Transport · Airports · CAN
广州白云国际机场 · CAN / ZGGG. China Southern's home hub and one of Asia's busiest airports, with outstanding Cantonese food, luxury airside hotels, and 144-hour transit exemption.
About this airport
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the home base of China Southern Airlines, the world's largest carrier by passenger numbers, and one of the three busiest airports in mainland China alongside Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong. The airport sits in northern Guangzhou, about 28 kilometres from the city centre.
The original Baiyun airport was located closer to the city and became landlocked by urban development; the current airport opened in 2004 and has been expanded substantially since, with Terminal 2 opening in 2018 to handle continued growth. The two-terminal complex is large and can be confusing to navigate on a first visit; allow extra transfer time if connecting between T1 and T2.
Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong province and the heart of the Pearl River Delta, China's manufacturing and export core. The city's Cantonese culture — distinct in language, cuisine, and commercial character from northern China — is evident throughout the airport. The dim sum and roast meat counters in T2 are among the best airport food in China, and the Langham Place's airside restaurant is a genuine restaurant rather than a convenience counter.
The 144-hour TWOV makes Guangzhou a practical stopover: the city's Shamian Island colonial architecture, the Canton Tower, and the Chen Family Academy are accessible within a half-day from the airport.
Terminals
Two terminals: T1 (the older 2004 building) and T2 (opened 2018). Both handle domestic and international traffic. T1 and T2 are connected by the APM (Automated People Mover) and a free shuttle bus. Metro Lines 3 and 22 serve the airport.
Transit to the city
Metro Line 3 connects the airport to the city centre (Tianhe, Zhujiang New Town) in about 40 minutes (CNY 10). Line 22 is a faster express option (about 20 minutes to Shiqiao, CNY 20). Taxis to Tianhe cost CNY 100–150.
Priority Pass lounges
Food
CAN has the strongest food offering of any Chinese airport outside Beijing and Shanghai. T2 houses a wide dim sum counter, Guangdong roast meat shops, a wonton noodle bar, and standard international chains. Cantonese food quality here is noticeably above airport average.
Sleep options
The Langham Place Hotel connects directly to T1 by covered walkway and is widely considered the best airport hotel in mainland China. The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou Airport Hotel is adjacent to T2. Both are full-service properties with restaurants.
Transit visa-free rules
Guangzhou holds a 144-hour TWOV for eligible nationalities arriving on qualifying routes. Transit passengers may travel within Guangdong province during the window. The scheme covers both CAN and Guangzhou's Port of Guangzhou.