โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
120
minutes
International โ Domestic
120
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is one of China's busiest aviation hubs, currently operating with two massive terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), with Terminal 3 (T3) under development as part of a significant expansion. The airport serves as the primary hub for China Southern Airlines and a key gateway for the Pearl River Delta. T1 and T2 are located approximately 3 kilometers apart, with a distinct architectural style and functional focus. T2 is the newer, larger facility, designed to handle the lion's share of international traffic and premium carrier operations.
Terminal 2, which opened in 2018, is a state-of-the-art four-story facility that serves as the main base for China Southern Airlines and its partners. It is renowned for its 'smart' airport features, including widespread self-service check-in kiosks, automated baggage drop-offs, and facial recognition technology at boarding gates. The terminal is organized by levels: the first level for arrivals, the second for domestic and international transit, the third for departures and security, and the fourth floor dedicated to a massive commercial area with over 360 retail and dining outlets, including high-end luxury brands and authentic Cantonese cuisine.
Terminal 1 is an older but extensively modernized structure primarily focused on domestic flights. It is divided into a Main Terminal building and two massive concourses: East (gates A01-A133) and West (gates B01-B235). Each concourse is further divided into three piers, which can make walking distances significant for passengers. T1 offers a wide array of amenities, including traditional Chinese medical service points, numerous business lounges, and a large selection of dining options ranging from Western fast food to traditional teahouses. The lower level of T1 provides direct access to the Airport South Metro station.
Navigating between T1 and T2 is highly efficient thanks to multiple complimentary transport options. The Guangzhou Metro Line 3 connects the two terminals via Airport South (T1) and Airport North (T2) stations; the ride takes approximately 2 minutes and is free for passengers. Additionally, a complimentary 24-hour shuttle bus service operates between the two terminals, picking up at Gate 10 of T1 and Gate 42 of T2. During peak hours, these buses run every 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring that even tight connections are manageable within this expansive airport complex.
๐ Connection Tips
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is one of China's most advanced aviation hubs and the primary global base for China Southern Airlines. Connections are largely defined by the distinction between its two massive facilities: Terminal 1, which handles many domestic and non-SkyTeam regional flights, and the state-of-the-art Terminal 2, which serves as the hub for China Southern and its partners. For international transit passengers, the 144-hour visa-free transit (TWOV) policy is a major benefit, allowing eligible citizens to explore Guangdong Province without a visa. Upon arrival, follow the blue signs for '24/144-Hour Transit' to obtain a temporary entry permit before reaching immigration. If you have a layover between 8 and 48 hours with China Southern, visit their transit counter in Terminal 2 to arrange a complimentary transit hotel stay.
Transferring between terminals is highly efficient with multiple options available. A free shuttle bus runs 24/7 (boarding at Gate 10 at T1 and Gate 42 at T2), taking approximately 15 minutes during off-peak periods but potentially extending to 25-30 minutes during rush hours. Alternatively, the Metro Line 3 provides free one-stop transit between Airport South (T1) and Airport North (T2) stations, with trains running every 4-8 minutes and the journey taking just 2 minutes, making it the fastest option for urgent connections. If you are on a through-ticket with China Southern, your baggage is typically checked to your final destination, and Intl-to-Intl transit involves only a dedicated security re-check.
For Intl-to-Dom transfers, however, you must reclaim your bags and clear customs before using the domestic transfer desk on the first floor of Terminal 2. A critical tip for all travelers: Chinese security is exceptionally strict regarding power banks. Ensure your device has a clearly visible capacity label and is under 100Wh (27,000mAh), or it will be confiscated. Additionally, use the self-service kiosks to scan your passport for a Wi-Fi code, but remember that many Western websites are blocked unless you are using a roaming SIM card.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport (ACX), with ICAO code ZUYI, is a modern, compact domestic airport located in Xingyi, Guizhou Province, China. It serves as a vital gateway to the picturesque Guizhou region, especially the Wanfenglin National Geopark. The airport operates from a single, modern terminal building (T2), which was opened in 2018. This terminal is designed for efficient handling of all domestic arrivals and departures, featuring an intuitively clear layout. The departure zone is conveniently located on the upper level, while arrivals and baggage claim are on the lower levels.
The terminal's compact size and simple structure eliminate the need for complex transfers or shuttle services within the airport, ensuring minimal walking distances for passengers. Amenities available for travelers include comfortable rest areas, cafes offering local cuisine, and shops for souvenirs. The airport is particularly noted for its fast security checks, often taking as little as two minutes, contributing to a calm environment with fewer queues and less noise compared to larger hubs.
Security procedures at ACX adhere to stringent Chinese aviation standards. Passengers can expect thorough screening protocols for both carry-on and checked baggage, along with personal security checks. Given its regional focus and moderate passenger volume, wait times at security checkpoints are generally short and manageable. As ACX handles domestic traffic exclusively, there are no international immigration or customs facilities on site; these functions would be processed at larger international airports in China if connecting from an international flight.
๐ Connection Tips
Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport operates as Guizhou Province's Class 3C regional hub connecting southwest China's karst landscape region to over 20 major Chinese cities through domestic carriers including China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Lucky Air, and Juneyao Air, with Guiyang maintaining the highest frequency at 72 weekly flights alongside popular routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming, Wuhan, and Shenzhen. The airport received international status in December 2019 enabling potential direct flights to neighboring countries, while the modern Terminal T2 opened in 2018 features a 3,200-meter runway capable of handling larger aircraft serving China's expanding domestic aviation network.
Domestic connections through major Chinese hubs enable seamless transfers to secondary cities throughout the country, with Beijing connections providing access to northern China destinations, Shanghai serving the Yangtze River Delta region, and Guangzhou facilitating southern China and Hong Kong access. Chengdu connections link western China's Sichuan Province, while Kunming serves as the gateway to Yunnan Province and Southeast Asia overflights. The airport's strategic location 7 kilometers from Xingyi city center and 15 kilometers from Wanfenglin National Geopark supports tourism to the region's spectacular limestone karst formations known as the 'Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks.'
Ground transportation includes municipal bus lines 1, 82, and dedicated airport express ZX3 connecting Terminal T2 to downtown Xingyi and major hotel districts for budget-friendly fares, while taxis provide convenient door-to-door service costing 35-50 CNY for the 15-30 minute journey depending on traffic and specific destinations. The airport serves as the aviation gateway to one of China's most dramatic geological landscapes, where visitors can explore thousands of cone-shaped limestone peaks, traditional Buyi and Miao ethnic villages, and the region's unique karst cave systems that have made western Guizhou Province an emerging ecotourism destination supporting local economic development through sustainable aviation connectivity.
โ Back to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport