Updated 6 October 2026
| Region / city | Airport codes |
|---|---|
| Beijing | PEK · PKX |
| Shanghai | PVG · SHA |
| Guangzhou / Shenzhen | CAN · SZX |
| Chengdu / Chongqing | TFU · CTU / CKG |
| Xi’an / Kunming | XIY · KMG |
| Hangzhou / Xiamen | HGH · XMN |
| Wuhan / Zhengzhou / Qingdao | WUH · CGO · TAO |
| Haikou / Sanya | HAK · SYX |
Choose for the itinerary
Beijing and Shanghai suit many classic routes; Guangzhou and Shenzhen connect well with Greater Bay Area visits. Chengdu and Chongqing are useful for western China. Compare the whole journey, including onward rail or flights, rather than the international airfare alone.
One city, more than one airport
PEK and PKX are different Beijing airports; PVG and SHA are different Shanghai airports. Chengdu flights may use TFU or CTU. Check the code and terminal on every ticket. An airport change requires a ground transfer and potentially permission to enter China.
Allow time for connections
Confirm whether baggage is checked through, whether immigration is required and whether your flights share a protected ticket. Separate tickets, airport changes and delayed arrivals need extra margin. Ask the airline for its connection requirements before paying.
Before you leave the terminal
Keep your hotel’s Chinese address, booking contact and meeting point offline. Use the agreed pickup point or official transport queue. Visa-free transit eligibility depends on the full route and designated port, not simply an airport being international.