Chengdu Tianfu Airport - 5 hour layover

Question

Hi. We are considering a flight that has a 5 hour layover here. Is a range of food options available at this airport? Is it advisable to have cash to make payment for food and beverages, or is Mastercard accepted by food outlets? Are the facilities good?

Answer

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (CTU) is a modern and spacious airport that opened in 2021, replacing the older Shuangliu Airport as the main hub for Chengdu. A 5-hour layover provides sufficient time to enjoy some of the airport's facilities and grab a meal.

Regarding food options:

The airport has a wide range of dining options, including fast food, casual dining, and Chinese cuisine outlets. You can find popular chains as well as local Sichuan specialties, such as hotpot-style snacks, noodles, and dumplings.
Cafés and bakeries are also available for lighter meals, coffee, and pastries.
Restaurants are spread across the departure halls, both before and after security, so you can easily access food depending on your terminal and gate.

Regarding payment methods:

Most food outlets at Chengdu Tianfu Airport accept international credit cards, including Mastercard and Visa. However, it’s always advisable to have some cash (Chinese yuan) on hand, especially for smaller vendors, vending machines, or if a terminal restaurant has temporary card payment issues.
Mobile payment options like Alipay or WeChat Pay are widely used in China, but these generally require a Chinese bank account. Some international cards now work with Alipay at airports, but it’s not guaranteed.

Regarding facilities:

The airport is very modern, clean, and well-signposted. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, charging stations, lounges, shopping areas, and clean restroom facilities.
If you want a quieter space, there are several lounges that allow paid access for non-members. These offer comfortable seating, food, and beverages.
The airport is large but efficient, with automated check-in kiosks and clear directions to gates, making a 5-hour layover comfortable and not rushed.

In summary, you should have no problem finding food, paying with Mastercard at major outlets, and enjoying the airport’s facilities during a 5-hour layover. Bringing some cash is recommended just in case for small purchases or less mainstream vendors.