Power bank rules, domestic flights, luggage storage, and city-to-city transport decisions.
Quick answer
China domestic flights have strict rules about power banks (carry-on only, never checked; CCC certification mark required for domestic flights since 2025-06-28). Several major cities have two airports – flying into the wrong one costs hours. Luggage storage is available at most major stations and airports but not guaranteed at smaller ones. For intercity travel, high-speed rail is often preferable to flying for distances under ~1,000 km when you factor in airport transfer time.
Power bank rules (CAAC verified)
Source: Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)
| Rule | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power banks MUST be in CARRY-ON baggage only | VERIFIED | NEVER pack power banks in checked luggage |
| Power banks under 100Wh (approx 20,000mAh at 5V) | Allowed without airline approval | Most consumer power banks fall in this range |
| Power banks 100-160Wh | Requires airline approval; max 2 per person | Must contact airline before flight |
| Power banks over 160Wh | PROHIBITED | Not allowed on board |
| Must have clear Wh/mAh rating marked | VERIFIED | Unmarked power banks may be confiscated |
| Cannot charge devices during flight | VERIFIED | Power banks must remain off |
| CCC (3C) certification mark | VERIFIED | Effective 2025-06-28: Power banks without a valid CCC mark are prohibited on DOMESTIC flights. This rule applies to domestic flights within China. |
Important: The CCC mark requirement applies to DOMESTIC flights within China. International flights to/from China may have different rules. Verify with your airline. Security screening is strict – prohibited items WILL be confiscated.
Spare lithium batteries
- Must be in CARRY-ON only (never checked).
- Batteries under 100Wh: allowed.
- Batteries 100-160Wh: airline approval required, max 2 per person.
- Protect terminals (tape over or keep in original packaging).
Dual airport warnings (CRITICAL)
Several major Chinese cities have two commercial airports. Always verify which airport your flight uses. Flying into the wrong one costs hours and significant transport costs.
| City | Airports | Distance apart | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | PEK (Capital) / PKX (Daxing) | ~70 km / ~1.5-2 hrs | PEK is closer to city (main international); PKX is far south |
| Shanghai | PVG (Pudong) / SHA (Hongqiao) | ~60 km / ~1-1.5 hrs | PVG is main international; SHA is closer, domestic + some short-haul international, adjacent to Hongqiao HSR station |
| Chengdu | TFU (Tianfu) / CTU (Shuangliu) | ~50-70 km / ~1-1.5 hrs | TFU is newer, ~50 km from city (Metro Line 18); CTU is closer |
- Double-check the airport CODE (PEK/PKX, PVG/SHA, TFU/CTU), not just the city name.
- Allow 1.5-2 hours if transferring between airports.
- Some booking platforms default to “all airports” for a city.
Domestic flight baggage
Baggage allowances VARY by airline and fare class. General guidance:
- Discount/low-fare economy tickets (especially on budget airlines like Spring Airlines, China United, 9 Air) may include 0 kg checked baggage.
- Standard economy: ~20 kg checked + 5-7 kg carry-on.
- Business class: ~30-40 kg checked + 7-10 kg carry-on.
- Always check baggage inclusion when booking. Fees at the airport are higher than pre-purchased allowances.
Carry-on liquids: containers must be 100ml or less, in a clear plastic bag (similar to international standards).
Luggage storage
Luggage storage facilities are available at most major railway stations and airports, but availability is NOT guaranteed at all stations (especially smaller ones).
- Major stations/airports typically have: automated lockers (self-service, various sizes) and staffed luggage counters.
- Prices VARY by location, locker size, and storage duration. Check prices on-site.
- Staffed counters may require valid ID (passport); automated lockers may require WeChat/Alipay to scan and pay.
- All stored luggage goes through security X-ray screening.
- Hotels will often hold luggage for guests before check-in or after check-out – this is often the most convenient option.
High-speed rail vs. domestic flights
For intercity travel in China, high-speed rail is often preferable to flying for distances under ~1,000 km because:
- Train stations are usually in or near city centers (airports are often far from center).
- No need to arrive 2 hours early (30-45 minutes is sufficient for train stations).
- No baggage weight limits for carry-on (within reason; checked luggage available for larger items).
- No power bank restrictions beyond basic rules (no CCC mark requirement for trains).
- More reliable in bad weather.
For longer distances (Beijing-Guangzhou, Shanghai-Chengdu, etc.), flights may save time. See the High-Speed Rail guide for train booking details.
Other tips
- E-cigarettes/vapes must be in carry-on; PROHIBITED in checked luggage. Use during flight is prohibited.
- Drones: Check with airline; batteries follow lithium rules (carry-on only). Drone registration may be required in China.
- Check-in deadline for domestic flights is typically 45 minutes before departure. Boarding gates close 15-20 minutes before departure.
- Your original passport is required for all domestic flights and train travel.
Next steps
Sources
- CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China): https://www.caac.gov.cn/
- 12306 China Railway: https://www.12306.cn/