Airport taxi touts damage Beijing's image

It may be a well-worn cliche, but first impressions do matter, as much for places as they do for people.

Upon my recent return to the Chinese capital from a visit to London, I was thinking a lot about the first impressions that first-time foreign visitors must have of Beijing when they arrive.

Needless to say, they are no doubt impressed by the gleaming modernity of Beijing Capital International Airport, and in particular Terminal 3, which is world-class by any standard and can surely match any airport in any developed country.