Lounge Review: Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Terminal 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is a relatively new addition to the third busiest airport in China. Officially opened back in April 2018, this 600,000 sqm space is home to China Southern Airlines but more importantly, a brand new lounge (accessible via Priority Pass) that I was meaning to check out — Premium Lounge. My flight from Guangzhou back to Singapore was on Singapore Airlines and it was conveniently departing from the relatively-new Terminal 2 of the airport.

Click HERE to find out which credit cards give you complimentary airport lounge access!

Plenty of Seats
Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

The Premium Lounge (not to be confused with Plaza Premium Lounge) here in Terminal 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is located airside in international departures after security checks. Since this is not a Plaza Premium Lounge, you will not be able to access it using your OCBC VOYAGE Card - click HERE for a full list of airport lounges that you can access with the right credit card from Singapore. The Premium Lounge is opened from 6:30AM until the last scheduled flight departure so it will definitely be open if you are departing on a Singapore Airlines flight. 

Perfect for Business Travellers
Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

If you know which credit cards in Singapore give you unlimited airport lounge access, you should already know that The Platinum Card from American Express gives me unlimited access (+1 guest) to all Priority Pass lounges. At the time of writing, there is only one lounge that Priority Pass members have access to in Terminal 2 (there are plenty more in Terminal 1) - there is another one in the domestic terminal but international travellers will not have access to that. 

Tea Tasting Room
Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

The first thing you will notice as you step into the Premium Lounge is how new and bright it is. There is a small area near to the entrance of the lounge where you will be able to sample (and purchase) quality teas but I decided to venture a little further inside for some light refreshments instead. I have not had great experiences with photography in airport lounges located within China - I have been stopped many times so I always try to use my phone instead of my camera for photography (pardon the lower-quality photos!).

Seats Near Entrance
Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

There are various seating configurations here in the Premium Lounge and the seats located towards the entrance of the lounge are catered for travellers wanting just a comfortable place to wait before their flight. If you are looking to have a meal, you are better off with the tables located towards the end of the lounge since these dining tables can easily accommodate up to four guests (perfect for family and friends traveling together!). 

Selection of Hot Food
Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

As far as airport lounges in China go, the food selection here in the Premium Lounge is probably one of the better ones. My previous experience at the Air China First Class Lounge in Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has convinced me that 'first class' does not mean much here in China. With that being said, I was fairly impressed with the quality of the No.77 China Eastern Plaza Premium Lounge over in Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).

Fishball Noodles
Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

There is a small noodle station located at one end of the lounge and there is also a small selection of hot/cold items on the buffet. Honestly, the noodle station reminded me a lot of a Plaza Premium Lounge and I dare say that the presentation and flavours were rather similar as well. Coincidence? Who knows.

Limited Selection of Wine
Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

If you are up for a little pick-me-up, the Premium Lounge does serve proper barista-style coffee for free. However, if you are looking for alcohol here, the selection is extremely limited and there was only one bottle of red and white wine while I was there. In the fridges located in the lounge, you will find a small selection of beers so feel free to help yourself to those as these are included in your access (complimentary or otherwise).

Instant Noodles and Drinks
Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

If like me, you were just looking for a simple beverage that does not contain any alcohol, the fridges are stocked with local beverages like soy milk as well as juices and carbonated drinks. Instant noodles are also provided if you prefer to enjoy that over the selection of hot food here in the Premium Lounge.

Massage Chairs
Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

If you are a solo-traveller or you would simply like to break away from your travelling group for a bit, there are a number of throne-like seats located by the window. These chairs are supposed to be massage chairs but for some reason they were all not plugged in or ready during my visit - hopefully you will have better luck during your visit!

View from the Lounge
Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Even though the Premium Lounge here in Terminal 2 does not look out to the runway or tarmac, it does offer limited views of the airport. While this is not great, it beats having just four walls and a ceiling.

Sleek Modern Design
Premium Lounge (Terminal 2) - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

On the whole, I did find the Premium Lounge here in Terminal 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to be pleasant. Obviously, this airport lounge cannot hold a candle to more established flagship lounges located outside of China but as far as airport lounges in Mainland China are concerned, this ranks amongst the top five lounge that I have been to - the decor is modern, the lounge is clean and the food is edible. If you do not already have a credit card that gives you access to airport lounges, be sure to check out my credit card guide for airport lounge access!