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    • The Ultimate Guide to Airports in China

    Navigating the Country's Major Aviation Hubs
    • Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Airports in China, where we provide in-depth information on the country's major aviation hubs. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, this guide will help you navigate through China's airports with ease.
      Our mission is to help travelers navigate smoothly and confidently, ensuring enjoyable and stress-free travel experiences.

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    Introduction

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    • Discover Major Aviation Hubs in China !

    • Major International Hubs


      Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
      IATA Code: PKX
      Profile: Opened in 2019, PKX is one of the world's largest single-terminal airports. Its starfish design by the late Zaha Hadid minimizes walking distances to gates.

      Strong Points:
      Modern Facilities: State-of-the-art amenities, automated check-in, and baggage handling.
      Efficient Layout: Designed for seamless passenger flow, even with high volume.
      High-Speed Rail Link: Direct connection to downtown Beijing and Xiong'an.
      Precautions: It's located far south of central Beijing (approx. 46 km). Allow significant extra time for travel to/from the city.



      Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
      IATA Code: PEK
      Profile: The former primary airport and still a major global hub, handling most of Beijing's air traffic before PKX opened.

      Strong Points:
      Extensive Network: Huge number of international and domestic flights.
      Convenient Location: Closer to the city center than PKX.
      Precautions: Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are separate buildings. Double-check your terminal as transfer between them requires a shuttle bus or taxi.



      Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
      IATA Code: PVG
      Profile: Shanghai's primary international gateway and a major hub for East Asia, known for its extensive long-haul routes.

      Strong Points:
      Maglev Train: The Shanghai Maglev train connects the airport to the city at speeds of up to 431 km/h, taking just 8 minutes to Longyang Road Station.
      Shopping & Dining: Excellent luxury shopping and dining options.
      Precautions: Like PEK, it has multiple terminals (T1 & T2). Confirm your terminal in advance.



      Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
      IATA Code: CAN
      Profile: The main hub for China Southern Airlines and the busiest airport in Southern China, serving the massive Pearl River Delta region.

      Strong Points: Major connecting point for flights to Africa, Oceania, and Southeast Asia.



      Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
      IATA Code: SZX

      Profile: A rapidly growing hub in the tech metropolis of Shenzhen. Its unique terminal design features a honeycomb-like exterior.
      Strong Points: Modern, efficient, and less crowded than CAN or PVG for many regional routes.

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    • China Airport Profile

      Total airports: 255+ (civil aviation)
      Busiest airport 2024: Beijing Capital (PEK) – 96 million passengers
      Newest large hub: Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) – opened June 2021
      Highest airport: Daocheng Yading (DCY) – 4 411 m above sea level
      Major alliances: Star Alliance (Air China), SkyTeam (China Eastern), Oneworld (Cathay Pacific)

    • Top 10 Busiest Airports in China

      Beijing Capital (PEK/ZBAA)
      Shanghai Pudong (PVG/ZSPD)
      Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN/ZGGG)
      Chengdu Tianfu (TFU/ZUTF)
      Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX/ZGSZ)
      Kunming Changshui (KMG/ZPPP)
      Xi’an Xianyang (XIY/ZLXY)
      Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA/ZSSS)
      Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG/ZUCK)
      Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH/ZSHC)

    • Tips

      English signage is ubiquitous in international terminals but can be sparse in domestic areas. Have your destination address written in Chinese characters.
      Having a Chinese payment app (Alipay TourPass or WeChat Pay) or some local currency (RMB) is essential for taxis and small vendors.
      Plan your airport transportation to and from the airport in advance.
      Free Wi-Fi - Airport-Free-WiFi SSID; authenticate via SMS or passport scan.
      ATMs give better rates than counters; UnionPay and foreign Visa/MasterCard accepted.
      Free Type-A/C sockets and wireless charging pads are avaiable in most airports of China.

    • FAQ

      What are the major airports in China? ?
      The major airports in China include Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
    • How early should I arrive at the airport for an international flight ?
      It is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight to allow for check-in and security procedures.
    • I have a long layover. Can I leave the airport ?
      Yes, if you qualify for the 24-hour visa-free transit or the 72/144-hour policy. Ensure you meet all the requirements (confirmed onward ticket to a third country, correct passport nationality) and leave enough time to clear immigration and return for your next flight.
    • Is airport Wi-Fi reliable? ?
      Yes, but you typically need a local Chinese phone number to receive an SMS code for access. Some airports may have kiosks where staff can help you to connect.

    • Developing of China Airports

      China continues to invest heavily in its aviation infrastructure. The opening of mega-airports like Beijing Daxing and Chengdu Tianfu signifies a shift towards building integrated transport hubs rather than just airports. The focus is on enhancing the passenger experience with smart technologies, including facial recognition for check-in, security, and boarding, making the process faster for domestic travelers.
    • Do you think this page is helpful? Please link to this article or tell your friends.
    • The Ultimate Guide to Airports in China
      https://www.beijingservice.com/airport-china.htm
      Flying to or within China? Our complete guide covers all major Chinese airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou), transit tips, visa-on-arrival info, and essential travel advice for a smooth journey.

      Note

    • 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit: travelers must stay within the designated city's administrative area.
      Your passport and ticket will be checked multiple times, even to enter the terminal building in some airports. Keep them easily accessible.
      Arrive airport early. For international flights, 3 hours is standard advice. Domestic flights require at least 2 hours due to extensive security.
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