The list of international airports in China is of immense importance because the country is not only the world’s most populous nation but also one of the largest global economies and tourism destinations. With vast cultural heritage, fast-growing cities, and increasing international influence, China’s airports are critical gateways for millions of passengers traveling for tourism, business, education, and trade. From Beijing to Shanghai, Guangzhou to Chengdu, international airports in China serve as essential links connecting Asia to Europe, North America, Africa, and the rest of the world, making them vital for global connectivity.
List of International Airports in China (By City and Major Destinations)
| Airport Name | City | Major Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) | Beijing | New York, London, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo |
| Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) | Beijing | Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok, Frankfurt, Sydney |
| Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) | Shanghai | Los Angeles, Paris, London, Hong Kong, Sydney |
| Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) | Shanghai | Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) | Guangzhou | Dubai, Sydney, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Singapore |
| Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) | Chengdu | Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Paris, Frankfurt |
| Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) | Shenzhen | Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Bangkok, Dubai |
| Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) | Kunming | Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Dubai |
| Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) | Xi’an | Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Frankfurt |
| Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) | Chongqing | Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai |
| Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) | Hangzhou | Bangkok, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Seoul |
| Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH) | Wuhan | Paris, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore |
| Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB) | Harbin | Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo, Vladivostok, Bangkok |
| Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) | Urumqi | Moscow, Almaty, Tashkent, Islamabad, Dubai |
| Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO) | Qingdao | Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok |
Busiest International Airports in China
China’s busiest airports reflect its position as a global leader in aviation and international tourism.
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): One of the busiest airports in the world, handling tens of millions of passengers annually, serving as a major hub for Air China.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): A key hub for Eastern China, with extensive long-haul connections to Europe, North America, and Oceania.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): Southern China’s main international gateway and a hub for China Southern Airlines.
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): Western China’s largest aviation hub with strong links to Southeast Asia and Europe.
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): A fast-growing hub serving international business and tourism.
Major Airlines Operating in China
Several leading airlines operate from Chinese airports, strengthening global connections:
- Air China: The flag carrier with hubs in Beijing and Chengdu, flying to destinations worldwide.
- China Southern Airlines: Largest airline in Asia, based in Guangzhou, with extensive domestic and international routes.
- China Eastern Airlines: Major airline headquartered in Shanghai, with flights across Asia, Europe, and North America.
- Hainan Airlines: Known for long-haul connections to Europe and North America.
- Spring Airlines: A low-cost carrier with strong regional presence in Asia.
Top 10 Major International Airports in China
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) – Main hub of Air China.
- Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) – Modern mega-hub in the capital.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) – Leading international gateway in eastern China.
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) – Focused on East Asian regional flights.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) – Southern China’s largest hub.
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) – Gateway to western China.
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) – Growing hub for technology-driven business travel.
- Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) – Gateway to Southeast Asia.
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) – Linking central China to global destinations.
- Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) – Rising hub for southwestern China.
International airports in China and their locations
| Airport Name | City | Province / Region |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) | Beijing | Beijing Municipality |
| Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) | Beijing | Beijing / Hebei Region |
| Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) | Shanghai | Shanghai Municipality |
| Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) | Shanghai | Shanghai Municipality |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) | Guangzhou | Guangdong Province |
| Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) | Chengdu | Sichuan Province |
| Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) | Shenzhen | Guangdong Province |
| Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) | Kunming | Yunnan Province |
| Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) | Xi’an | Shaanxi Province |
| Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) | Chongqing | Chongqing Municipality |
| Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) | Hangzhou | Zhejiang Province |
| Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH) | Wuhan | Hubei Province |
| Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB) | Harbin | Heilongjiang Province |
| Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) | Urumqi | Xinjiang Region |
| Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO) | Qingdao | Shandong Province |
Frequently Asked Questions – List of International Airports in China
1. How many international airports are there in China?
China has more than 30 major international airports, located in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Xi’an.
2. What is the largest international airport in China?
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is historically the largest and busiest, although the new Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is rapidly becoming a global mega hub.
3. Which is the busiest airport in China?
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) are among the busiest, with Beijing Capital also ranking at the top depending on the year.
4. What is the newest major international airport in China?
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), opened in 2019, is one of the world’s most modern and advanced airports.
5. Which airport is best for students traveling to China for education?
Beijing Capital (PEK) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG) are best for students, offering the widest range of international connections and access to top universities.
6. Can I fly directly from the USA to China?
Yes, direct flights are available from U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
7. Which airport is closest to the Great Wall of China?
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the closest, located about an hour and a half from popular Great Wall sections like Badaling and Mutianyu.
8. What airlines are based in China’s international airports?
Major carriers include Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and Spring Airlines.
9. Which airport is best for visiting Shanghai?
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) handles most long-haul international flights, while Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) focuses more on regional routes.
10. Which international airports serve western China?
Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU), Kunming Changshui (KMG), and Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG) are the main international hubs for western China, with strong links to Southeast Asia and Europe.
Conclusion – Airports in China
The international airports in China showcase the country’s global role in tourism, trade, and education. With Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou serving as global super hubs, and regional airports like Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Kunming connecting to Asia and beyond, China has one of the most advanced and busiest aviation networks in the world. These airports not only enhance tourism but also strengthen China’s position as a key player in global transportation and economic development.
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