Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Overview

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is one of the world's largest and busiest airports, and the major gateway to the most-visited country in Asia. The airport used to be slightly drab, but it was revamped and upgraded for the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008 and is now a world-class international hub. Beijing Airport has three terminals, all of which have a top-quality selection of shopping, food and beverage options. Passengers transiting through Beijing International are certain to notice the beauty of the airport. As with much traditional Chinese architecture, the art of feng shui is employed to imbue the building with good luck and positive energy. Try to book a window-seat for your flight into Beijing, as the view of the ring-roads encircling Tiananmen Square is breath-taking.

Location

The airport is situated 17 miles (28km) north of Beijing.

Getting to the city

Beijing's transport system was revamped for the 2008 Olympic Games. Shuttle buses run regularly to the city centre (about 45 minutes), Beijing Railway Station and major hotels. Metered taxis are also available, but it is recommended that passengers have their destination written in Chinese to avoid confusion. Travelling time to the city is about an hour.

Time

Local time is GMT +8.

Contacts

Tel: +86 (0)10 6454 1100

see full airport guide

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Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Overview

Located eight miles (13km) from Shanghai, Hongqiao International Airport is an enormous facility processing more than 31 million passengers each year. Since Shanghai Pudong Airport was built, Hongqiao International Airport has been used mostly for domestic flights within China; however, there are still flights to Hongqiao Airport available from Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei. The airport's new terminal opened in 2010 and houses world-class shopping and some excellent restaurants, including international chains like Starbucks that offer free wifi. Hongqiao International Airport is conveniently located near the city with easy public transport links into Shanghai.

Location

The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of central Shanghai.

Getting to the city

Taxis are available outside the airport. Public buses serve the airport linking to People's Square (#925A) and the main railway stations (#941). Departures are every 15 minutes from 6am to around 11pm. The fare is approximately RMB 4. The bigger hotels offer shuttle bus services to and from the airport.

Time

Local time is GMT +8.

Contacts

Tel: +86 (0)21 6268 8899.

see full airport guide

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Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Overview

Shanghai Pudong Airport is the busiest airport in China and the 20th busiest airport worldwide. It has two passenger terminals and three runways and handles over 40 million passengers each year. It is located just 19 miles (30km) east of Shanghai and is one of Asia's main aerial hubs. Passengers spending time in Shanghai Pudong Airport have a great range of passenger amenities, including duty free and upmarket retail stores. Renovations planned for 2015 will possibly see the airport handling between 60 and 80 million passengers each year.

Location

The airport is situated 19 miles (30km) from central Shanghai.

Getting to the city

The airport is linked to Shanghai's metro with a new magnetic levitation train, the Maglev; the journey takes only eight minutes and costs RMB 50. Taxis are available and usually the most convenient way to the city, but they are more expensive. Journeys take an hour to most downtown areas. Public buses are also available, but are only advised for hardened travellers. Many hotels meet their guests at the airport.

Time

Local time is GMT +8.

Contacts

Tel: +86 (0)21 6834 1000.

see full airport guide

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Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Overview

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located 17 miles (28km) from central Guangzhou in the south-eastern part of China. One of the country's busiest airports, Guangzhou processes nearly 41 million passengers each year. Flights to this airport are available from more than 100 destinations worldwide, including Tokyo, Paris, Amsterdam, Melbourne, Bangkok, Cairo, Dubai, Antananarivo, Doha and Istanbul, in addition to many cities across China.

The facility is new and fairly modern, but many western travellers are disconcerted by the level of chaos inside: food prices fluctuate according to vendor preference, poorly-ventilated smoking areas are located next to child-care rooms, and long queues are hard to escape. Luckily the airport is in the middle of an expansion and reconstruction that should improve efficiency as it increases the airport's capacity to 75 million passengers per year.

Location

The airport is situated 17 miles (28km) from Guangzhou city centre.

Getting to the city

There is an Airport Express bus and local taxis that transport passengers to and from Guangzhou city.

Time

GMT +8

Contacts

+86 (020) 3606 6315.

see full airport guide

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Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)

Overview

At an elevation of 3,570 metres Lhasa Airport is one of the highest in the world. It was built in 1965, but upgraded in 2004. It is located in Tibet, 61 miles (98 km) from Lhasa.

Location

38.5 miles (62km) south of Lhasa

Getting to the city

There are shuttle buses available to Lhasa from the airport, which take 40-60 minutes.

Time

GMT +8

Contacts

+86 891 624 6011

see full airport guide

Beijing International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.