Customs at Chinese airports is usually quick, but know the rules so you don't get pulled aside.
The two channels
- Green (nothing to declare) — most tourists
- Red (goods to declare) — if you exceed allowances or carry restricted items
Duty-free allowances
- Personal goods up to ¥5,000 for residents returning... for tourists, reasonable personal-use quantities are fine
- Alcohol: 1.5L of spirits (12%+ alcohol)
- Tobacco: 400 cigarettes
- Cash: declare if carrying more than $5,000 USD equivalent or ¥20,000 RMB
Prohibited and restricted items
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy (sniffer dogs do check)
- Drones — not banned, but declare them; flying rules are strict (see Photography guide)
- Satellite phones and radio equipment need permits
- Printed matter or media deemed politically sensitive
- E-cigarettes are allowed for personal use but restricted on domestic trains
What actually gets tourists in trouble
- Bringing too much cash without declaring
- Buying ivory, rhino horn, or endangered-species souvenirs — serious criminal offense, not just confiscation
- Carrying prescription drugs without documentation (see Health guide)
- Meat products like jerky or sausages — seized at the border
Departure tip: Keep receipts for expensive purchases (jade, watches, electronics). If you claim the 11% departure tax refund (see Shopping guide), you'll show goods and receipts at the airport refund counter before check-in.