China Airport Guides — Travel China Pass

Arrival clearance, transit and city connections for China’s major international airports.

  • 4-stage clearance: arrival card → fingerprint kiosk (ages 14–70) → immigration → customs.
  • Metros close around 22:30–23:30; night airport buses run until 30–45 min after the last flight.
  • Use only official taxi queues (follow 出租车 signs); say “师傅，请打表” to ensure the meter runs.
  • Compare dual airports (PEK vs PKX, PVG vs SHA) — express rail times and costs differ significantly.

Frequently asked questions

Which Beijing airport should I fly into — Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX)?

Check your ticket: Daxing (PKX) now handles most international flights and reaches downtown via the Daxing Express in about 30 minutes to Caoqiao. Capital (PEK) in the northeast is closer to some business districts; both have metro/airport-express links.

How do I get from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to the city?

The Maglev reaches Longyang Road in 8 minutes (around ¥50), metro Line 2 takes about an hour (¥8), and airport buses cover major hubs. From Hongqiao (SHA), metro lines 2 and 10 reach downtown in 30–40 minutes.

Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay at Chinese airports?

Yes in most shops — but set it up before you land by linking an international card to Alipay. Free airport Wi-Fi usually needs SMS verification to a phone number, so an eSIM with data saves you at arrivals.

How early should I arrive for a domestic flight in China?

Two hours for domestic, three for international. Security and passport checks are thorough, and boarding often closes 15–20 minutes before departure.

Is there free Wi-Fi at Chinese airports?

Yes, but most networks require SMS verification to a mobile number. Without a Chinese SIM, buy a travel eSIM before departure or use an airline lounge network.

Can I use the 144/240-hour transit exemption at any Chinese airport?

Only at designated ports — but all major international airports (Beijing PEK/PKX, Shanghai PVG, Guangzhou CAN, Chengdu TFU, Xi'an XIY and more) are covered. You must arrive from and depart to different countries or regions with confirmed onward tickets.

What should I do if my flight arrives after midnight when the metro has closed?

All major Chinese hub airports (PEK, PKX, PVG, SHA, CAN, SZX, TFU, XIY) operate dedicated Night Airport Bus lines that run continuously until 30-45 minutes after the last incoming flight, with fares typically between ¥20 and ¥35. Alternatively, follow overhead signs to the 24-hour official taxi stand. Official taxis operate all night using regulated meters.

How do I avoid airport taxi touts and ensure the driver uses the meter?

Never follow anyone inside the arrival hall whispering "taxi", "cheap ride", or showing an unofficial phone screen. Always follow the yellow/blue overhead signs marked "Taxi (出租车)" to the physical fenced queue monitored by airport staff. When boarding, say "Shīfu, qǐng dǎbiǎo" (师傅，请打表 - Driver, please turn on the meter) or show our Taxi Card with the Chinese instruction.

Should I buy a physical SIM card at the airport or install an eSIM before departure?

We strongly recommend installing an international travel eSIM (such as Airalo) before boarding your flight. Travel eSIMs route your data internationally, giving you instant unblocked access to Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail the second your plane touches down without needing any VPN. Airport physical SIM cards use Chinese domestic telecom networks where Western apps remain blocked.

How can I pay for airport trains or food before my Alipay or WeChat Pay is configured?

Every major hub airport has ATMs accepting Visa, Mastercard, and Cirrus to withdraw Chinese Yuan (¥) cash. By Chinese law, all airport metro ticket counters, convenience stores, and restaurants MUST accept cash. Alternatively, visit the Inbound Service Center in the arrival hall where staff will assist you with linking your foreign card to Alipay in 5 minutes.

How does the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit (TWOV) work at these airports?

If you hold an eligible passport from 54 designated countries and have a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country/region within 144 hours, look for the overhead sign marked "144-Hour Transit Without Visa (24/144小时过境免签)" before border control. Fill out the special blue transit card, show your confirmed outbound flight booking and hotel reservation, and the officer will issue a temporary entry permit sticker in your passport.