You're just one Air China ticket away from a "romance at the end of the world."
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If you were to ask me which place one must visit at least once in a lifetime, I would answer without a moment's hesitation: Reykjavík, Iceland.
As the world's northernmost capital-a name that translates to "Smoky Bay"-it lacks the romantic clamor of Paris or the bustling, frenetic energy of New York. Instead, it rests quietly on the edge of the North Atlantic, embodying a character that is at once stark and gentle. Here, volcanoes and glaciers coexist, while the Northern Lights and the midnight sun take turns gracing the sky. In the past, a journey to Iceland to hunt for the Northern Lights often required a layover on the European mainland, turning the trip into an all-day affair.
But starting October 26, 2026, you can reach this pristine land with a single flight: Air China is launching a new route from Beijing Capital to Reykjavík via Copenhagen-perfectly timed for the most enchanting season to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Previously, there were no direct, scheduled passenger flights between mainland China and Iceland. Travelers heading to Iceland typically had to transit through cities such as Helsinki, Frankfurt, London, Vienna, or Copenhagen-a process that required clearing immigration, collecting baggage, and then going through the check-in and re-checking process all over again. If flight connections did not align well, passengers were often left facing a long wait on airport benches. With the launch of this new route, passengers departing from Beijing can check their baggage all the way through to Reykjavík, eliminating the need to retrieve or re-check it during transit. Furthermore, Air China has secured "fifth freedom" traffic rights, allowing the airline to sell tickets for the Copenhagen–Reykjavík leg; this enables travelers moving between Denmark and Iceland to also fly on this wide-body aircraft. Notably, the route is operated by an Airbus A330-300, which features fully lie-flat business-class seats. On the Copenhagen–Reykjavík segment, this is the only scheduled flight offering such lie-flat seating, allowing passengers to rest in a fully horizontal position during the short two-and-a-half-hour journey.
On the afternoon of October 25, to mark the launch of a new air route, Air China hosted a themed pop-up event at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport. The event showcased the unique characteristics of the Nordic region to travelers and provided information regarding the new route.
This inaugural themed flight will be equipped with air-to-ground connectivity, allowing passengers to use instant messaging and web browsing services free of charge. Additionally, "PhoenixMiles" members and passengers in premium cabins (First and Business Class) will have access to short-form video and streaming media content.
Following takeoff, the flight will feature a live, multimedia-rich broadcast, sharing real-time updates on check-in, boarding, and special onboard activities-allowing both those on board and those following online to witness the inaugural flight together.
From September each year through the following April, Reykjavík enters the prime season for aurora hunters. As night falls, far from the light pollution of the city, a silent, fantastical spectacle unfolds across the sky.
Emerald-green ribbons of light unfurl and flow across the horizon-at times cascading like hanging curtains, at others dancing like sparks igniting a vast expanse. The world falls into silence, leaving only you to gaze out into the boundless cosmos.
No matter which street or alley you wander through in Reykjavík, a glance upward reveals the greyish-white tower of Hallgrímskirkja-the Hallgrímur Church. Standing at 74.5 meters, it is the tallest building in Iceland and serves as the spiritual landmark of the entire city.
Designer Guðjón Samúelsson drew inspiration from the basalt columns formed by cooling volcanic lava in Iceland; the church itself resembles a colossal pipe organ, or perhaps a rocket poised for liftoff. Ascend to the top of the tower by elevator, and a panoramic view of Reykjavík unfolds before you-a timeless Nordic tableau featuring a mosaic of colorful rooftops, a crystalline bay, and a backdrop of rolling mountains.
Strolling along the coastal path, you will encounter the *Sun Voyager*-an iconic sculpture in Reykjavík. This stainless-steel framework, reminiscent of a Viking ship, stands poised by the shore, facing Faxaflói Bay and gazing toward a promised land in the distance.
It is more than just a replica of an ancient Viking ship; it is a "vessel of dreams"-a symbol of hope, freedom, and the spirit of exploration. Sculptor Árnason imbued it with this profound meaning. At dusk, its metal framework is bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, standing in silent communion with Mount Esja across the water. On nights when the aurora dances, ribbons of green unfurl above the sculpture, making one truly believe that dreams are within reach.
About 50 kilometers west of Reykjavík, a pool of milky-blue water lies cradled within a vast lava field-this is the world-renowned Blue Lagoon. As an iconic Icelandic geothermal spa, it draws countless travelers who make the journey specifically to visit.
The lake water is rich in silica and various minerals, maintaining a constant temperature of approximately 39°C year-round. Even when the land is locked in the icy grip of winter, you can immerse yourself in the warm, soothing waters, apply a natural silica mud mask, and-with a drink in hand-look up to potentially catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. Such a unique experience can be found only in Iceland.
At the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, on the western side of Reykjavík, the Grótta Lighthouse stands in quiet watch over the Atlantic Ocean. There are no throngs of tourists here-only the sea breeze, the rocky shore, and the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tides.
The path to the lighthouse winds across a rocky shore and the intertidal zone, where one might spot seaweed and small intertidal creatures. As evening falls, the lighthouse and the setting sun create a minimalist coastal tableau; should you be fortunate enough to witness the aurora, the sight of the lighthouse set against the shimmering green lights becomes one of Iceland's most iconic images. This is Reykjavík-a city that weaves the wonders of the earth into its very streets, blending cosmic romance with the rhythms of everyday life. Why just dream about it when you can set off? With Air China, Iceland is no longer just a distant, indefinite "someday" on your travel bucket list-it's a destination waiting for you to arrive.