Chengdu Shuangliu has been the gateway to Sichuan province for decades, and even with the newer Tianfu airport drawing away some traffic, this place stays relentlessly busy. If you are flying in for hotpot, pandas, or a connection deeper into western China, here is the reality of smoking at CTU: everything is outdoors, no exceptions.
Terminal 1 Smoking Areas
Terminal 1 handles international flights, and it is the smaller of the two buildings. Outdoor smoking spots sit near the departure entrance on the upper curbside level — walk past the drop-off lane and look for the marked area off to the side. On the ground floor near the arrivals hall exit, there is another designated zone tucked along the building facade. Neither area is covered, but Chengdu’s famously overcast skies mean you will rarely deal with harsh sun.
Terminal 2 Smoking Areas
Terminal 2 is where the action is. This massive domestic terminal handles Air China and Sichuan Airlines traffic, and it can feel like half of China is passing through on any given afternoon. Outdoor smoking areas are positioned near the departure hall entrance on the upper level and along the arrivals curbside on the ground floor. The departures-level spot is easier to find — step outside the main doors, bear right, and follow the signage. The arrivals-level area is near the taxi and rideshare pickup zone.
Before Security / Landside
Before you check in or after you land, the simplest option is to step outside whichever terminal you are in. Both terminals have curbside areas where smoking is tolerated in the marked zones. Just do not wander too far — Shuangliu sits in a perpetual haze of taxi horns and Didi drivers, and you will want to keep your bearings.
Tips for Smokers at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport
- Chengdu fog regularly delays flights, sometimes for hours — if you are stuck in an extended delay, factor in the time to exit security, smoke, and re-clear before boarding opens suddenly
- Terminal 2 security lines can stretch long during morning and evening peaks; budget 40 minutes minimum for the round trip
- Disposable lighters pass through CTU security without issue, but refillable fuel lighters like Zippos will be confiscated
- Sichuan locals are heavy smokers and you will find the outdoor areas well-used — ashtrays are provided but can overflow during peak hours
- Signs are primarily in Chinese with limited English; look for the universal cigarette-and-smoke pictogram
China Smoking Regulations
Mainland China banned indoor smoking at all airport terminals in 2016. The rule covers every enclosed public space inside the building — departure halls, gates, restrooms, lounges, corridors, everywhere. Fines for violating the indoor ban range from 500 to 2,000 yuan depending on local municipal regulations. Chengdu enforces its own tobacco control ordinance on top of the national rules. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products fall under the same restrictions. The only legal option is the designated outdoor areas outside the terminal buildings.