Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (IATA: CAN) is one of China’s busiest airports and the main gateway to South China. Whether you’re arriving for business at the Canton Fair or visiting factories in the Pearl River Delta, this guide will help you navigate the airport smoothly.
Airport Overview
Baiyun Airport has two terminals:
- Terminal 1: Domestic flights and some international airlines
- Terminal 2: Most international flights, including all major carriers
The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus and the airport metro line. Check your airline’s terminal before arrival.
Step-by-Step: From Landing to Exit
1. Immigration & Customs
After landing, follow signs to Immigration (marked in English and Chinese). Have your passport and completed arrival card ready. Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes, but during peak hours can take up to an hour.
Documents needed:
- Valid passport with Chinese visa
- Completed arrival/departure card
- Health declaration (check current requirements)
2. Baggage Claim
Baggage carousels are located after immigration. Monitors display flight numbers and carousel assignments. Luggage carts are available for free.
3. Customs Declaration
If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. The red channel is for goods exceeding duty-free limits or items requiring declaration.
4. Arrival Hall
After customs, you’ll enter the arrival hall. This is where you’ll find:
- Currency exchange counters
- SIM card vendors (China Mobile, China Unicom)
- Tourist information desk
- ATMs (most accept international cards)
- Restaurant and convenience stores
Getting a SIM Card or eSIM
A local SIM card is essential for navigation, communication, and using Chinese apps. Options at the airport:
- China Mobile / China Unicom booths in the arrival hall — tourist packages available (7-day, 30-day)
- eSIM — many providers now offer eSIM for China; activate before your flight for immediate connectivity
Transportation from the Airport
Private Car Service
The most comfortable option, especially after a long flight. Your driver meets you in the arrival hall with a name sign, helps with luggage, and drives you directly to your destination.
- To Tianhe CBD: 40-60 min, from CNY 280
- To Canton Fair (Pazhou): 50-70 min, from CNY 350
- To Foshan: 60-80 min, from CNY 450
Airport Metro (Line 3)
The metro connects the airport to downtown Guangzhou. It’s budget-friendly but can be crowded, especially during rush hours.
- Operating hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- To Tianhe (Tiyu Xilu): ~45 min, CNY 7
Taxi
Official taxis are available at designated stands outside the arrival hall. Expect a queue during peak times.
- To city center: CNY 150-250
- Tip: Have your destination written in Chinese characters
Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Download WeChat before arriving — it’s used for everything in China, from messaging to payments
- Get a VPN if you need access to Google, WhatsApp, or other blocked services
- Carry some cash — while WeChat Pay and Alipay are dominant, some places accept cash only for foreigners
- Save your hotel address in Chinese on your phone — essential for taxis and directions
- Airport WiFi is available but requires a Chinese phone number; your SIM card solves this
Useful Airport Contacts
- Airport general inquiry: +86 20 3606 6999
- Lost & found: +86 20 3606 6102
- For reliable airport pickup, book a private transfer in advance to skip the queues and language barriers
Lily Chen
Lily Chen is a travel expert and contributor at CantonRide, helping international visitors navigate Guangzhou.