Beijing to Vancouver (PEK–YVR) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Chinese passport holders need a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal or at a Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in China. The application fee is CAD 100 per person. Processing times vary by location but typically run 20 to 40 business days from Beijing or Shanghai.

You will need a completed application form, digital photo, passport valid for the duration of your stay, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and ties to China (employment letter, property ownership, family). Bank statements covering the last 4 months are expected. Biometrics collection at a VAC is mandatory and costs an additional CAD 85.

Canada issues single-entry and multiple-entry visas. Most applicants now receive a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years, tied to passport expiry. Each stay is limited to 6 months.

Airport Express train runs from Dongzhimen or Sanyuanqiao (Line 10) to the airport in 16–20 minutes (¥25). Trains run every 10 minutes from 6am to 11pm and connect directly to Terminals 2 and 3. This bypasses Beijing's severe road congestion reliably.Taxis from central Beijing (Dongcheng/Xicheng districts) cost ¥80–120 and take 40–90 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Express buses (¥25–30) serve major city hubs. Note that PKX (Daxing) is Beijing's second international airport; confirm your terminal before traveling.

The Canada Line runs from the airport to Waterfront/downtown in 26 minutes for CAD $4.45 on Compass card. Trains depart every 6–8 minutes from the International Terminal station (basement level). Taxis queue outside arrivals; metered fares to downtown are CAD $35–45. Uber and Lyft have a designated pick-up zone.Rental car desks are in the terminal. The VALET shuttle also connects to other transit points on Sea Island. YVR is particularly well-organised for transfers; pre-clearance facility clears U.S.-bound passengers through U.S. customs before departure.

Temperate oceanic climate. One of the mildest in Canada. Winters (November–March) are wet and overcast at 2–8°C. Snow is infrequent at sea level, but when it does fall, the city struggles and the airport can see delays. Fog in winter and early spring is a more consistent disruption risk. Summers (June–August) are warm and dry at 20–27°C with very little rain.

Wildfire smoke from BC and Alberta can reduce visibility at the airport during August and September. Pack rain gear for autumn through spring. Summers are dry and clear.