China is one of the world’s largest countries by geographical land mass and also among the best connected by airways on the planet.
With a large number of low-cost and full-service carriers based out of a number of hubs in the country, there is no shortage of airline connectivity in China, with long-haul options also common offerings via a lot of hubs.
Skytrax’s best airports by region list for 2025 has a look at the top 10 in China, and here is a look at the winners for this year. As with all the other regional nominees under this category, the efficiency, operational management, and amenities offered at every airport were strongly considered when deciding the best 10.
Top 10 Best Airports in China in 2025
Photo: ACI World1. Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou – CAN/ZGGG
Guangzhou’s main airport is huge without being a headache. The newer terminals are wide, bright, and intelligently laid out so passengers are never aimlessly running around.
T2’s design in particular feels airy, with sunlight flooding through, while providing plenty of places to sit and recharge with eye-catching views of the tarmac.
Shops run the full range from quick snacks to high-end boutiques, and food courts offer all possible culinary treats at all times of the day.
The metro link into town is quick and painless, taxis are easy to find, and even at its busiest, the airport manages to feel orderly.
Haikou Meilan International Airport Terminal 2; Photo- Tyg728 | Wikimedia Commons2. Meilan International Airport, Haikou – HAK/ZJHK
Located on Hainan Island, Haikou feels like the perfect tropical airport right from the moment passengers set foot on the terminal.
It’s far from a hub that offers everything from A to Z. Instead, it’s calm, compact, and easy to get through. Security queues, immigration, and check-in move quickly, and signs are clear.
A handful of cafes and souvenir shops give just enough choice for those looking for it. Everything is spotless, and there’s a relaxed holiday charm about the place.
The transportation to and from the city is convenient via private transport, and while buses are also a decent option, they can be time-consuming.
Photo: Shenzhen Airport3. Bao’an International Airport, Shenzhen – SZX/ZGSZ
Shenzhen’s airport is one of the world’s most modern hubs for travel, with facial recognition at boarding gates to coffee robots that brew a drink in minutes.
It remains a very human-friendly space, nonetheless. The terminals are gleaming with open seating areas, lots of natural light, and clearly marked routes to ease navigation.
The dining ranges from traditional Cantonese to bubble tea stands, while Western affairs are obviously available. The shopping houses local brands alongside the familiar international names.
The pick-up and drop-off areas are designed with flow in mind, which means transportation to and from the city works just as efficiently as the rest of the airport.
Photo: Hongqiao Airport4. Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai – SHA/ZSSS
Shanghai’s secondary airport, Hongqiao, quietly delivers one of the nicest airport experiences in China. Close to the city centre, it’s ideal for flying domestically or regionally.
The place feels smart and compact, easy to navigate, with good coffee spots, plenty of seating, and tidy washrooms, while premium lounges are also available for business class travellers.
There’s none of the chaos that one might expect from an airport serving a city like Shanghai, and the staff manage to keep things efficient at check-in, security, and boarding.
Downtown Shanghai is just half an hour away, making Hongqiao the perfect airport for business flyers or weekend holidaymakers looking to quickly get in and out of the city.
T2 Domestic Departures; Photo- TFUTFUTFU333 | Wikimedia Commons5. Tianfu International Airport, Chengdu – TFU/ZTUF
Tianfu Airport hasn’t been around long, but it’s already making its mark.
The architecture of sweeping curves inspired by the golden sunbird stands out, and inside, wayfinding is smooth, security is fast, and there are endless seating areas with charging ports.
The food is a highlight here, with everything from spicy Sichuan street snacks to international chains. The airport also weaves in cultural touches, from art displays to museum-style exhibits.
As the newer international airport in the city, Tianfu is making its mark in Chengdu, with passenger footfall on the up with each passing year.
Photo: Sanya Airport6. Phoenix International Airport, Sanya – SYX/ZJSY
Landing in Sanya feels like arriving at a holiday resort rather than a transport hub. The palm trees greet planes as they taxi in, and the terminal itself has an easygoing, sun-washed vibe.
It’s not sprawling but has enough gates to keep things moving without creating bottlenecks, especially during the busy summer and holiday seasons.
The shops cater to the beach crowd, and cafes lean into local flavours. Staff are friendly, queues aren’t long, and the short drive to the main resorts makes for a smooth start to any holiday.
Sanya goes hand-in-hand with Haikou as one of China’s best and most efficient gateways for beachgoers.
Photo: Getty / The Mirror US7. Daxing International Airport, Beijing – PKX/ZBAD
Beijing’s Daxing International Airport is a starfish-shaped architectural marvel that’s massive but surprisingly welcoming.
Everything is designed for flow with short walking distances, natural light everywhere, and intuitive signs in both Chinese and English, ensuring a smooth experience.
Immigration and security feel modern and efficient, with biometric systems cutting down on wait times. Lounges are dotted across the terminal and have all the modern amenities.
The dining options range from hearty Chinese breakfasts to Western cafes, making the airport a pleasant space to spend time as a regular traveller or a one-off transit flyer.
Photo: Skytrax8. Capital International Airport, Beijing – PEK/ZBAA
Once China’s main international gateway, the Capital Airport still holds its own. It’s got a seasoned-professional feel, well-organised, plenty of staff at hand, and all the services expected.
Transport links into Beijing are strong, with the airport express train getting you downtown in under 30 minutes, while taxis provide a more comfortable and private option too.
The dining scene covers everything from full Peking duck to quick dumpling snacks, and the duty-free is well-stocked with the most luxurious brands from all over the world.
It’s a more traditional airport than flashy, but it’s dependable, familiar, and still a place that easily handles a large number of passengers very efficiently.
Photo: Wikipedia9. Huanghua International Airport, Changsha – CSX/ZGHA
Changsha is far from China’s most famous airport, but it quietly delivers a very pleasant travel experience. It’s clean, efficient, and just the right size to keep things simple.
The staff are helpful, security checks run smoothly, and the food options let passengers sample the Hunan region’s famous dishes before boarding.
The signage is straightforward, and domestic transfers are painless. It’s the kind of airport that gets the basics right, and offers travellers exactly what they want – efficiency.
Photo: Chengdu Airports10. Shuangliu International Airport, Chengdu – CTU/ZUUU
Shuangliu has been Chengdu’s main airport for years, and while Tianfu is now stealing the headlines, it remains a solid and practical hub.
The layout is familiar, the services are reliable, and there’s no shortage of quick dining options for passengers. Staff are approachable, facilities are clean, and the pace feels steady.
It’s perhaps not the flashiest on the list, but it has that reassuring quality without the teething issues and the glamour that comes with a more vast airport.
Photo: Hefton Crow / Zaha HadidBottom line
China’s top airports in 2025 show that diverse motives behind a design can still streamline into a great travel experience. Some, like Guangzhou and Daxing, impress with size and style, while others, like Haikou and Sanya, win hearts with efficiency and warmth.
Across the board, though, there’s a clear shift towards making journeys less stressful and more enjoyable. Whether passengers are hopping between cities or arriving from across the globe, these ten prove that China’s airports are raising the bar.
Wedding Photo in Shanghai; Photo- Ted McGrath | FlickrBest Airports in China FAQs
The top airports include Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Haikou Meilan (HAK), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), Sanya Phoenix (SYX), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Beijing Capital (PEK), Changsha Huanghua (CSX), and Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU).
Factors like terminal design, ease of navigation, efficient check-in and security, quality dining and shopping, and smooth transport connections contribute to their high rankings. Some airports also integrate cultural touches or cutting-edge technology.
Airports like Beijing Daxing (PKX), Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) handle large volumes of international flights and offer extensive long-haul connectivity.
Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Haikou Meilan (HAK), and Shuangliu International (CTU) are compact, well-organized, and ideal for quick domestic trips. Their proximity to city centers and smooth operations make them highly convenient.
Sanya Phoenix (SYX) and Haikou Meilan (HAK) on Hainan Island offer relaxed, resort-style experiences, efficient processes, and easy access to beaches and tourist spots, making them top choices for vacationers.
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