subway terminal.

The dragon's head, body and tail are the main buildings of the terminal. Passengers will travel in and out through these buildings.

Aesthetically the terminal is also pleasing. The interior decorations also feature traditional Chinese characters.

Screen walls with dragons and ancient-style fountains make the terminal seems like an artistic museum.

Passengers here can also leisurely stroll through Chinese gardens, and enjoy beautiful scenaries including pavillions, brooks, bridges and various plants. Designers say water and plants are not only eye-catching, they will also help humidify the airport.

Terminal 3 is also very convenient. It's equipped with a passenger transport system,also known as "tiny trains".

They depart every three minutes. And platforms have been installed with glass walls to ensure passengers' safety.

And when it comes to baggage handling anxious travellers can rest assured. The baggage handling system in Terminal 3 is equipped with the most advanced identification facilities in the world.

Passengers can locate their baggage at any time as long as they input the identification number.

There are 292 counters that connect with four transporting belts.These high-speed belts can transport 20 thousand baggage per hour.

And should a traveller have a lot of baggage, not a problem. The new terminal also offer pre-storage services.

Travellers can deliver their baggage to the airport a day in advance, so they can go to the airport easily the next day.

The new terminal will open, Friday February 29th.

 

Editor:Zhang Pengfei