Shenzhen Bao an International Airport
Shenzhen, China · Since 1991
Last updated:
About SZX
A major airport in the Pearl River Delta serving the tech city of Shenzhen.
Why "SZX"?
SZX is derived from Shenzhen, with the X added to create a unique three-letter IATA code since SZ was already in use. The airport serves as the main gateway to Shenzhen, China s major tech hub bordering Hong Kong.
Terminals
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the sole operating terminal at Shenzhen Bao an, opened in November 2013. Designed by Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas, it features a stunning honeycomb-patterned facade and double-skin structure. The terminal handles all domestic and international flights with a capacity of 45 million passengers annually.
Terminal 3 - Hall A (Domestic)
The domestic section of Terminal 3 handles all domestic departures and arrivals. Located in the northern section of the terminal with gates A01-A30.
Terminal 3 - Hall B (Domestic)
The secondary domestic section with additional gates for high-traffic domestic routes. Handles overflow domestic flights and budget carriers.
Terminal 3 - International Hall
The international departures section features a dedicated duty-free shopping area, international lounges, and customs/immigration facilities. Handles all international and regional flights including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan services.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at SZX
Shenzhen Airlines
Hub
Air China
China Southern Airlines
Air Cambodia
Air Changan
Air Travel
AirAsia
ANA
Showing 8 of 51 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
CNY 80-130 (approx. USD 11-18)
30-50 minutes to city center
Public Transport
CNY 7-11 (approx. USD 1.00-1.50)
50-70 minutes to city center
Popular Destinations
Parking at SZX
P1 Short-Term Parking
P2 Multi-Story Parking
P3 Economy Parking
VIP Valet Parking
Airport Lounges
Cathay Pacific Lounge
Signature Cathay lounge design with their famous dan dan noodles, shower suites, and The Food Hall concept. Excellent espresso bar and a well-curated wine selection. Located in the International Hall.
BGS Premier Lounge International
Premium international lounge with spa treatment rooms, shower suites, sleeping rooms, and an excellent dim sum bar. Features a dedicated kids area and panoramic views of the distinctive honeycomb terminal roof. One of the best independent lounges in China.
Shenzhen Airlines King Lounge
The flagship lounge of Shenzhen Airlines features Cantonese dim sum, a noodle bar with made-to-order dishes, premium Chinese teas, shower suites, and a quiet rest zone with reclining seats. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer excellent runway views.
Air China Dynasty Lounge
Well-appointed lounge with traditional Chinese decor, hot buffet, soup station, and a selection of Chinese and Western beverages including wine and beer. Comfortable seating with power outlets at every seat.
China Southern Pearl Lounge
Spacious lounge with a good selection of Cantonese and Northern Chinese cuisine, cocktail bar, and dedicated business center with printing facilities. Located near domestic Gate A20.
V Lounge Domestic
Comfortable domestic lounge near Gate A15 with Cantonese congee, snacks, noodles, and beverages. Massage chairs available. Good Wi-Fi speeds.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Shenzhen Airport Hotel
Connected to Terminal 3 via indoor walkway on Level 2
Convenient transit hotel directly connected to the terminal building. Clean modern rooms with good sound insulation, day-use rates from 4 hours. 24-hour reception with luggage storage for checked-out guests.
Nearby Hotels
Vienna Hotel Shenzhen Airport
Free shuttle, 8 minutes from terminal
Popular domestic chain hotel offering clean, modern rooms at competitive prices. Features include complimentary breakfast, free shuttle, and convenient booking via WeChat mini-program.
Crowne Plaza Shenzhen Airport
10-minute shuttle from terminal, airport area
Upscale IHG property with spacious rooms, club lounge, indoor pool, and comprehensive gym. Multiple dining options including Cantonese and Western restaurants. Priority Club members earn points.
Hilton Shenzhen Airport
Free shuttle, 5-minute drive from Terminal 3
Full-service 4-star hotel with heated swimming pool, fitness center, executive lounge, and three restaurants. Free airport shuttle every 20 minutes. Soundproofed rooms with blackout curtains ideal for early morning flights.
Capsule Hotels
Capsule Pod Inn
Inside Terminal 3, domestic departures area near Gate A25
Smart capsule pods available for hourly rental inside the secure area. Each pod includes USB charging, adjustable lighting, ventilation, and a privacy screen. Blanket and pillow provided. Ideal for short layovers.
Food & Dining
Shaxian Delicacies
Fujian/Chinese
Ubiquitous Chinese fast-casual chain known for affordable wonton soups, steamed dumplings, braised noodles, and peanut butter noodles. Quick, reliable, and budget-friendly.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Kung Fu Restaurant
Chinese Fast Food
Reliable Chinese fast food with steamed rice combo meals, congee, and dumplings. Clean, quick service, and consistently good quality. Open for breakfast with congee and youtiao options.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Lanzhou Beef Noodles
Northwestern Chinese
Hand-pulled beef noodle soup made fresh to order. Choose your noodle thickness from thin angel hair to wide flat noodles. The clear beef broth is simmered for hours. A hearty and halal-certified meal.
6:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Tim Ho Wan
Cantonese Dim Sum
Michelin-starred dim sum chain serving famous BBQ pork buns, har gow, siu mai, and egg tarts. Expect queues during peak hours but turnover is fast. One of the best dining options at SZX.
7:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Starbucks Reserve
Coffee/Cafe
Premium Starbucks location with Reserve coffee offerings, pour-over options, and China-exclusive seasonal drinks. Spacious seating with power outlets. Good spot for a pre-flight coffee.
5:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Pizza Hut
Western/Pizza
The Chinese version of Pizza Hut is a sit-down restaurant with pasta, pizza, steak, and desserts. More upscale than its Western counterpart. Good option for families and those wanting Western food.
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Car Rental
China Auto Rental (CAR Inc)
Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall, Counter 8
Largest domestic car rental. Chinese driver license or Chinese ID required. New energy vehicles (BYD, NIO) available. Use their app for faster pickup.
eHi Car Rental
Terminal 3 Arrivals, Ground Level near Exit 3
Chauffeur service available for foreign visitors without Chinese license. Bilingual drivers on request. Good selection of premium vehicles.
Avis China
Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall, Counter 5
International brand with English-speaking staff. Foreigners need Chinese driver license to self-drive. Car with driver service available as alternative.
Shenzhou Zuche
Terminal 3 Ground Transportation Level
Affordable domestic rental company. Shuttle to off-site lot. Good fleet variety including MPVs suitable for families or groups.
Didi Chuxing (Car Rental)
Online/app-based, pickup at Terminal 3 arrivals
Didi offers rental cars through their app in addition to ride-hailing. Chauffeur service is the best option for foreign visitors. Book in advance for airport pickup.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Airport Spa & Massage Zone
Multiple massage parlors inside Terminal 3 offering traditional Chinese massage, foot reflexology, and shoulder treatments. Prices start from CNY 128 for 45 minutes. Located near domestic gates A15-A20 and in the international departures area.
Terminal 3 Shopping Spree
Terminal 3 has extensive retail options including duty-free shops, electronics stores (great for Huawei, Xiaomi products), Chinese tea shops, and fashion boutiques. The terminal architecture itself is worth admiring with its stunning honeycomb design.
Cantonese Dim Sum Tasting Tour
Shenzhen is part of Guangdong province, the home of Cantonese dim sum. Try multiple dim sum restaurants inside Terminal 3 including Tim Ho Wan. Sample har gow, siu mai, BBQ pork buns, and egg tarts. Budget CNY 80-200 for a thorough tasting experience.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Explore Shenzhen Bay Waterfront
Beautiful seaside promenade along Shenzhen Bay with views across to Hong Kong. Walk or rent a bike along the 15km coastal greenway. Several parks and cafes along the route. Accessible via Metro Line 11 to Qianhai Bay then short taxi. Free entry.
Visit Window of the World
Theme park featuring miniature replicas of world famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Pyramids, and Taj Mahal. About 40 minutes from the airport by metro (Line 11 to Line 1). Entry fee approximately CNY 220. Fun for families and great photo opportunities.
Visit OCT Loft Creative Culture Park
Former industrial area transformed into a vibrant art district with galleries, design studios, independent bookshops, and trendy cafes. About 45 minutes from the airport. Great for photography and experiencing Shenzhen's creative side. Free to wander.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type I (Chinese), USB ports widely available
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: CNY 10-40 per item per day depending on size
- Showers: Available
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Exchange: Bank of China and ICBC exchange counters in Terminal 3 arrivals hall (Level 1) and departures level (Level 4). ATMs accepting international cards throughout the terminal.
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:30 PM daily
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China. Service charges are sometimes included at upscale restaurants but no additional tip is expected.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking rooms located outside security on Level 1 and Level 4. No airside smoking facilities.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +86-755-23456100
Facilities & Contact
Official Website
Phone
+86-755-23456789
Traveler Reviews
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Shenzhen Bao an International Airport
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