Airports in China: International & Domestic Hubs with Codes & Airlines

Looking for the best airports in China? The country’s aviation network is one of the largest in the world, with over 250 airports linking major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou to remote destinations such as Tibet and Inner Mongolia. China’s airports handle hundreds of millions of passengers every year, and the Beijing Daxing International Airport proudly holds the title of the world’s largest single-terminal hub.

Our China airports list features the busiest and most well-connected airports for domestic and international travel, including those ranked among the best airports in China for passenger comfort and global connectivity.

In this guide, you’ll get a quick overview of the top airports in China, including their facilities, transport connections, and traveler tips, everything you need to plan a smooth domestic or international journey across China.

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Airport Name	City	IATA Code	Domestic	International
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport	Guangzhou	CAN	Yes	Yes
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport	Chengdu	CTU	Yes	Yes
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport	Shenzhen	SZX	Yes	Yes
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport	Chongqing	CKG	Yes	Yes
Beijing Capital International Airport	Beijing	PEK	Yes	Yes
Kunming Changshui International Airport	Kunming	KMG	Yes	Yes
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport	Shanghai	SHA	Yes	Yes
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport	Xi’an	XIY	Yes	Yes
Shanghai Pudong International Airport	Shanghai	PVG	Yes	Yes
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport	Hangzhou	HGH	Yes	Yes

1. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is one of the busiest airports in China, playing a crucial role in connecting South China to global destinations. As a major aviation hub, it offers a comprehensive network of domestic and international flights, making it an essential gateway for travelers heading to and from southern China.

Address: Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CeyH8sTd2j3teD61A
Airport Code: CAN
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +862036066999
Distance from City Center: 37 km from Guangzhou city

Operating Airlines: China Southern Airlines (hub), China Eastern Airlines, Air China, Hainan Airlines, plus numerous international carriers including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways make this one of the best airports in China for global connectivity.

Terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

Services & Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
• Diverse dining options featuring Cantonese and international cuisine
• Shopping, including duty-free, local specialties, and international brands
• Currency exchange and banking services
• Business centers and premium lounges
• Children’s play areas and nursing rooms
• Prayer rooms and medical facilities
• Luggage storage and wrapping services
• 24-hour convenience stores

Nearby Attractions:

• Canton Tower: Standing 600 meters tall, this is China’s second-tallest tower and home to a sky-high bubble tram, the world’s highest horizontal Ferris wheel, and a thrilling drop ride with sweeping views of the Pearl River and city skyline.
• Yuexiu Park: The largest urban park in Guangzhou, covering 860,000 square meters, it’s famous for the Five Rams Sculpture, scenic lotus ponds, Zhenhai Tower, and ancient city walls that trace back over 2,000 years.
• Huacheng Square: The heart of Guangzhou’s modern CBD, surrounded by striking landmarks like Zaha Hadid’s Opera House, the 103-story CTF Finance Centre, a massive city library, and dazzling nightly fountain shows.
• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: A magnificent octagonal building dedicated to the “Father of Modern China”, featuring a vast auditorium for 3,000 guests and fascinating exhibitions on revolutionary history.

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2. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport serves as one of the most important hubs in the International Airport List in China, acting as the primary airport in western China and a key connection point for both domestic and global flights.

Address: Shuangliu, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rpy46PreaS567Lt69
Airport Code: CTU
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +862885205555
Distance from City Center: 26 km from Chengdu city

Operating Airlines: Air China, Sichuan Airlines (hub), China Eastern, China Southern, and numerous international carriers making this one of the most important airports in China for western region connectivity.

Terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

Services & Amenities:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout both terminals
• Local Sichuan and international cuisine options
• Extensive shopping, including local specialties and duty-free
• Multiple lounges for business and first-class passengers
• Children’s play areas and nursing rooms
• Medical facilities and pharmacy services
• Baggage storage and wrapping services
• Currency exchange and banking services
• Prayer rooms and smoking areas

Nearby Attractions:

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: A 240 acre bamboo sanctuary home to over 100 giant pandas of all ages. Visitors can watch playful cubs in nursery enclosures and learn about China’s leading conservation efforts in beautifully designed natural habitats.
• Jinli Ancient Street: A lively 550 meter pedestrian street that recreates the charm of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with glowing red lanterns, traditional wooden houses, street performances, and irresistible Sichuan snacks.
• Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys): Explore three historic alleyways blending Qing-era courtyard homes with modern boutiques, artisan workshops, teahouses, and stylish cafés a perfect mix of Chengdu’s old soul and new energy.
• Tianfu Square:The heart of downtown Chengdu, featuring a 30-meter statue of Chairman Mao, surrounded by the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum, Chengdu Museum, sprawling malls, and Asia’s largest musical fountain show.

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3. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport 

Source: Wikipedia

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport provides vital air access for China’s technology innovation center. This significant facility among airports in China features striking architecture and serves as a key gateway for the Greater Bay Area.

Address: Baoan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TxBw7ZxS1Vobq2uH8
Airport Code: SZX
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +8675523456789
Distance from City Center: 43 km from Shenzhen city

Operating Airlines: Shenzhen Airlines (hub), China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, and various international airlines connect through this important facility among the best airports in China.

Terminals: Terminal 3 (T1 and T2 are closed)

Services & Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Wide range of dining options including Cantonese cuisine
• Retail shopping including duty-free and electronics
• Premium lounges for business and first-class travelers
• Children’s play areas and nursing facilities
• Medical center and pharmacy services
• Luggage storage and wrapping services
• Currency exchange and banking facilities
• Prayer rooms and relaxation areas

Nearby Attractions:

• China Folk Culture Village: Expansive 22-hectare theme park showcasing authentic replicas of 24 ethnic minority villages from across China, featuring traditional architecture, daily life demonstrations, cultural performances, handicraft workshops, and seasonal festivals.
• Window of the World: Unique 48-hectare theme park displaying over 130 miniature replicas of famous global landmarks including a 108-meter Eiffel Tower (1:3 scale), Great Pyramids, Taj Mahal, and Mount Rushmore alongside cultural performances, light shows, and international cuisine.
• Lianhuashan Park: Sprawling 150-hectare urban hilltop park featuring a prominent 6-meter bronze statue of Deng Xiaoping, landscaped gardens with over 10,000 trees, multiple lakes, pagodas, and panoramic viewing platforms overlooking Shenzhen’s dramatic skyline.
• Luohu Commercial City: Massive five-story shopping complex near the Hong Kong border housing over 700 shops selling everything from electronics and custom tailoring to jewelry and knockoff luxury goods, popular with tourists seeking bargains.

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4. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport serves as southwestern China’s rapidly growing aviation hub. This expanding facility among airports in China provides essential connectivity for the mountainous region known as the Mountain City.

Address: Yubei District, China, 401120

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbHxa7ckzdJ5VRcZ9
Airport Code: CKG
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +8623966666
Distance from City Center: 29 km from Chongqing city

Operating Airlines: Chongqing Airlines, China Southern, Air China, China Eastern, Sichuan Airlines, and various international carriers operate through this important gateway among airports in China.

Terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3A, and Terminal 3B

Services & Amenities:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi coverage throughout all terminals
• Local Chongqing cuisine and international dining options
• Shopping, including duty-free and local specialties
• Multiple premium lounges for business travelers
• Children’s play areas and family services
• Medical facilities and pharmacy access
• Baggage services, including storage and wrapping
• Currency exchange and banking facilities
• Prayer rooms and quiet areas

Nearby Attractions:

• Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street: Bustling commercial heart of Chongqing centered around the 27.5-meter Liberation Monument tower, featuring dozens of shopping malls, international brand outlets, street food vendors serving classic Chongqing hot pot, and spectacular neon lights at night.
• Hongya Cave (Hongyadong): Spectacular 11-story stilt house complex built into a cliff face overlooking the Jialing River, combining traditional Ba-Yu architectural styles with modern amenities including 150+ shops, restaurants with panoramic river views.
• Longmenhao Old Street: Historic riverside district featuring well-preserved buildings that uniquely blend traditional Chinese Ba-Yu architecture with Western influences from the treaty port era, housing teahouses, local craft shops, and photogenic alleyways with views of the Yangtze.
• Ciqikou Ancient Town: Well-preserved 1,700-year-old port town on the Jialing River featuring Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, traditional teahouses where storytellers perform, the impressive Baolun Buddhist Temple, and shops selling handcrafted porcelain that gave the town its name.

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5. Beijing Capital International Airport 

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Beijing Capital International Airport has long served as China’s primary international gateway. This historic facility among airports in China features impressive architecture and extensive connectivity to global destinations.

Address: Shunyi District, Beijing, China

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dQftBPYpyCLaZQKQ7
Airport Code: PEK
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +861096158
Distance from City Center: 38 km from Beijing city

Operating Airlines: Air China (hub), China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, and numerous international carriers make this one of the busiest and best airports in China.

Terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3

Services & Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout all terminal buildings
• Extensive dining options featuring Beijing cuisine
• Shopping including duty-free and luxury brands
• Multiple premium lounges including first-class facilities
• Children’s play areas and family services
• Medical centers and pharmacy access
• Luggage storage and wrapping services
• Currency exchange and banking facilities
• Transit hotels and relaxation areas

Nearby Attractions:

• The Forbidden City: Vast imperial palace complex spanning 180 acres with 980 buildings and 8,728 rooms that housed 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring the world’s largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures and over a million priceless artifacts.
• Tiananmen Square: World’s largest public square at 440,000 square meters, flanked by the Great Hall of the People, National Museum of China, Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and the Monument to the People’s Heroes, with a capacity for one million people.
• Temple of Heaven: 15th-century religious complex where emperors performed sacrificial ceremonies for good harvests, featuring the magnificent triple-gabled Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, and Imperial Vault of Heaven set within a 267-hectare park.
• The Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling sections): Most impressive sections of the 21,196-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage structure near Beijing, featuring well-preserved watchtowers, steep ramparts, engaging historical exhibits, and modern access via cable cars with spectacular mountain scenery.

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6. Kunming Changshui International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Kunming Changshui International Airport serves as the main aviation hub for Yunnan Province. This modern facility among airports in China provides essential connectivity for southwestern China and acts as a gateway to Southeast Asia.

Address: China, Yunnan, Kunming, Guandu District: 650209

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xhQxF8EBg8pSyhg89
Airport Code: KMG
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +8687196566
Distance from City Center: 42 km from Kunming city

Operating Airlines: China Eastern Airlines (hub), Lucky Air, Kunming Airlines, China Southern, and numerous international carriers utilize this important regional gateway among airports in China.

Terminals: One integrated terminal building

Services & Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Yunnan specialty cuisine and international dining
• Shopping including duty-free and local handicrafts
• Premium lounges for business and first-class travelers
• Children’s play areas and family facilities
• Medical services and pharmacy access
• Luggage storage and wrapping services
• Currency exchange and banking facilities
• Prayer rooms and quiet areas

Nearby Attractions:

• Stone Forest (Shilin): UNESCO-listed geological wonder covering 400 square kilometers with spectacular karst formations resembling a forest of stone pillars up to 30 meters tall, formed 270 million years ago when the area was an ancient sea floor.
• Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park): Central urban oasis featuring a 21-hectare lake surrounded by traditional pavilions, arched bridges, and willow trees, famous for the winter migration of thousands of Siberian seagulls and locals practicing tai chi each morning.
• Yuantong Temple: Kunming’s oldest and largest Buddhist temple founded 1,200+ years ago with unique architecture built into a natural valley, featuring a stunning Grand Hall with a magnificent 20-meter copper sculpture of Sakyamuni and peaceful gardens with century-old trees.
• Jinma Biji Square (Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways): Historic landmark featuring two ornate 12-meter-high archways built in 1396 during the Ming Dynasty that served as the city’s east-west axis, now surrounded by modern shopping centers, restaurants, and street performers.

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7. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport primarily serves domestic routes and regional international flights. For travelers seeking affordable domestic options, this is often considered one of the cheapest airport in China while maintaining world class service standards. This conveniently located facility among airports in China is integrated with a major transportation hub, including high-speed rail connections.

Address: China, Shanghai, Changning District, 虹桥路2550号 邮政编码: 200237

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qxj28aHP7rjX9bfW9

Airport Code: SHA
Category: Operates both domestic and limited international flights
Phone: +862196990
Distance from City Center: 26 km from Shanghai city

Operating Airlines: China Eastern Airlines (hub), Shanghai Airlines, Air China, China Southern, and select international carriers serving regional routes utilize this integrated facility among airports in China.

Terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

Services & Amenities:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout both terminals
• Shanghai cuisine and international dining options
• Shopping, including duty-free and local specialties
• Premium lounges for business travelers
• Children’s play areas and family facilities
• Medical services and pharmacy access
• Luggage storage and wrapping services
• Currency exchange and banking services
• Direct connection to Hongqiao Transportation Hub

Nearby Attractions:

• The Bund: Iconic waterfront promenade stretching 1.5 kilometers along the Huangpu River, featuring 52 well-preserved buildings in diverse architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Art Deco, that once housed powerful Western banks and trading houses in the early 20th century.
• Yu Garden: Exquisite classical Chinese garden built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty covering 5 acres with rock formations, pavilions, zigzag bridges, koi ponds, and the famous Mid-Lake Pavilion teahouse accessed by the Nine-Turn Bridge believed to confuse evil spirits.
• Nanjing Road: China’s premier shopping street stretching 5.5 kilometers through downtown Shanghai with hundreds of stores from traditional shops to modern malls, historic department stores, street performers, and neon-lit entertainment venues attracting over a million visitors daily.
• Jade Buddha Temple: Active Buddhist monastery originally built in 1882 featuring two magnificent jade Buddha statues including a 2-meter seated Buddha carved from a single piece of white jade brought from Burma, surrounded by ornate halls and fragrant incense.

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8. Xi’an Xianyang International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport serves as the largest airport in northwest China. This important facility among airports in China provides access to one of China’s most historically significant cities, known for the Terracotta Army.

Address: Wei Cheng Qu, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/chWdL6kTkEQW8vE2A
Airport Code: XIY
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +862988796997
Distance from City Center: 44 km from Xi’an city

Operating Airlines: China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and various international carriers connect through this historically significant gateway among airports in China.

Terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4

Services & Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout all terminal buildings
• Xi’an cuisine and international dining options
• Shopping, including duty-free and traditional crafts
• Premium lounges for business and first-class travelers
• Children’s play areas and family services
• Medical facilities and pharmacy access
• Luggage storage and wrapping services
• Currency exchange and banking facilities
• Prayer rooms and relaxation areas

Nearby Attractions:

• Terracotta Army: UNESCO World Heritage Site discovered in 1974 featuring over 8,000 unique life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried in three massive pits to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb in 210 BCE, each with distinct facial features, hairstyles, and armor details.
• Xi’an City Wall: Most complete ancient city wall in China stretching 13.7 kilometers with a base 18 meters wide, perfectly preserved defensive structure from the Ming Dynasty featuring 98 ramparts, four main gates with elaborate barbican structures, and a wide top allowing for cycling or walking its entire perimeter.
• Bell Tower: Magnificent wooden structure standing 36 meters tall at the geographical center of ancient Xi’an, built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty with a distinctive green glazed tile roof, housing a massive 6.5-ton bronze bell, and offering panoramic views of the city.
• Muslim Quarter: Vibrant neighborhood dating back to the Silk Road era featuring narrow lanes lined with over 300 shops and stalls selling exotic spices, handicrafts, and Xi’an’s famous food specialties like roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and yangrou paomo (mutton bread soup) beside the historic Great Mosque.

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9. Shanghai Pudong International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Shanghai Pudong International Airport serves as Shanghai’s primary international hub. This major facility among airports in China handles the majority of the city’s long-haul international flights and is renowned for its efficient operations.

Address: Yingbin Expy, Pudong, Shanghai, China

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jqqHmu8zC1rQP5To9
Airport Code: PVG
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +862196990
Distance from City Center: 47 km from Shanghai city

Operating Airlines: China Eastern Airlines (hub), Shanghai Airlines, Air China, China Southern, and numerous international carriers make this one of the busiest and best airport in China for global connectivity.

Terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (Terminal S1 and S2 for satellite operations)

Services & Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout all terminal areas
• Extensive dining options featuring Shanghai and international cuisine
• Shopping including luxury brands and duty-free
• Multiple premium lounges for business and first-class travelers
• Children’s play areas and family services
• Medical centers and pharmacy access
• Luggage storage and wrapping services
• Currency exchange and banking facilities
• Transit hotels and sleeping pods

Nearby Attractions:

• Shanghai Tower: China’s tallest building (632m) and the world’s second tallest, featuring a unique twisted glass façade that reduces wind loads by 24%, the world’s fastest elevators (20.5 m/s), world’s highest observation deck on the 118th floor, and a sustainable design that captures rainwater.
• Oriental Pearl Tower: Futuristic 468-meter TV tower with a distinctive design of eleven spheres supported by three massive columns, featuring multiple observation decks, a revolving restaurant, a glass-bottomed walkway at 259 meters height, and a historical museum in its base.
• The Bund: See above (SHA) – Historic waterfront promenade with colonial-era buildings and magnificent views of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.
• Yu Garden: See above (SHA) – Ming Dynasty classical garden with pavilions, rockeries, and zigzag bridges in the heart of Old Shanghai.

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10. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport provides access to one of China’s most scenic cities. This modern facility among airports in China serves as an important transportation hub for eastern China and the Yangtze River Delta region.

Address: Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ci1f9nefn9Q71p7z7
Airport Code: HGH
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +8657186662999
Distance from City Center: 34 km from Hangzhou city

Operating Airlines: Xiamen Airlines, China Eastern, Air China, China Southern, and various international carriers connect through this scenic city gateway among airports in China.

Terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 (International)

Services & Amenities:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout all terminals
• Hangzhou cuisine and international dining options
• Shopping, including duty-free and local specialties
• Premium lounges for business and first-class travelers
• Children’s play areas and family services
• Medical facilities and pharmacy access
• Luggage storage and wrapping services
• Currency exchange and banking facilities
• Prayer rooms and relaxation areas

Nearby Attractions:

• West Lake (Xihu): UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its scenic beauty with willow-lined shores, picturesque causeways, ancient pagodas, and gardens that have inspired Chinese poets and artists for centuries
• Leifeng Pagoda: A historic five-story octagonal pagoda on West Lake’s southern shore offering panoramic views of the lake and city, rebuilt in 2002 after the original collapsed in 1924
• Lingyin Temple: One of China’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, dating from 326 CE, featuring a 20-meter-tall carved Buddha and surrounded by forested hills with hundreds of stone Buddha carvings
• Baochu Pagoda: Slender seven-story pagoda on Baoshi Mountain offering spectacular views over West Lake, built in 975 CE and recognized as one of Hangzhou’s most iconic landmarks

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Top 5 Places to Visit in China

China stretches across five time zones and multiple climate regions, offering experiences from the Great Wall’s ancient stones to Shanghai’s futuristic skyline. 

After touching down at airports in China, whether it’s Beijing Capital or Guangzhou Baiyun, you’ll find yourself within reach of destinations that define this vast nation. 

Place	Location	Highlights
The Great Wall (Mutianyu)	Near Beijing	Iconic fortification, scenic views, cable car/toboggan, fewer crowds
Terracotta Army	Xi’an, Shaanxi	8,000+ life-sized warriors, ancient tomb, archaeological site
Li River & Karst Peaks	Guilin–Yangshuo, Guangxi	River cruises, dramatic limestone peaks, rural scenery
Leshan Giant Buddha	Leshan, Sichuan	World’s largest stone Buddha, riverside setting, UNESCO site
Mogao Caves	Dunhuang, Gansu	492 Buddhist caves, murals and sculptures, Silk Road history

The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section) – Near Beijing

The Great Wall is China’s most iconic landmark, stretching over 21,000 kilometers across northern China. The Mutianyu section is renowned for its well-preserved fortifications, scenic mountain views, and fewer crowds compared to other sections.

Visitors can explore ancient watchtowers, walk along the restored ramparts, and enjoy panoramic vistas. The site also features a cable car, chairlift, and a thrilling toboggan ride for descending the wall, making it accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

Best For: History enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers.

Terracotta Army – Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army is one of the world’s most significant archaeological finds. This underground army of more than 8,000 life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots was created over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

Each figure is unique, showcasing the artistry and military organization of ancient China. The site includes several pits, a museum, and ongoing excavation and restoration efforts that visitors can learn about during their visit.

Best For: History buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and culture lovers.

Li River and Karst Peaks – Guilin to Yangshuo, Guangxi

The Li River is famous for its breathtaking karst landscape, with dramatic limestone peaks, lush countryside, and picturesque villages lining the riverbanks. A river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is a quintessential Chinese travel experience, offering views immortalized in traditional Chinese paintings.

Along the way, visitors can see fishermen using trained cormorants, explore caves, and cycle through scenic rural landscapes. The region offers a glimpse into rural Chinese life against a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty.

Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking rural Chinese culture.

Leshan Giant Buddha – Leshan, Sichuan Province

Carved into a cliff at the confluence of three rivers, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the world’s largest stone Buddha statue, standing 71 meters tall. Built over 1,200 years ago, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is both an engineering marvel and a spiritual icon.

Visitors can view the Buddha from riverside boats or walk the steep stairways alongside the statue for close-up views. The surrounding area features numerous temples, pavilions, and scenic spots that make for a fulfilling day trip.

Best For: Cultural explorers, photography enthusiasts, and spiritual travelers.

Mogao Caves (Mogao Grottoes) – Dunhuang, Gansu Province

Located along the ancient Silk Road, the Mogao Caves are a treasure trove of Buddhist art and history. The site features 492 caves carved into cliffs, filled with exquisite murals, sculptures, and manuscripts spanning a millennium (4th to 14th centuries).

The caves are considered one of the world’s most important collections of Buddhist art, offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural exchanges between China and Central Asia. The digital exhibition center provides context and access to caves that are otherwise closed to the public.

Best For: Art enthusiasts, history buffs, and those interested in religious heritage.

FAQs

What are the accommodation options near major airports in China?

Top airports like Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong are surrounded by premium international hotels such as Hilton, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn. Many of these offer free airport shuttles, 24-hour check-in, and business centers, making them perfect for both transit travelers and business visitors.

What are some of the facilities at Chinese airports?

The best airports in China offer a wide range of services, including currency exchange counters, banks, medical rooms, business lounges, post offices, and luggage storage. You’ll also find international restaurants, cafés, extensive duty-free shopping, and hourly rest zones for passengers with long layovers.

How does automated immigration work at Chinese airports?

Most major Chinese airports now use biometric e-channels and self-service immigration gates. Travelers with e-passports and valid long-term visas can scan their documents and fingerprints to clear border control in just a few seconds, reducing wait times significantly.

What are the transportation options available from airports in China?

China’s top airports are seamlessly connected to city centers through metro lines, airport express trains, Maglev trains (in Shanghai), shuttle buses, taxis, private transfers, and ride-hailing apps. These options ensure fast and affordable travel to downtown areas and nearby hotels.

How long does a Chinese tourist visa last?

A Chinese tourist visa (L visa) typically allows a stay of 15 to 30 days per entry, with overall validity from 3 months to 10 years, depending on nationality and visa type. Always check your visa label for specific duration and entry limits.

What items cannot be brought into China?

Travelers cannot bring weapons, explosives, narcotics, counterfeit currency, politically sensitive materials, or certain plants and foods into China. Live animals (other than permitted pets) and restricted electronics require declaration. Large currency amounts must also be declared at customs.

How much is 1 CNY in INR?

As of now, 1 CNY equals approximately 11.75 INR, though exchange rates fluctuate daily. For accurate conversion, use official bank rates or airport currency exchange counters.

Which are the nearest airports to popular Chinese destinations?

The nearest airports to China’s top destinations include Beijing Capital (PEK) for Beijing, Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) for Shanghai, and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) for Guangzhou. Other major cities are similarly served by large international airports in China.

What procedures should be followed if belongings get lost inside a Chinese airport?

Immediately visit the airport’s Lost & Found office, available 24/7 at most major airports. Provide your flight details and a description of the item. You can also use baggage tracking apps or seek assistance from airport police for quicker recovery.