Luggage Storage: A Convenient Option At Chinese Airports

Luggage storage is a common issue faced by travellers, especially when dealing with a gap between check-out and departure times. Many airports around the world provide luggage storage facilities, and Chinese airports are no exception. Beijing Capital Airport, for instance, offers a secure baggage storage service for a fee. This service is free for passengers with a 24-hour layover, provided they show their passport with a 24-hour entry permit. Other large cities in China, such as Shanghai, also offer luggage storage facilities at their airports and train stations. These services are often described as cloakrooms with attendants, rather than lockers.

Luggage storage at Beijing Capital Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport provides a left-luggage service in all three of its terminals. This is a convenient option if you want to leave your luggage at the airport while you go on a layover tour, wait for your outbound flight, or take advantage of the 72-hour visa-free program, which allows you to visit Beijing while in transit to another country. The airport's left luggage service is available 24/7 and is priced per day (24 hours).

If you have a layover in Beijing of less than 24 hours, the airport offers free luggage storage. Simply present your passport with the 24-hour entry permit to the staff at the left-luggage counter, and you can store your luggage free of charge for up to 24 hours. This service is available at the following locations:

Terminal 3

• Left-luggage counters are located near Gate C or Gate A in the arrival hall on the second floor.
• Contact numbers: 64558579 (domestic) and 8601064558580 (international)

Terminal 2

• Left-luggage counter is located between Gate 10 and Gate 8 in the departure hall on the second floor.
• Contact number: 64598152

Terminal 1

• Left-luggage counter is located by the link corridor between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 on the second floor.
• Contact number: 64540921

If you store your luggage for more than 24 hours, you will need to pay a fee. The cost of luggage storage depends on the size of your luggage and the duration of storage:

• RMB 20 per day for luggage with dimensions (length, width, and height) less than 65 cm
• RMB 30 per day for luggage with dimensions between 65 cm and 200 cm
• RMB 50 per day for luggage with dimensions greater than 200 cm

Additionally, there are electric storage cases for small items and cargo shelves for larger pieces of luggage if you only need to store your luggage for a few hours.

Storage at train stations

Almost all major train stations in China have luggage storage services. The official baggage office is the most reliable option for depositing luggage. Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities in China also provide left-luggage facilities, such as automatic lockers at train stations. Additionally, some private shops and restaurants near train stations may offer luggage storage services. The cost of these services depends on the size and amount of luggage, as well as the duration of storage. It is important to check with the storage facility about their policies, as some may only keep luggage until the end of the day.

Storage at airports

Many airports in China offer luggage storage services. Beijing Capital Airport, for example, offers a secure, baggage storing service. If you have a layover of less than 24 hours in Beijing, you can store your luggage at the airport for free. All you need to do is show your passport with a 24-hour entry permit to the staff at the left-luggage counter. This service is available at all three terminals of the airport.

At other airports in China, luggage storage facilities are also available. These are typically described as cloakrooms with attendants who watch over your bags. Lockers are less common, but may sometimes be available.

In addition to airports, train stations and long-distance bus stations in China also often have luggage storage facilities. These can be useful if you need to store your luggage for a short period before your flight or after you arrive at your destination.

It is worth noting that some travellers suggest that storing your luggage at your hotel may be a more convenient option, particularly if you are staying at an Airbnb, as some hosts may be willing to store your luggage at their own place if they live nearby.

Temporary luggage storage options

If you need to store your luggage at a Chinese airport, there are a few options available to you. Many airports in China offer luggage storage services, which are typically located in the arrival or departure halls of the airport terminals. These are often in the form of cloakrooms with attendants to watch over your bags, although lockers may sometimes be available as well.

At the Beijing Capital Airport, for example, there are left-luggage counters in Terminals 1, 2, and 3 where you can store your luggage for a fee. The cost of luggage storage depends on the size of your baggage, with smaller bags (less than 65 cm in length, width, and height) costing RMB 20 per day, medium-sized bags (between 65 cm and 200 cm) costing RMB 30 per day, and larger bags (more than 200 cm) costing RMB 50 per day. If you have a layover of less than 24 hours in Beijing, the airport offers free luggage storage. You can show your passport with a 24-hour entry permit to the staff at the left-luggage counter to store your luggage for free within 24 hours.

In addition to airports, train stations in China also typically offer luggage storage facilities. If you need to store your luggage for a longer period, consider storing it at your hotel, as this may be a more convenient and secure option.

Cost of luggage storage

The cost of luggage storage in China varies depending on the airport and the size of the luggage. Here are some specific examples:

Beijing Capital Airport

Beijing Capital Airport offers a free luggage storage service for passengers with a layover of less than 24 hours. For longer storage, the airport charges based on the size of the luggage. The rates are as follows:

• RMB 20 per day for luggage with dimensions less than 65 cm.
• RMB 30 per day for luggage with dimensions between 65 cm and 200 cm.
• RMB 50 per day for luggage with dimensions more than 200 cm.

Pudong Airport, Shanghai

Pudong Airport has a minimum charge for luggage storage of less than four hours. For oversized luggage, there is a minimum charge of RMB 50 yuan ($8.33) for less than 24-hour storage. Storage over 24 hours is charged according to computer-generated bills.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers various luggage storage options, including official airport storage and private companies like Stasher. The official airport storage facility charges HK$12 per hour per piece, while Stasher offers daily rates starting at $5.45 per day, with no size restrictions.

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