From plane
to metro.
You only need to remember five signs. Save this page before you fly and follow the route from left to right.
After landing in mainland China, follow International Arrivals to immigration, collect baggage, pass customs, then use metro, airport express or the official taxi queue. Keep your passport and hotel address in Chinese available until you reach your hotel.
Keep your passport, first hotel address and onward details together. Screenshot the hotel name and address in Chinese.
See it once.
Then follow the signs.
This illustration is the simple version. The real airport photos below show what the important places look like.
China Immigration
After leaving the aircraft, stay on the International Arrivals route. Do not follow Transfer unless you are connecting without entering China.
- Use the lane marked Foreigners.
- Have your passport and visa or entry eligibility ready.
- If directed, complete fingerprint collection before the desk.
- Answer simple questions about your hotel and trip.
Arrival card
Foreign visitors can submit arrival information through the official NIA service before travel. If you have not done it, follow the QR code or form instructions at the airport.
Collect. Choose. Exit.
After passport control, check the screen for your flight and collect checked luggage. Then choose the correct customs channel:
CLAIM↓CUSTOMS↓ARRIVALS HALL
Find the metro
Once you enter the public arrivals hall, look up—not down. Overhead signs usually point to Metro, Airport Express, Rail Transit or a train symbol.
- 1Confirm your airport and terminal.
- 2Check the line, direction and last train.
- 3Buy a ticket or ask the staffed service desk.
- 4Keep the hotel’s Chinese address ready.
Which train?
Use this as a starting point, then confirm the live route and last departure on the day you arrive.
Airport Arrival Questions
What should I do first after landing in China?
Follow International Arrivals signs to immigration, keep your passport ready, collect baggage, pass customs and then choose metro, airport express or the official taxi queue.
Should I take the metro or a taxi from the airport?
Metro or airport express is usually easier when you arrive during operating hours and have light luggage. If you arrive late, have large bags or your hotel is far from a station, use the official taxi queue.
Do I need to complete the arrival card before landing?
Foreign visitors may be able to submit arrival information through the official National Immigration Administration service. Requirements can change, so follow official instructions and airport signage.
What should I do if I arrive late at night?
Check last train times before leaving the arrivals hall. If public transport is no longer convenient, use the official taxi queue and show the hotel name and address in Chinese.
Plan the rest of arrival day.
Airport layouts, entry requirements and train times can change. Recheck these official pages shortly before travel.