Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, whose name translates as "White Cloud Airport", is not just an air gateway to one of the largest metropolises in China, but a true architectural masterpiece. Opened in 2004, it replaced the old airport and became one of the country's three main aviation hubs. Its spacious and bright terminals, designed to resemble floating clouds, create a sense of lightness and prepare you for an unforgettable journey across Asia and the world. The airport's route network covers over 230 destinations globally.

Airport Features and Advantages

Baiyun Airport is renowned for its modern infrastructure and high level of service. It consists of two massive terminals (T1 and T2), connected by a free metro service, ensuring quick and convenient transfer. Terminal 2, featuring a futuristic design, offers passengers over 360 shops, numerous restaurants, and even a transit hotel. The airport is perfectly integrated into the city's transport system: the centre of Guangzhou can be easily reached by metro, express buses, or taxi.

For the convenience of travellers, everything necessary is available here: numerous information desks, currency exchange points, VIP lounges, and mother and child rooms. One of the unique opportunities for transit passengers from 53 countries is the eligibility for a 144-hour visa-free stay in Guangdong province, provided they have a ticket to a third country. This makes Guangzhou Baiyun an ideal point for a short stopover and an introduction to Southern China.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). We recommend checking the data on the official website before your trip.

• Official Website: www.gbiac.net (available in Chinese and English).
• Information Service Phone: +86-20-96158 (24-hour hotline for flight information, services, and assistance).
• Address: Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the phone or feedback forms on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: The airport actively uses Chinese social platforms. Official WeChat account: `CAN-airport`.
• Lost & Found: For items lost within the terminal premises, please contact the main information service number +86-20-96158. If you lost luggage during a flight, please contact your airline first.
• Passenger Support Contacts: All issues related to passenger service can be resolved by calling the airport's 24-hour hotline: +86-20-96158.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) has excellent transport links with the city and neighbouring regions. You can reach the terminals in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and amount of luggage.

Metro — one of the fastest and most economical ways to get to the airport. The Northern extension of Line 3 directly connects the centre of Guangzhou with both terminals: the Airport South station serves Terminal 1, and Airport North serves Terminal 2. The journey from the city centre takes about 45-50 minutes. This is an ideal option to avoid city traffic, especially during peak hours. The ticket price is very affordable.

Airport Express Buses represent an extensive network of routes connecting the airport with key points in the city: major hotels, railway stations, and residential areas. This is a convenient option for those travelling with bulky luggage. Additionally, intercity buses depart from the airport to other cities in Guangdong province, including Foshan, Shenzhen, and Huizhou, making it an important transport hub for the entire region.

Taxis and Ride-hailing Services (such as Didi Chuxing) offer maximum comfort, delivering you right to the entrance of the required terminal. A trip from the centre of Guangzhou will take from 40 to 60 minutes excluding traffic, and the cost will be approximately 100-150 Yuan. It is recommended to use official taxi stands to avoid overcharging. Tip: have the airport address written in Chinese to avoid misunderstandings with the driver.

If you prefer to move around independently, you can rent a car at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. Offices of both local and international rental companies are present here. For those arriving in their own vehicle, spacious car parks are provided at both terminals, offering both short-term and long-term parking.

Overall, the choice of transport depends on your priorities. The metro is the most reliable and budget-friendly option. Buses are a good compromise between price and comfort. Taxis are ideal for travellers with many suitcases or those who value personal space and convenience.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is one of the largest aviation hubs in China and the world, consisting of two modern and massive terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). Both terminals handle domestic and international flights, but the distribution of airlines between them differs. Before departure, be sure to check exactly which terminal your flight departs from.

The airport layout is logical and intuitive, despite its enormous size. Navigation is significantly simplified thanks to numerous signs in Chinese and English. Arrival zones are traditionally located on the lower floors, while departure zones, check-in counters, and passport control are on the upper floors. You can move between terminals T1 and T2 for free and quickly via the metro (southern branch of Line 3) or via special shuttle buses running around the clock.

Terminal 1 is the older but fully modernized complex, which continues to serve a significant portion of flights, including many major Asian carriers. Terminal 2, opened in 2018, is the base for the SkyTeam alliance (including China Southern Airlines) and features an ultra-modern design, spacious halls, and a large number of shops and restaurants.

It is recommended to allow sufficient time to complete all formalities (check-in, baggage drop, customs and passport control, security screening). For international flights, it is better to arrive at the airport 3–4 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — at least 2 hours before. During peak hours and national holidays, queues may be longer than usual. To orient yourself, study the map of your terminal on the official airport website in advance and follow the signs and information boards.

The history of the modern Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a story of rapid growth and modernization, reflecting the economic boom of the entire region. The current airport was opened on August 5, 2004, to replace its predecessor — the old Baiyun Airport, which was founded back in 1932. The old airport, located within the city limits, had exhausted its expansion possibilities and could no longer cope with the colossally increased passenger flow.

The decision to build a new airport complex away from the city centre, in the Huadu and Baiyun districts, became a key moment in the development of aviation in Southern China. The move from the old site to the new one was carried out overnight — it was a massive and flawlessly executed logistical operation that went down in the history of the country's civil aviation.

Since its opening, the new airport has constantly expanded. Important milestones in its history were the opening of the third runway in 2015 and the launch of Terminal 2 in April 2018. This massive modernization significantly increased capacity and strengthened Baiyun's status as one of the three main aviation hubs of China, alongside Beijing and Shanghai.

One of the most remarkable facts in the airport's recent history occurred in 2020. Due to global changes in air travel, Guangzhou Airport temporarily became the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic, overtaking long-standing leaders. This achievement underscores its strategic importance not only for China but for the entire global aviation network. Interestingly, the name "Baiyun" translates as "White Clouds" and is given in honour of the picturesque Baiyun Mountain located nearby.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is a modern and well-equipped transport hub offering passengers a full range of services for a comfortable journey. All conditions are created here to ensure that waiting for a flight or transferring is easy and pleasant.

The airport terminals feature a huge selection of establishments for every taste and budget. You can enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine, have a snack at international chain restaurants, or drink coffee in one of the numerous coffee shops. Duty-Free zones and boutiques of famous brands offer a wide range of goods: from souvenirs and cosmetics to electronics and fashionable clothing.

For those who want to stay connected or work, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport. Numerous charging stations for electronic devices are located in waiting halls and at boarding gates. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can use the services of business lounges and VIP lounges, where one can relax in silence, take a shower, and enjoy snacks and beverages.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of unforeseen health situations, medical points operate around the clock, ready to provide first aid.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. For travellers with children, play areas and mother and child rooms equipped with everything necessary are available. A barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, special restrooms, and assistance services provided upon prior request.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, you can stay at one of the hotels located either directly on the airport grounds or in the immediate vicinity. For business travellers, business centres and conference rooms are provided where meetings can be held or work can be done in a quiet atmosphere.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) offers passengers a rich selection of dining venues for every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full dinner, you will find a suitable option in both terminals.

In Terminal 1, you will find globally renowned fast-food chains (such as McDonald's, KFC) as well as coffee shops like Starbucks. Additionally, there are several restaurants offering Chinese cuisine. Most establishments are located in the departure zone (airside) after security control, but there are options in the public zone (landside) as well.

Terminal 2, being more modern, boasts extensive food courts with a huge variety of culinary directions. Here you can find not only traditional Cantonese cuisine but also dishes from other Asian regions, as well as European and American restaurants. This terminal is ideal for those who want to have a leisurely lunch in a comfortable setting.

Since Guangzhou is the capital of Cantonese cuisine, the airport provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy local delicacies. Be sure to try dim sum (various snacks in bamboo baskets), fragrant wonton soup, or the famous noodles with roast duck. For many tourists, this becomes a pleasant gastronomic conclusion to their trip to China.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian dishes based on vegetables and tofu are easily found in most Chinese restaurants. For Halal options, look for the Halal sign (often marked with the characters 清真) or visit major international chains which often have standardized menus. For vegan or gluten-free options, it is best to clarify ingredients with staff. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city, but options ranging from budget fast food to mid-range restaurants can be found. Most establishments operate from early morning until the last flight, and some fast-food outlets are open 24/7.

For a quick snack, coffee shops, bakeries, or noodle kiosks are perfect. If you have time, we recommend visiting one of the food courts in Terminal 2 or choosing a full-service restaurant to relax before your flight and enjoy delicious food.

To ensure your journey through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport goes smoothly, make use of these tips. The airport is one of the busiest in China, so planning ahead will help avoid stress and save time.

Arrival Time: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3-4 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2-3 hours before. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities, especially during peak hours.

Check-in and Security: Use online check-in whenever possible to save time. At security checks, be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and power banks from your hand luggage. In Guangzhou, as in all of China, strict rules apply to carrying batteries: they must have clearly marked capacity and be carried only in hand luggage.

Seat Selection: If you love admiring views, choose a window seat. If you value freedom of movement and want to disembark first after landing, an aisle seat is the best choice. Emergency exit seats usually offer more legroom but may have restrictions.

Hand Luggage: Standard rules prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100ml, sharp objects, and flammable substances. Pack all valuables, documents, medicines, and electronics in your hand luggage. Don't forget to check your airline's weight and size requirements.

Transfer Passengers: Guangzhou Baiyun is a major transit hub with two terminals (T1 and T2). Check in advance which terminal you arrive at and which one you depart from. A free shuttle and metro run between the terminals. If you have a long layover, you can use the transit hotel services or explore one of the relaxation zones in the airport.

Customs Control: When entering or leaving the country, fill out the customs declaration honestly. If you are carrying items subject to declaration, it is better to report this to avoid fines and delays. The procedure is usually quick, but be prepared for a possible baggage check.

Saving Time and Money: The fastest and most economical way to get to the city is the metro. To save on food, explore options in the food courts, where prices are often lower than in restaurants near the boarding gates. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control.

Flight Delays: In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline's counter immediately for information and instructions. Monitor updates on information screens. The airport has many shops, cafes, and rest areas where you can spend time comfortably while waiting.