Venue and Travel
Welcome to IWMPI 2026 in Beijing. The conference will be hosted at Beihang University’s New Main Building Conference Center on the Xueyuan Road campus in Haidian District—a modern, well-connected setting in the heart of China’s capital. On this page you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit: venue details, campus maps, directions (public transit and taxi), nearby accommodation options, and practical travel tips for a smooth trip.
Conference Venue
New Main Building Conference Center
Beihang University
37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District,
100191, Beijing, P.R. China
Airports in Beijing
Beijing is served by two major international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in the northeast and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) in the south. Both handle international routes - please check your ticket carefully.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Location: ~25–32 km from downtown (northeast, Shunyi District).
https://en.bcia.com.cn/index.html
To the city:
Capital Airport Express to Sanyuanqiao (Line 10) and Dongzhimen (Line 2/13); fixed fare CNY 25. Taxis and airport buses are also available.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Location: ~46–50 km from downtown (south, Daxing)
https://daxing-pkx-airport.com/
To the city:
Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao (Line 10) in ~19–26 minutes; variable fare (distance-based). High-speed rail also links PKX with Beijing West Railway Station in ~30 minutes. Buses, taxis, and ride-hailing are available.
Most international visitors can attend IWMPI 2026 in Beijing with either visa-free entry (for eligible nationalities), visa-free transit, or a standard Chinese visa. Requirements vary by passport and travel plan, so please review the official resources below and apply early if a visa is required. Please consult also the Website https://www.visaforchina.cn/ for information on entry and visa requirements. Visa types
Important Notes
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry.
- Visa processing times vary by country and may take several weeks - please apply as early as possible.
- If you have a stopover in a third country, make sure to check whether a transit visa is required.
Specific information
30-day visa-free entry (selected nationalities).
China currently grants unilateral visa-free entry (up to 30 days) to many passport holders for purposes including business, tourism, and exchange visits - suitable for attending academic conferences. Check the official list to confirm eligibility.
240-hour visa-free transit (PEK & PKX).
If you’re transiting China en route to a third country/region, you may be able to enter Beijing without a visa for up to 240 hours via Beijing Capital (PEK) or Beijing Daxing (PKX) - with onward ticket requirements. Verify rules and eligible nationalities before travel.
If you need a visa.
Attending an academic/scientific conference is typically covered by the F (non-commercial visit) visa; some travelers also use the L (tourist) visa depending on their itinerary and local consulate guidance. Always follow the instructions of your local Chinese embassy/consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).
Passport validity & basics.
For visa applications, embassies and CVASC generally require a passport valid for at least 6 months with blank visa pages, plus the completed application form and photo. Requirements can differ by location—check locally.
Invitation letter for visa support (on request).
If your visa application requires an invitation, the IWMPI 2026 Organizing Committee can issue a conference invitation letter containing: your full name and passport details, affiliation and role (author/speaker/attendee), visit purpose, intended entry/exit dates and cities, and the venue details.
Practical tips for international visitors to China (Beijing 2026)
Payments
Mobile wallets are the norm. Overseas visitors can link international cards (e.g., Visa/Mastercard) to Alipay and WeChat Pay for everyday purchases, transport, and dining. Cash is still accepted in key venues, and authorities have encouraged better access for foreign payments—carry a small amount of RMB as backup.
Public transport
In Beijing, you can ride the subway by tapping an overseas Mastercard directly at the gates, or by using QR codes in Alipay/WeChat; the city also offers the Beijing Pass for tourists (metro, buses, suburban trains, some attractions).
Ride-hailing & taxis
DiDi provides an English interface and typically works with international phone numbers and cards via in-app wallets. Taxis are plentiful; having your destination written in Chinese helps.
Mobile data & eSIM
Buying a local SIM/eSIM is straightforward at airports or carrier stores, but you’ll need your passport due to real-name registration rules.
Internet & apps
Some global websites and apps are not accessible on mainland networks. Plan alternatives for maps, search, and messaging, and set up essential Chinese apps (e.g., WeChat/Alipay) before arrival—always follow local laws and regulations.
Water & health
Tap water should be boiled before drinking; most visitors use bottled water. Air quality varies by season—check AQI updates and plan accordingly if you’re sensitive.
Smoke-free spaces
Beijing enforces a comprehensive indoor smoking ban (restaurants, offices, public transport). Observe signage and designated outdoor areas.
Weltgesundheitsorganisation
Tipping
Not customary in most settings. Service charges may be included at upscale hotels/restaurants; otherwise tipping is generally unnecessary.
Power
Mainland China uses 220V/50Hz with plug types A, C, and I. Bring a universal adapter if needed.
ID & safety
Keep your passport with you; police may conduct spot checks, and you’ll need it for hotel check-in and certain services. Emergency numbers: 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), 119 (fire)
