Nanjing carries a weight of history that few Chinese cities can match. Six dynasties made it their capital, and the echoes of that past are everywhere — the massive Ming-era city walls, the solemn memorial at Jiangjunshan. Lukou International Airport sits about 35 kilometers south of all that, handling flights for one of the Yangtze Delta’s most important business centers. If you smoke, here is what you are working with.
Terminal 1 Smoking Zones
T1 is the older of the two terminals and handles a mix of domestic flights. It is relatively compact, which is a genuine advantage when you need to get outside quickly. Outdoor smoking zones are at ground level near the main entrance and arrivals exit. The marked areas have standing ashtrays and are clearly visible as you walk out the doors. Smoke here before heading upstairs to check-in — once inside, there is nothing.
Terminal 2 Smoking Zones
T2 is the larger, newer terminal handling most traffic including all international flights. It is a China Eastern hub, so expect crowds during peak hours. Outdoor smoking zones are near the ground-level entrance, similar to T1 but spread across a wider frontage.
The walk from the farthest T2 gates back to the entrance is considerable — a 15-to-20-minute trek each way, and you would need to re-clear security. Not practical unless you have a very long layover.
Before Security / Landside
The landside areas outside both terminals are where all smoking happens at NKG. After landing, collect your bags and walk straight outside. If you are catching a taxi, you will pass right by the smoking zones. Before a flight, build in extra time to smoke outside before heading through the doors.
Tips for Smokers at Nanjing Airport
- Nanjing has four distinct and intense seasons — summers push past 38°C with dripping humidity, winters drop below freezing with occasional snow, so dress for outdoor standing time
- Lighters will be confiscated at security — buy a disposable one at a convenience store outside the terminal if you need one at your destination
- Bilingual signage exists but is inconsistent. The Chinese character for smoking (吸烟) paired with the universal symbol is your most reliable guide
- If connecting between T1 and T2, factor in shuttle bus wait time plus security re-screening — a 90-minute connection minimum is wise if you want to smoke between flights
China’s National Smoking Restrictions
All airports across mainland China eliminated indoor smoking facilities in 2016 under a sweeping public health directive. Nanjing Lukou dismantled its airside smoking rooms that year. The ban covers all enclosed spaces with no grandfather clause or premium lounge exception. Smoking outside the marked designated zones can result in a fine from airport security or local police.