Exploring Shenyang Taoxian International Airport: A Traveler’s Guide

Hello! I’m Alex Chen, a passionate independent traveler from China. I revel in uncovering hidden corners of the globe and am eager to share my tips on budget travel within China. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, not only a vital gateway to Shenyang but also a starting point for exploring the stunning landscapes of Liaoning Province. Whether you’re transiting or kicking off your adventure here, this guide will ensure you navigate the airport with ease, like a seasoned pro.

Shenyang Taoxian International Airport Overview

• Airport Code: SHE
• Address: Taoxian Street, Hunnan District, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
• Distance from City Center: 20 kilometers
• Terminal Information:
  • T3 Terminal: Among the T1, T2, and T3 terminals at the airport, only T3 is operational. It has been serving both international and domestic flights since its opening in 2013.

4 Best Ways to Get from Shenyang Taoxian International Airport to Downtown

Arriving between 6 AM and 10 PM? The metro is your best bet to reach downtown. Outside these hours, consider taking the airport bus. For groups, ride-sharing services are recommended for convenience.

1. How to Take the Metro from Shenyang Taoxian International Airport to Downtown Shenyang

Departing from Terminal T3

• Metro Line: Metro Line 2
• Location: B1 level of the terminal
• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Cost: 6 RMB
• Travel Time: 1 hour

How to Buy Tickets

• Purchase a single-journey ticket at metro station ticket windows or self-service machines using cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
• Use QR codes for WeChat or Alipay to pay for your metro ride.

2. How to Take the Airport Bus from Shenyang Taoxian International Airport to Downtown Shenyang

Departing from Terminal T3

• Location: Exit door 8 on the arrivals level, turn right
• Cost: 15 RMB
• Travel Time: 70 minutes
• Schedule: Operates according to flight schedules, available regardless of flight landing time.
• Bus Route: Taoxian Airport -> Maluwan -> Shenyang Station -> Shenyang North Station

How to Buy Tickets

• Tickets can be purchased at bus ticket windows or self-service machines using cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
• Alternatively, buy tickets via WeChat public account and scan a QR code on-site for purchase.

3. How to Take a Taxi from Shenyang Taoxian International Airport to Downtown Shenyang

Departing from Terminal T3

• Location: Exit door 8 on the arrivals level, turn left
• Cost: Approximately 65 RMB
• Travel Time: About 35 minutes

4. How to Use Ride-Hailing Services from Shenyang Taoxian International Airport to Downtown Shenyang

Utilize platforms like Alipay or Didi for a convenient ride.

Departing from Terminal T3

• Location: Opposite door 10 on the 1F departure level, in the parking area
• Cost: About 50 RMB
• Travel Time: About 35 minutes

Inside Shenyang Taoxian International Airport

Tax Refund

• Eligibility for Tax Refund
  • The same overseas visitor must spend at least 500 RMB in the same tax-free shop on the same day;
  • The departure date must be no more than 90 days after the purchase date.
• Refund Amount: The refund rate is 13% of the invoice amount (including VAT), with 11% returned to the overseas visitor.
• Tax Refund Process:
  • Before security: Customs verification and confirmation, follow airport signage.
  • After security: Tax refund locations as indicated by airport signage.
• More Information on Tax Refunds: Visit China Tax Refund Guide.

Payment App Assistance Desk (International Guest Payment Service Center)

To facilitate the use of WeChat and Alipay by international visitors, Shenyang Taoxian International Airport’s T3 terminal offers a dedicated service desk to address issues related to downloading and using Chinese payment apps.

• Services Provided:
  • Assistance with downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay apps
  • Guidance on how to link international bank cards and activate payment functions within the apps
  • Basic operational guidance and answers to queries about using the payment apps
• Location: International arrivals exit

Dining Information and Operating Hours at Shenyang Taoxian International Airport

After Security in Terminal T3

• Starbucks
  • Location: Inside security at gate 25 in Terminal T3
  • Operating Hours: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Type of Food: Coffee and snacks

Duty-Free Shop Hours

In Terminal T3

• CDF Duty-Free Shop
  • Location: Inside the international security checkpoint
  • Operating Hours: 6:30 AM until the last night flight
  • Products Available: Cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics

Luggage Storage Locations

• Location: Available throughout the airport
• Operating Hours: 24 hours
• Pricing: Charges apply as if for a full day even if storage time is less than one day.
  • Small items: 15 RMB/day
  • Medium items: 20 RMB/day
  • Large items: 25 RMB/day
  • Extra-large items: 50 RMB/day

Currency Exchange Locations

• Liaoning Century Currency Exchange Center
  • Location: Arrival level and right side of the international departure entrance
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM until the end of flight operations

Free Wi-Fi at the Airport

Passengers can connect to free Wi-Fi by:

• Mobile Number: Enter your mobile number and receive an SMS verification code to log in. Note: Accessing websites like Google via the airport Wi-Fi may require a VPN.

Overnight Stays at the Airport

Yes, you can stay overnight at the airport. Although shops close at night, rest areas are available. Recommended overnight spots include the first floor arrivals level near exit 4, equipped with charging stations, and near exit 12 where there are armless triple seats suitable for lying down overnight.