Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Very modern and clean airport, even have nursery. Big, spacious and lots of shops, many wifi kiosk machine to get password. Arrived here just before 6am and long queue for transfers because staff were changing shift at that time. Would be nice if there is special queue for passengers with kids. Nice orchids and plants around! Big lounges overlooking planes outside

My layover experience at Guangzhou Airport was very satisfying. The staff were efficient and professional, handling everything quickly and accurately. International transfers took only 30 minutes. However, the walk to the transfer area was longer than expected. The airport provided free water dispensers, and the restrooms were exceptionally clean. The best part of the airport was the comfortable resting areas. Finding a good seat made a big difference.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a well-organized and modern airport, offering a wide range of facilities for travelers. The terminal is spacious, clean, and has plenty of seating areas, making it comfortable for long layovers. The signage is clear, and there are numerous options for dining and shopping, catering to both local and international tastes. Immigration and security processes are generally efficient, though during peak hours, wait times can increase. The staff is helpful, but English proficiency among some personnel could be improved for better communication with international passengers. Transportation to and from the airport is convenient, with options like the metro, buses, and taxis. Overall, it’s a great hub for international and domestic flights, but a bit more effort in streamlining peak-hour operations would make it exceptional.

Baiyun Airport (CAN) is one of the largest and most modern airports in China, offering comprehensive facilities. It features a wide variety of shops and restaurants, including well-known brands and duty-free items, making it ideal for travelers looking to relax or shop while waiting for their flights. For domestic transfers, it’s recommended to allow at least 2-3 hours due to the need to pass through both immigration (customs) and two rounds of security checks, which can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel hours. This system poses a risk of missing connecting flights if time is not managed well.

This airport looks new and shiny but the interior doesn’t seem to be that much. Security here is strict with a bomb check at the entrance, a real name checking, security customs will require you to pay a RMB500 fine if you bring prohibited items even by mistake. There are few international flights out of terminal 1. Stay at the Pullman hotel for convenience at a small price

The airport is well-maintained, but as an international hub, the staff should have a basic understanding of English. Most staff members only speak Chinese and communicate using simple “yes” or “no” responses. We used the China Southern Premium Lounge during our 21-hour layover. The lounge was pleasant, and the fee of 90 AUD per day is reasonable. However, there’s a downside: the lounge closes at 2 AM and reopens at 4 AM. This means if you arrive at 7 PM, even with a full-day payment, you can only use the lounge until 2 AM. Additionally, there is no halal food available at the airport except for a noodle shop.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a massive and modern facility, impressively designed with sleek architecture and state-of-the-art amenities. However, the airport’s sheer size can be daunting, especially for elderly travelers or those with young children. Navigating through the vast terminals can be a challenge, and this is something travelers should be prepared for. For those transiting through Guangzhou on their way to another destination, it is crucial to allow ample time between flights. I recommend booking flights with at least a 2 to 3-hour layover. This is particularly important because China Southern Airlines, the main carrier at this airport, is notorious for frequent delays. Even though these delays are somewhat expected, the lack of effective communication between the airline and the airport staff can add unnecessary stress for travelers trying to make their connecting flights. In our case, we had a 1.5-hour layover, but our inbound flight was delayed by 30 minutes. The situation quickly descended into chaos as passengers scrambled to make their connections. Moreover, the transit process at Baiyun Airport is cumbersome and inefficient. Despite not leaving the terminal, transit passengers are required to pass through multiple checkpoints, including a quarantine inspection, airline counter for ticket verification, security screening, and finally, immigration control. These layers of security checks, combined with long queues, create a stressful experience, particularly for those with tight connections. On a positive note, I did notice an improvement in the attitude and helpfulness of the airport staff compared to previous visits. Both ground staff and immigration officers were noticeably more friendly and eager to assist, which was a welcome change. For travelers planning a layover, it is essential to be prepared. I suggest filling out your Arrival Card while still on the plane to save time during the quarantine inspection. Keep items like lighters, liquids, and batteries easily accessible, as these will need to be removed during security screening. On our return, we had a day to spare and decided to explore Guangzhou. The airport offers a convenient visa-on-arrival service for transiting passengers, which allows up to 72 hours of stay. The process was straightforward but requires some preparation. After disembarking, follow the signs for transit, but instead, head to the visa-on-arrival counter. Before approaching the counter, make sure to fill out the Arrival and Departure Card, which can be obtained from airline staff. The required documents include your passport, inbound flight ticket, outbound flight ticket, and the Arrival and Departure Card. If you are flying with China Southern Airlines and have a layover of more than 6 hours but less than 30 hours, you may be eligible for a complimentary hotel stay provided by the airline, which can simplify your stay. One area that could use improvement is the duty-free shopping experience. While the shops offer a wide range of products, it was disappointing to find that many staff members had very limited English skills. This language barrier can make it difficult for international travelers to ask questions or make purchases, which is something the airport management should consider addressing. In summary, while Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is an impressive and modern facility, it is essential to plan for potential delays and long transit times. With proper preparation, the experience can be manageable, though not without its challenges.

Baiyun Airport is one of the largest hubs in Southern China, known for its spacious and well-organized layout. Security here is strict; it took us over an hour to get through customs. There are plenty of restaurants and shops, so you can enjoy local cuisine before departing right in the terminal hall. The hall itself is large and beautifully designed. If I were to rank airports in China, Baiyun would definitely be in the top three.