Airports in China

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is one of the world’s largest and busiest airports, which is to be expected in the world’s most populous country. The airport was revamped and upgraded for the Olympic Games in 2008 and now it is the second-busiest international air-hub, after Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International.

Beijing Airport has three terminals all of which have a wide selection of shopping, food and beverage options to keep even the most difficult traveler entertained during stopovers or while waiting to board.

China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines and Air China all use Beijing Capital International Airport as a hub. There are direct flights to Beijing Capital International Airport from almost all the airports in China as well as many Asian, European, African and North and South American airports.

Passengers using Beijing’s airport are certain to notice the beauty of the airport. As with many Chinese constructions the art of Feng Shui is employed to give the building, and the business it houses, good luck and positive energy. The red color of the roof in terminal three is the Chinese color of good luck.

Situated in Changning District, approximately eight miles (13km) west of Shanghai is Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). The facility serves as one of the main transit hubs for China and more than 90 airlines make use the airport’s facilities.

The airport is divided into two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The latter was opened in early 2010 and is four times the size of the original terminal. The new terminal houses 90 percent of the carriers and Terminal 1 is now used for international flight and by Spring Air, the low-cost airline.

Since the completion of the Shanghai Pudong Airport on the other side of the city, the Shanghai Hongqiao Airport has been used mainly for domestic flights. However, Hongqiao Airport is closer to the city and has excellent connections to nearby hotels.

Located on the eastern coast of Pudong, approximately 19 miles (30 km) east of central Shanghai, Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) is one of Asia’s main aerial hubs. In 2010 it handled 40.6 million passengers, making it the third busiest airport in China and the 20th busiest in the world. 

Shanghai Pudong consists of two passenger terminals, flanked on either side by three parallel runways, with the Maglev Railway Station located at the center of the complex. Inside the terminals, you’ll find a fair variety of services and facilities, in addition to a number of upmarket retail and duty free stores.

A range of renovations are planned: by 2015 a third passenger terminal, satellite terminal, and two more runways will be built, the result of which will increase the airport’s handling capacity from 60 to 80 million passengers per year.

Like most major international hubs, Shanghai Pudong can get chaotic during peak hours. Not all staff are bilingual; however, they are generally friendly and helpful. Overall, the airport is clean, efficient and reasonably modern.