Heading to China? You may want to take advantage of the duty-free shops while you’re there.
Whether it’s visiting Beijing on a sightseeing holiday or Guangzhou to meet with suppliers, millions of travelers pass through these Top 5 airports every year. If you happen to be one of these travelers and are looking to buy a last-minute gift (or a little something for yourself), below is our quick guide to the 5 best duty-free airports in China.
1. Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai is well-known for being one of the fashion capitals of the world. That is certainly reflected in the choice of fashion brands in the Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Shanghai actually has two airports. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is located in the western part of the city, where passengers can also find a fantastic selection of duty-free shops.
Passengers can check the airport’s latest shopping directory through the official Pudong Airport website or WeChat mini-program.
- Fashion Clothing: Burberry, Bvlgari, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Prada, Ralph Lauren, and Yves Saint Laurent
- Jewelry, Eyewear & Watches: Longines, Omega, Tissot, Swatch, Shanghai Tang, Oakley, and Ray-Ban
- Cosmetics: Davidoff, Estee Lauder, Lancome, L’Oreal, and Kiehl’s
- Miscellaneous: Caran d’Ache, Lego, and Travel Blue
Places To Eat:
- Starbucks (Domestic Departure Restricted Zone, Terminal 2) – In truth, the selection of places to eat and drink is less than one might expect from an airport the size of Pudong. Those looking for a coffee and a snack to power through a couple of hours of shopping, however, can head over to Starbucks.
- Ajisen Ramen (Domestic Departure Restricted Zone, Terminal 2) – The airport also offers a Burger King that is open 24 hours. For hungry shoppers who wish to avoid the fast burger chain, there is also the option of Ajisen Ramen, a Japanese cuisine.
In recent years, Pudong has expanded its food options, including new cafés and Chinese fast-casual restaurants in both terminals.
2. Beijing Capital International Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport has a range of shopping options, and passengers can use the airport’s interactive map to find them. Although Beijing Daxing Airport now handles many international flights, Capital Airport (PEK) continues to offer a strong duty-free selection.
- Fashion Clothing: Bally, Dunhill, Salvatore Ferragamo, Timberland, Calvin Klein Jeans, Ports International, Lacoste, Bvlgari, Burberry, Daks, and many more
- Jewelry, Eyewear & Watches: Shanghai, Tang, J. Estina, and Damiani
- Sportswear: Columbia
- Electronics: Breo
- Miscellaneous: Relay, Tumi, Erdos, Samsonite, Mont Blanc
Places To Eat:
- Crystal Jade (International Departures, Terminal 3) – Crystal Jade boasts a wide selection of Chinese dishes, as well as cuisine from all over Asia.
- O’Learly’s (International Departures, Terminal 3) – Travelers who have more of a Western food craving can take a break from shopping and stop at O’Leary’s. This Irish-American restaurant has a menu full of Western restaurant favorites and is open 24 hours.
3. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Whether to attend the Canton Fair or to visit local suppliers, millions of business travelers pass through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The airport has a wide variety of shopping options for passengers.
- Fashion Clothing: Emporio Armani, Gucci, Burberry
- Jewelry, Eyewear & Watches: Shanghai Tang, Omega, Swarovski
- Cosmetics: Kiehl’s
- Miscellaneous: Samsonite, Aji Ichiban
Places To Eat:
- Oak Tree Café Guangzhou Baiyun Airport offers a Starbucks for those looking for a familiar coffee flavor. For passengers looking for a new taste, the Oak Tree café serves a mixture of Western-style baked goods and some local concoctions.
- Meng Zi Yuan – Passengers looking for a quick bite to eat before their flight may wish to try this local franchise. The popular franchise serves mainly quickly prepared noodle dishes.
4. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
Outside of the traditional hubs of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, the main international gateway in Western China is now Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, which took over most international operations after opening in 2021. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport remains a major domestic hub and still offers a variety of duty-free shopping options for travelers.
- Fashion Clothing: Giorgio Armani, Bally, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and Dunhill
- Jewelry, Eyewear & Watches: Agatha, Swarovski, Folli Follie, and Shanghai Tang
- Cosmetics: Kiehl’s, Estee Lauder, DKNY, Biotherm Homme, Kenzo, Lancome, and Cerruti 1881
- Miscellaneous: Tumi, Hudson’s Travel Book
Places To Eat:
- Pizza Hut – Though Pizza Hut is generally known for its pizzas. In China, the franchise has become more of a general Western restaurant, with salads, pastas, and steaks available.
- Kung Fu – As well as all the typical fast food restaurants, McDonald’s, and KFC, Chengdu Airport also hosts the equivalent of Chinese cuisine. Kung Fu serves simple dishes with beef and pork for those in need of a quick meal.
5. Hong Kong International Airport
Arguably, the best duty-free airport in all of China is the Hong Kong International Airport. Passengers can find the world’s top fashion houses and jewelers spread over the two vast terminals of this airport. It’s been voted ‘the world’s best’ eight times by Skytrax.
- Fashion Clothing: Burberry, Bvlgari, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Dior, Coach, Dunhill, Emporio Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, Givenchy, Gucci, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Prada, Versace, and many more
- Jewelry, Eyewear & Watches: Cartier, Chow Tai Fook, Longines, Omega, Piaget, Rolex, Swarovski, Tiffany & Co., and Tissot
- Cosmetics: Beauty & You, Mannings
- Electronics: Bose, Sound & Vision, Leica, and Toto
- Miscellaneous: The Magic of Hong Kong Disneyland, Miniso, Muji To Go, Moleskine, and Relay.
Places To Eat:
- Ho Hung Kee (Arrivals, Terminal 1) – Make sure to save some time between shopping and before your flight to visit Ho Hung Kee. The restaurant’s sister branch in Causeway Bay was awarded a Michelin star! The Cantonese specialists offer signature dishes such as Wonton Noodles and Beef Chow Foon, very highly recommended.
- Popeye’s (Departures Level 7, Terminal 1) – Popeye’s is ideal for those looking for a quick bite to eat in between shopping. Hong Kong Airport boasts the city’s only branch with the flavors of New Orleans-style fried chicken. This option is a savory alternative to the usual fast food available.
Travel Tip:
If you’re heading to your hotel from the airport (after spending hours duty-free shopping), make sure to arrange an airport transport transfer to help you with your bags and suitcases.
By arranging a private car, you’ll be met at the airport by an English-speaking driver who can take you directly to your final destination. The fleet of cars for booking offers travel-in-style with numerous options, including a Mercedes S-Class or minivans for larger groups.
Take advantage of the current online discount for the airport transfer on your 2nd service in one of China’s duty-free airports and book your private car and driver now! Enjoy shopping!
