The new Terminal 3 and the 5th runway of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport officially started operation on Thursday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Already ranking among the world's busiest for both passengers and cargo, Baiyun Airport's latest expansion reinforces Guangzhou's role as a global gateway and a key driver in southern China's modernization plans.

This third expansion project for the airport spent five years under construction, with a final cost of 53.77 billion yuan ($7.59 billion).

Designed as a tribute to Guangzhou's nickname "city of flowers", Terminal 3's architecture evokes a blooming blossom, weaving in imagery of the Pearl River and Baiyun Mountain. The result is a landmark meant to symbolize the city's urban gateway image.