China’s international airports handle over 700 million passengers per year across the country’s main hubs. For foreign travelers, understanding the terminal layout, immigration process, and ground transportation at each major airport saves hours of confusion. This guide covers the six airports you’re most likely to use.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Terminals: T1, T2, T3. Most international flights arrive at T3, which opened in 2008 and remains one of the largest terminal buildings in the world.
Immigration: T3’s international arrivals hall has 40+ immigration booths. Wait times average 30–60 minutes; arriving early morning (before 08:00) or midday (12:00–14:00) is faster. Foreign nationals queue at the “Foreigners / 外国人” lane. Have your completed Arrival Card ready.
Customs: China uses a two-channel system — green (nothing to declare) and red (goods to declare). Declare cash over USD 5,000, commercial goods and items gifted to you in China.
Airport Express Train: Line from T3 to Sanyuanqiao (Line 10) and Dongzhimen (Lines 2 and 13) takes 16–20 minutes and costs ¥25. Trains run every 10 minutes, 06:22–23:13. Ticket machines accept foreign cards.
Hotel area: Hundreds of hotels within 5 km. The airport shuttle buses serve 16 city routes (¥30–40).
72-hour transit visa exemption: Beijing Capital Airport is a designated port for the 72/144-hour visa exemption. Eligible nationals can transit without a visa for up to 144 hours. Must hold onward ticket. Immigration desk handles applications on arrival.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Opened in 2019, Daxing is one of the world’s largest and is handling a growing share of international traffic from airlines like China Southern and some budget carriers.
City access: Daxing Airport Express Line runs directly to Caoqiao (Line 10) in 20 minutes and to Caoqiao interchange and beyond. Fare: ¥35. The express runs 06:32–23:12.
Layout: The terminal is a single star-shaped building. International arrivals and domestic arrivals share the same level but with separate immigration halls. Follow yellow English signs.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
China’s top international gateway by international passenger volume.
Terminals: T1 for most international alliances except Star Alliance; T2 for Star Alliance airlines (Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore Airlines etc.). A free inter-terminal shuttle runs every 10 minutes.
Maglev Train: The world’s only commercial magnetic levitation train connects Pudong Airport to Longyang Road (metro Line 2 and 16) in 7 minutes and 20 seconds at 430 km/h. Fare: ¥55 standard, ¥40 with air ticket shown. Operating: 08:30–21:30. This is the fastest but not cheapest option.
Metro Line 2: Takes 65 minutes to People’s Square in central Shanghai. Cost: ¥7. More practical for budget travelers; last train from the airport is around 23:00.
72/144-hour transit: Shanghai (Pudong and Hongqiao) participates in the 144-hour visa exemption. Hold an onward ticket to a third country.
Terminal restaurants: T2 has better food options post-security, including Jing’an Pavilion for Chinese cuisine and a Starbucks Reserve.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Primarily domestic and regional flights (Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Osaka). Connected to the Hongqiao Railway Station hub (high-speed trains to Beijing, Hangzhou, Nanjing) by a 5-minute covered walkway.
Metro: Lines 2 and 10 both serve Hongqiao Airport. Line 2 runs to Pudong Airport (65 minutes). Useful if arriving and continuing by HSR.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Two terminals. T1 handles most international flights; T2 is newer and handles mainly domestic and some Southeast Asian routes.
Metro: Line 3 North Extension runs to Airport South (T1) and Airport North (T2). Journey to city centre (Tiyu Xilu): 35 minutes for about ¥8.
Canton Fair visitors: If you arrive during Canton Fair season (April or October), the airport is extremely busy. Book accommodation well in advance; hotel prices triple during fair periods.
Transit: Guangzhou offers the 144-hour transit visa exemption.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)
A popular entry point for visitors heading to Shenzhen or crossing to Hong Kong by ferry.
Metro: Line 11 Airport Express (30–35 minutes to Futian CBD, ¥14). Line 20 connects the two terminals internally.
Ferry: The Fuyong Pier next to the airport operates ferries to Hong Kong Airport, Zhuhai, Macau and other Pearl River Delta ports. This is particularly useful for travelers arriving in Shenzhen but needing to continue to Hong Kong without entering the city.
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
China’s newest mega-hub, opened 2021. Most major airlines have shifted Chengdu international flights here.
Metro: Line 9 direct to the city centre. About 27 minutes to the Tianfu Ave South station area.
Legacy airport (Shuangliu, CTU): Still handles many domestic routes. Metro Line 10.
General Tips for All Chinese Airports
Immigration forms: China ended the Arrival Card paper form in 2023 for most nationalities. Some airports now use electronic pre-registration via the customs WeChat mini-program. Check your airline’s notification before departure.
Health declaration: A QR code-based system replaced physical forms. Scan on arrival; it takes 2 minutes if you have a phone with WeChat or any browser.
SIM card: Available at the airport from China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom counters — typically in arrivals, before customs. Prices: ¥50–200 for tourist data SIMs (7–30 day). Bring your passport.
Currency: Airport exchange rates are poor (8–12% below street rates). Withdraw from the ICBC or Bank of China ATM in arrivals for better rates. Change only enough for immediate transport needs.
Luggage storage: All major airports offer secure storage at ¥20–50 per item per day. Ask at the information desk.
Power sockets: China uses Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (two diagonal pins). Most hotel rooms near airports have universal sockets. Bring a travel adapter if your device only has Type G (UK) or Type B (US three-pin).
Comparing Transit Options (PEK Example)
| Method | Time to City Centre | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Express | 20–28 min | ¥25 | Best for east/central Beijing |
| Taxi | 45–90 min | ¥100–150 | Traffic-dependent |
| Bus | 60–90 min | ¥30–40 | 16 routes, covers all areas |
| DiDi | 45–80 min | ¥80–130 | Book from app |
The pattern repeats at most airports: the metro train is fastest and cheapest for central areas; taxis and DiDi offer door-to-door convenience for suburban hotels.
China’s airports, once daunting for international arrivals, are now among the world’s most efficient. English signage is excellent, and airport staff at international terminals typically have basic English. The biggest challenge is almost always the queue at immigration — arriving off-peak is the single best strategy for a smooth arrival.