Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) serves Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in Southwest China. Located approximately 16 km southwest of downtown Chengdu, the airport is a hub for Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Chengdu Airlines.

Important: Chengdu now has two airports. Since June 2021, most international flights have moved to the newer Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), located 50 km southeast of the city center. Shuangliu (CTU) now primarily handles domestic flights and some regional routes. Always verify which airport your flight uses when booking.

The airport has two terminals:

• Terminal 1 (T1): The original terminal opened in 2004. Handles select domestic flights. Currently operates with reduced capacity as most traffic has shifted to T2.
• Terminal 2 (T2): The larger, newer terminal opened in 2012 with a satellite concourse added in 2020. This is the main operating terminal, handling most domestic flights and the limited international services remaining at CTU.

Terminal 2 layout:

• Floor 1: Arrivals hall, baggage claim, ground transportation
• Floor 2: Transfer connections
• Floor 3: Departures hall, check-in counters, security

Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU)

Chengdu became China's third dual-airport city (after Beijing and Shanghai) when Tianfu International Airport (TFU) opened in 2021. Understanding which airport to use is essential:

Tianfu (TFU) — 50 km southeast of city center:

• Most international long-haul flights
• Major carriers: Air China, China Eastern, Sichuan Airlines (international routes)
• Journey time to city center: 45-60 minutes

Shuangliu (CTU) — 16 km southwest of city center:

• Domestic flights throughout China
• Budget carriers and regional routes
• Some international services (primarily United Airlines to San Francisco)
• Journey time to city center: 30-45 minutes

Connecting between CTU and TFU:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
Direct shuttle bus	60-90 min	CNY 15 (daytime), CNY 25 (night)	Runs 24 hours, every 30 min
Taxi/DiDi	45-75 min	CNY 200-300 (~$28-42 USD)	Traffic dependent

Minimum connection time between airports: Allow 4 hours for connections between CTU and TFU on separate tickets.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is located 16 km southwest of central Chengdu. The city's well-developed metro system makes CTU one of the easier Chinese airports to reach.

Method	Time to City Center	Cost
Metro Line 10	30-45 min to Chunxi Road	CNY 5-7 (~$0.70-1 USD)
Taxi	30-45 min	CNY 60-100 (~$8-14 USD)
DiDi (rideshare)	30-45 min	CNY 50-80 (~$7-11 USD)
Airport shuttle bus	45-70 min	CNY 15 (~$2 USD)

Rush hour warning: Traffic can be heavy during peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM). The metro is the most reliable option for consistent journey times.

Important: Uber does not operate in China. Use DiDi (China's dominant rideshare app) or official taxis.

DiDi (Recommended Rideshare)

• App: Download "DiDi" before arriving (available in English)
• Payment: International credit cards may work; Alipay or WeChat Pay recommended
• Pickup location: L1 floor of parking buildings at T1 and T2, follow "Online Hailing Vehicle" signs
• Typical fares: CNY 50-80 to central Chengdu (varies by destination and traffic)

Note: DiDi requires a Chinese phone number or can be used with international accounts, though functionality may be limited. Setting up the app before arrival is recommended.

Official Taxis

Taxis queue outside arrivals at both terminals. Only use official taxis from designated ranks—avoid touts inside the terminal.

Typical fares from CTU:

Destination	Fare	Time
Chunxi Road/Tianfu Square	CNY 60-80	30-40 min
Jinli Ancient Street	CNY 50-70	25-35 min
Chengdu East Railway Station	CNY 80-100	35-50 min
Kuanzhai Alley	CNY 55-75	30-40 min
Chengdu South Railway Station	CNY 60-80	30-45 min

Tips:

• Fares are metered with a CNY 8 base fare
• Have your destination written in Chinese characters
• Most drivers speak limited English—use a translation app or hotel card
• Payment via cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay accepted
• Receipts (fapiao) available upon request

Pickup Locations

• Terminal 1: Ground floor arrivals exit, follow taxi signs
• Terminal 2: Floor 1 arrivals level, designated taxi area

Metro Line 10 (Recommended)

Metro Line 10 connects Chengdu Shuangliu Airport directly to the city center. This is the fastest and most reliable transport option.

Stations at the airport:

• Terminal 1 of Shuangliu International Airport (机场T1): Serves Terminal 1
• Terminal 2 of Shuangliu International Airport (机场T2): Serves Terminal 2

Key destinations and travel times from T2:

Station	Travel Time	Fare	Connection Notes
Taipingyuan	15 min	CNY 4	Transfer to Lines 3, 7, 10
Shenxianshugoukou	25 min	CNY 5	Transfer to Line 1
Chunxi Road (via transfer)	35-45 min	CNY 5-7	Transfer at Taipingyuan
Tianfu Square (via transfer)	35-45 min	CNY 5-7	Transfer at Taipingyuan

Operating hours:

• First train: Approximately 6:00 AM
• Last train: Approximately 11:30 PM
• Frequency: Every 5-8 minutes during peak hours

How to take the Metro from T2:

1. Follow signs to "Metro" or "地铁" in the arrivals hall
2. Purchase ticket at machines (cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay) or use Tianfutong metro card
3. Board Line 10 toward Taipingyuan
4. Transfer at Taipingyuan for Lines 3, 7, or continue on Line 10

Payment options (as of July 2025):

• Tianfutong metro card (10% discount)
• Cash at ticket machines
• Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes at turnstiles
• International credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, UnionPay) accepted directly

Airport Shuttle Buses

Airport buses serve various districts of Chengdu:

Key routes:

• Line 1: Chunxi Road, Chengdu East Railway Station (CNY 15, 45-60 min)
• Line 2: Jinsha Bus Station (CNY 15, 40-50 min)
• Line 3: Chengdu Zoo area (CNY 15, 50-70 min)

Details:

• Daytime fare: CNY 15
• Nighttime fare: CNY 25 (11:30 PM - 6:00 AM)
• Operating hours: 24 hours (reduced frequency at night)
• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
• Departures: Outside arrivals at each terminal

Tianfu Airport Connection:

• Direct shuttle buses run between CTU and TFU 24 hours
• Fare: CNY 15 (daytime), CNY 25 (nighttime)
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes

Parking is primarily available at Terminal 2:

Terminal 2 Parking

Type	Rate	Notes
First 30 min	Free	All vehicles
Short-term	CNY 5-10/hour	Adjacent to terminal
Daily max	~CNY 60-80/day	Varies by lot

Tips:

• First 30 minutes are free
• Payment via cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay
• ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) cards accepted
• Contact airport parking: +86 28 8520 5901

Chengdu is famous for Sichuan cuisine, and the airport offers various dining options:

Terminal 2 (Main Selection):

Airside (After Security):

• Sichuan restaurants: Authentic local dishes, dan dan noodles, mapo tofu
• Noodle shops: Beef noodles, wonton noodles
• Fast food: KFC, McDonald's, Dicos (Chinese fast food chain)
• Coffee: Starbucks, Pacific Coffee, local tea shops

Landside:

• Food court: Chinese and international options
• Convenience stores: Snacks and quick meals
• Local restaurants: Sichuan specialties

Terminal 1:

• Limited options; primarily quick service and convenience stores

Recommended: Try Sichuan specialties like dan dan mian (spicy noodles), mapo tofu, or Sichuan dumplings if available. Terminal 2 airside has the best variety.

Price range: Expect CNY 30-80 (~$4-11 USD) for a meal.

Free WiFi is available throughout Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.

Network: Look for "CTU-WiFi" or airport free WiFi options

How to connect:

1. Select the free WiFi network
2. Accept terms on the landing page
3. May require SMS verification to a Chinese phone number

Limitations:

• Speed can be variable during peak hours
• International websites may be slow or blocked (see VPN note below)

VPN Important Note: Many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, most news sites) are blocked in China. Install and configure a VPN before arriving in China. VPN apps are difficult to download once inside China.

SIM cards are available at the airport arrivals halls:

Locations:

• China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom counters in T2 arrivals
• Convenience stores in arrivals area

Requirements:

• Passport (required for registration)
• Chinese regulations require real-name registration for all SIM purchases

Typical costs:

• Tourist SIM (5GB data): CNY 100-150 (~$14-21 USD)
• Tourist SIM (20GB data): CNY 200-300 (~$28-42 USD)
• Basic SIM + top-up: ~CNY 30 for SIM, plus data packages

Which carrier to choose:

• China Mobile: Best coverage nationwide but uses some non-standard frequencies
• China Unicom: Recommended for foreign phones (uses globally compatible 4G frequencies)
• China Telecom: Good coverage, competitive pricing

Tips:

• Airport SIM prices are higher than city stores
• Pre-order through Klook or similar services for airport pickup
• Consider eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly) but note they are subject to China's internet restrictions
• Hong Kong/Macau SIMs with China roaming may bypass some firewall restrictions

ATMs are available throughout both terminals:

Locations:

• Arrivals halls at T1 and T2
• Departure halls (airside)
• Near convenience stores

Major banks with ATMs:

• Bank of China
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
• China Construction Bank
• Agricultural Bank of China

Currency exchange:

• Bank of China counters in arrivals and departures
• Exchange rates are typically worse than city center banks

Tips:

• Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB) is the only accepted currency in China
• International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) have limited acceptance in China—most shops only accept Chinese payment apps
• Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay if possible—these apps are essential for daily transactions (international visitors can now link foreign credit cards)
• ATM withdrawal limits vary; expect CNY 2,500-3,000 per transaction for foreign cards
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks

Terminal 2 (Main Selection):

Duty-Free (Airside):

• China Duty Free: Cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, Chinese products
• Limited selection compared to major international hubs

Landside:

• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, local chains)
• Souvenir shops with Sichuan products

Local Chengdu/Sichuan products to look for:

• Sichuan peppercorns and chili products
• Tea: Sichuan green tea, jasmine tea
• Panda souvenirs: Plush toys, handicrafts
• Shu brocade: Traditional Sichuan silk embroidery
• Zhangfei beef: Famous local dried beef snack

Note: Shopping options at CTU are more limited than at major international hubs, as most international traffic has moved to Tianfu Airport.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 2:

• First Class Lounge: Priority Pass access, hot food, drinks, basic amenities
• Comfort Zone: Spa services (30-minute massage treatments count as one lounge visit), rest facilities
• Air China Passenger Service Center (Phoenix Trip): Priority Pass access available

Airline Lounges

Air China Lounges (Star Alliance):

• Air China First/Business Class Lounges (T2): For Air China premium passengers and Star Alliance Gold members
• Features include hot meals, drinks, and rest areas

Sichuan Airlines Lounges:

• Available for Sichuan Airlines premium passengers
• Check with airline for specific access requirements

Pay-Per-Use Options

• Sleeping pods ("Take a Nap"): Available in both T1 (19 pods) and T2 (12 pods)
  • Rate: CNY 60 for 4 hours (~$8 USD)
  • Additional hours: CNY 10/hour
  • Overnight (10 PM - 8 AM): CNY 120 (~$17 USD)
  • Includes power outlets, reading light, AC, free WiFi, public bathroom access

At/Near the Airport:

• Chengdu Airport Hotel: 5-star hotel, 300 meters from T1 (5-minute walk). 24-hour free shuttle to T1/T2. Indoor pool, spa, fitness center. CNY 500-800/night (~$70-112 USD).

• Holiday Inn Chengdu Airport: 1.5 km from airport. 24-hour shuttle bus service. 356 rooms with Sichuan and Cantonese restaurants. CNY 400-700/night (~$56-98 USD).

• Hampton by Hilton Chengdu Shuangliu Airport: 8 minutes from airport. Free breakfast, WiFi, fitness center. CNY 350-550/night (~$49-77 USD).

• Mercure Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport: 2.7 km from airport, 15-minute shuttle. 24-hour gym, laundry. CNY 300-500/night (~$42-70 USD).

Budget/Transit Options:

• Sleeping pods: Available airside in T1 and T2 (see Lounges section)
• Various budget hotels along airport expressway with free shuttles

Tips:

• For early morning flights, airport-adjacent hotels eliminate traffic concerns
• Most airport hotels offer 24-hour shuttle service
• China's 144-hour transit visa exemption allows travelers from many countries to leave the airport for layovers—check eligibility

Chengdu is one of China's most beloved cities, famous for giant pandas, fiery Sichuan cuisine, and a laid-back teahouse culture:

From CTU to Chengdu city center (30-45 minutes by metro):

Must-see attractions:

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: See giant pandas up close. Visit early morning (7:30-10:00 AM) when pandas are most active during feeding time. Metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station. Allow 3-4 hours.

• Jinli Ancient Street: Atmospheric pedestrian street with traditional architecture, food stalls, and shops. Best visited in the evening when red lanterns light up. Adjacent to Wuhou Temple. Metro Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao Station.

• Kuanzhai Alleys (Wide and Narrow Alleys): Historic lanes with traditional courtyard houses converted to teahouses, restaurants, and boutiques. Metro Line 4 to Kuanzhai Alley Station.

• Wuhou Temple: Shrine dedicated to heroes of the Three Kingdoms period. Beautiful gardens and quiet atmosphere. Combine with Jinli Street next door.

• People's Park: Experience local life at this popular park. Don't miss the traditional teahouses where locals play mahjong and cards. Metro Line 2 to People's Park Station.

• IFS Building: Iconic shopping mall with giant panda sculpture climbing the exterior. Photo opportunity on the 7th-floor rooftop.

For food lovers:

• Hotpot: Chengdu's signature dish—fiery, numbing broth with various ingredients
• Dan dan noodles: Spicy noodles with minced pork and Sichuan peppercorns
• Mapo tofu: Classic Sichuan dish with silken tofu and ground pork
• Street food at Jinli and Kuanzhai Alleys: Try various local snacks

Day trips from Chengdu:

• Dujiangyan Irrigation System: UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient engineering marvel (1 hour by train)
• Leshan Giant Buddha: 71-meter tall Buddha carved into a cliff (2 hours by train)
• Mount Emei: Sacred Buddhist mountain with temples (2.5 hours by train)
• Jiuzhaigou Valley: Stunning natural scenery, colorful lakes (domestic flight or long drive)

Practical tips:

• Get a Tianfutong card for metro and buses (10% discount)
• Download translation apps: Google Translate works offline; Baidu Translate works better in China
• VPN is essential for Western internet services—install before arriving
• Cash is rarely used: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for payments (now available to foreign visitors)
• Weather: Hot, humid summers; mild winters. Best seasons: March-June, September-November
• Language: Sichuan dialect differs from standard Mandarin; English is limited outside hotels and tourist areas
• Two airports: Always verify whether your flight is at CTU (Shuangliu) or TFU (Tianfu)

Visa-free transit: Starting December 2024, transit travelers from 54 countries can stay up to 10 days without a visa. Check current eligibility for Chengdu.

Getting around Chengdu: The metro system is extensive and efficient. Line 10 connects the airport, and the network covers most tourist areas. Download the Chengdu Metro app or use Alipay/WeChat Pay for tickets.