Ankang Airport

Ankang Fuqiang Airport is a modern gateway offering travellers a convenient route to the majestic Qinling Mountains and the picturesque Hanshui River. This new aviation hub, which officially commenced operations in the autumn of 2020, replaced the old city airfield and immediately set high service standards for the region. The terminal features a concise architectural design and intuitive navigation, creating a calm atmosphere before your flight. For tourists wishing to explore the natural beauty of Shaanxi Province, arriving here marks the beginning of an exciting journey.

Airport Features and Advantages:

The main advantage of Ankang Fuqiang Airport is its modern infrastructure. Built very recently, the terminal is equipped with the latest security systems and comfortable waiting lounges, distinguishing it favourably from many older regional hubs. Passengers appreciate the cleanliness, spaciousness, and thoughtful layout, allowing for pre-flight formalities to be completed without unnecessary bustle.

The airport is conveniently located in the Fuqiang area (Wuli Town), ensuring quick access to the city. The journey to the centre of Ankang by taxi or bus takes very little time, and proximity to major transport arteries allows tourists to head to national parks or mountain routes immediately upon arrival without delay.

Despite its regional status, the airport offers stable connections with major metropolises. Regular flights connect Ankang with key economic and cultural centres such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. This makes it an excellent starting point for planning itineraries across China, allowing travellers to easily combine visits to the ancient monuments of Shaanxi with trips to other parts of the country.

• Official Website: The airport does not have its own dedicated website. Reference information can be found on the portal of the managing company, China West Airport Group (www.westairport.com).
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86 915 220 1333
• Airport Address: Wuli Town, Hanbin District, Ankang City, Shaanxi Province, China (Chinese: 陕西省安康市汉滨区五里镇).
• Email: A public email address for passenger inquiries is not provided.
• Social Media: An official account is available on the WeChat app (searchable by the characters: 安康富强机场).
• Lost Luggage Information: Issues regarding lost items are handled through the general inquiry service or at a special counter in the arrivals hall.
• Support Contacts: For assistance, it is recommended to approach the information desk directly within the terminal.

Ankang Fuqiang Airport is located approximately 15–20 kilometres northwest of the city centre, in the Wuli district. As the air harbour was built recently, the transport infrastructure here is designed to meet modern requirements, although the choice of transport modes is currently limited to road vehicles.

Bus and Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to get to the city or arrive for a flight is via dedicated airport shuttle buses. They run between the terminal and key points in central Ankang, usually departing from major hotels or the city administration building. The bus schedule is generally coordinated with flight arrival and departure times.

There is no metro system in Ankang, and regular city bus routes may not be very convenient for tourists with luggage due to frequent stops and overcrowding. The fare for the shuttle is around 20–30 RMB, and the journey takes approximately 40–50 minutes.

Taxi and Transfers

A taxi is the most comfortable and common option for foreigners. The taxi rank is located right outside the arrivals hall exit. A trip to the city centre will take about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. It is recommended to use official taxis with meters. The estimated cost of the trip is 40–60 RMB.

Ride-hailing apps (such as DiDi) are also very popular in China. This is convenient as you can specify your destination on the map within the app, eliminating the language barrier with the driver. To use such apps, you will need a local SIM card and a linked payment system.

Car Rental

Car rental counters can be found at the airport. However, it is important for tourists to remember: International Driving Permits (IDP) are not valid in China. To drive a car, one must obtain a temporary Chinese driving licence. If you do not have such a document, it is better to book a car with a driver.

Parking

A spacious parking zone is equipped in front of the terminal, designed for both short-term and long-term parking. This is convenient for those dropping off passengers or planning to leave their car for several days. The parking area is equipped with video surveillance systems.

Nearest Alternative Airports

If direct flights to Ankang are unavailable or do not suit your schedule, travellers may consider flying to neighbouring cities, from where Ankang can be reached by high-speed train or bus. Here is a list of the nearest aviation hubs:

• Hanzhong Airport (HZG) — located at a distance of about 168 km.
• Shennongjia Hongping Airport (HPG) — located 178 km away, convenient for visiting the nature reserve of the same name.
• Shiyan Wudangshan Airport (WDS) — 186 km away, popular among pilgrims heading to the Wudang Mountains.
• Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) — the largest hub in the region, located 193 km away. Most international flights arrive here, and it is easy to reach Ankang by ground transport from this point.
• Wanzhou Wuqiao Airport (WXN) — located approximately 216 km away.

Ankang Fuqiang Airport is a compact regional hub designed with a focus on functionality and passenger convenience. Due to its small size and modern layout, it is practically impossible to get lost here, and moving between zones takes mere minutes.

Terminals and Structure

The airport complex consists of a single two-storey passenger terminal, which exclusively serves domestic flights within China. The building, with an area of about 5,500 square metres, is divided into main functional zones according to a classic scheme:

• Ground Floor: Check-in counters, baggage screening zone, arrivals hall, and baggage claim are located here.
• Second Floor: Departure zone, waiting lounges (gates), commercial outlets, and service rooms.

Since there is only one terminal, there are no transfers between buildings. All procedures, from entering the building to boarding the aircraft, take place within a single space, eliminating the need for shuttles or long walks.

Departure Zone and Check-in Features

Immediately upon entering the terminal, passengers find themselves in the check-in hall. Counters for baggage drop and boarding pass issuance are installed here, as well as self-service kiosks for those flying without luggage. A key feature is compactness: the distance from the entrance to the check-in counter and further to the security checkpoint is minimal.

After passing pre-flight screening, travellers enter the Airside zone. The waiting hall is equipped with comfortable seating, charging stations for gadgets, and dispensers with hot and cold drinking water, which is standard for Chinese airports. There are also small shops selling local souvenirs, tea, and travel snacks, as well as a café with a limited selection of dishes.

Arrivals Zone

Passengers arriving in Ankang proceed via an aerobridge or are transported by bus to the entrance of the arrivals zone on the ground floor. The baggage claim hall is equipped with modern conveyor belts. The baggage retrieval procedure is usually quick due to the small number of flights served simultaneously. The exit from the terminal leads directly to the station square, where taxis and buses are located.

Processing Times

Thanks to the low congestion of the airport, all formalities take much less time than in major hubs like Beijing or Xi'an.

• Check-in and Baggage Drop: Usually takes 10–15 minutes.
• Security Screening: Checks in China are thorough, but due to the lack of long queues, the process rarely lasts longer than 10–20 minutes.

Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before departure to have a buffer of time in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Navigation Recommendations

Navigation within the terminal is intuitive. All signs are duplicated in English. Electronic boards with flight information are located at key points in the halls. Staff at information desks generally possess basic English skills or use electronic translators to communicate with foreign tourists. For added convenience, it is recommended to save a screenshot of your ticket and the name of your destination in Chinese beforehand.

The history of air travel in Ankang runs much deeper and is more interesting than it might appear when looking at the gleaming new terminal. In fact, the chronicle of local aviation is divided into two major eras: the period of the old airfield and the time of the modern air harbour. The predecessor of the current airport, Ankang Wulipu, was built back in 1938. Initially, it performed military functions, but by 1964 it began serving civil flights, becoming a vital transport node for the remote mountainous region.

Over the years, the city grew, and the old airport found itself literally hemmed in by urban development. This not only hindered the development of Ankang's infrastructure but also imposed strict restrictions on flights: the short runway could not accommodate large aircraft, and night flights were difficult. Understanding the need for change, the authorities approved a project to relocate the airport. Construction of the new complex in the Fuqiang area began in December 2015 and became one of the key infrastructure projects of Shaanxi Province.

The grand opening of Ankang Fuqiang Airport took place on 23 September 2020. It was a historic day: simultaneously with the launch of the new hub, the old Wulipu airfield, which had served the city for 82 years, was officially closed. The first liner to land on the new runway was a China Southern Airlines aircraft arriving from Guangzhou. relocating the airport allowed the aerodrome class to be upgraded from 3C to 4C, opening Ankang's skies to popular airliners such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

One of the important milestones in development was the implementation of modern navigation equipment, allowing flights to operate in difficult meteorological conditions characteristic of the mountainous terrain. While the old airport often closed due to fog, the new complex is equipped with everything necessary for stable round-the-clock operation. This has significantly increased the tourist appeal of the region, making travel to the Qinling Mountains more predictable and comfortable.

Interesting Facts:

• The name "Fuqiang" is symbolic: although the airport is geographically located in Wuli Town, the name was chosen in honour of the nearby village of Fuqiang, which translates from Chinese as "Wealth and Strength", reflecting the region's hopes for economic prosperity.
• The airport is one of the few in China built in the challenging terrain conditions of the Loess Plateau, which required engineers to apply unique soil reinforcement technologies during the construction of the runway.

Although Ankang Fuqiang Airport is a small regional hub, it is designed with all modern standards of comfort in mind. Passengers have access to the necessary set of services to spend time pleasantly before departure; however, one should consider the compact size of the terminal and not expect the variety typical of capital city giants.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops

The commercial service area in the airport is concise. Small convenience stores and souvenir shops operate in the public zone and the "Airside" zone (after security). Here you can purchase:

• Traditional local products, including famous tea from Shaanxi Province and vacuum-packed snacks.
• Books, magazines, and travel essentials.

The choice of catering establishments is limited. Typically, these are small cafés or tea houses serving hot drinks, instant noodles, and light snacks. Travellers accustomed to a substantial meal before a flight are advised to eat in the city before arriving at the airport.

Wi-Fi, Charging Stations, and Drinking Water

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Please note: connecting to the network in China often requires authorisation via SMS to a local phone number or through the WeChat app. In the waiting lounges at the gates, there are sufficient seats equipped with USB ports and sockets for charging gadgets.

As in all Chinese airports, drinking water dispensers are installed here. They dispense both cold and hot water (boiling water) for free, allowing passengers to brew tea or noodles bought in the shop — a very popular practice among locals.

Lounges and VIP Service

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, the airport provides a VIP Lounge (First Class Lounge). The service is available to business class passengers, as well as holders of certain loyalty cards and priority access passes. The lounge offers more comfortable seating, drinks, snacks, fresh press, and separate Wi-Fi. It is best to clarify access conditions at the information desk upon arrival.

Financial Services

ATMs from major Chinese banks are installed in the terminal, where you can withdraw cash in RMB. There are generally no full-service currency exchange points at Ankang Airport, as it serves only domestic flights. Foreign tourists are strongly advised to exchange money or withdraw cash in advance at major international hubs (Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an) or use mobile payment systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Services for Passengers with Children

The airport cares for family travellers. The terminal is equipped with a Nursery Room, where you can change and feed a baby in a quiet environment. The rooms are equipped with changing tables and sinks. Restrooms are also adapted for the convenience of parents with small children.

Accessibility

The terminal is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Since the building is new, ramps, wide aisles, special restrooms, and lifts are provided. Airport staff are ready to provide assistance from the terminal entrance to boarding the aircraft, including the provision of a wheelchair. It is recommended to book the assistance service in advance through the airline.

Medical Assistance

A medical post operates in the terminal building to provide first aid. If you feel unwell before your flight, approach any airport staff member, and they will escort you to the medical personnel.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels within the airport grounds themselves. Capsule hotels or rest rooms for long sleep inside the terminal are also absent. The nearest accommodation options are located outside the airport zone:

• Small guest houses can be found in Wuli Town, located a 5–10 minute drive away.
• For a comfortable overnight stay, it is better to head to the city centre of Ankang (about 30 minutes drive), where a wide selection of hotels of various categories is presented, from budget to 4-star hotels of international and Chinese chains.

Business Services

There are no specialised conference halls or a full-fledged business centre at the airport. Business travellers should rely only on the facilities of the VIP lounge or plan meetings in city hotels.

Due to the compact size and regional status of Ankang Fuqiang Airport (AKA), the gastronomic map of the terminal is quite concise. You will not find a wide selection of international chain restaurants or fine dining establishments here. The catering infrastructure is oriented towards allowing passengers to have a quick snack before departure or take food with them. Travellers accustomed to the variety of major international hubs are advised to take these features into account when planning their trip.

Main Dining Formats and Location

Catering establishments are concentrated mainly on the second floor of the terminal, in the departure zone.

• Landside (Public Area): Before passing security control, the choice is limited to a small shop with drinks and packaged snacks. If you arrive at the airport very early and want a full lunch, it is better to do so in Ankang city or in the nearby Wuli Town before entering the terminal.
• Airside (Secure Area): After passing screening, passengers have access to several small cafés and retail outlets. Here you can order hot dishes, buy tea, coffee, or soft drinks.

Menu and Local Specialities

The basis of the assortment in local cafés consists of Chinese cuisine dishes that are prepared quickly and are filling. This is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the gastronomic traditions of Shaanxi Province without even leaving the airport.

• Hot Dishes: The most popular lunch option is traditional Beef Noodles. This is a thick, aromatic soup with spices that will warm and satisfy you before your flight. Sets with rice and stewed meat or vegetables may also be offered.
• Local Specialities: Pay attention to Ankang Mianpi — a variety of cold noodles made from wheat or rice flour, served with vinegar and chilli oil. If this dish is on the menu, it is definitely worth trying as a hallmark of the region.
• Tea Culture: Since Ankang is famous for its tea plantations (especially rich in selenium), you can buy excellent quality freshly brewed green tea in the terminal.

Quick Snacks and the "People's" Choice

As in many airports in China, the most popular and budget-friendly way to eat here remains instant noodles. The terminal shops sell a huge assortment of such noodles in convenient cups.

Tip: Use the free boiling water dispensers installed in the waiting hall to brew noodles or your own tea. This not only saves money but is also considered absolutely normal practice even among affluent local tourists.

Dietary Requirements

Due to the limited menu, specialised options for specific diets may not be available in the cafés.

• Vegetarians and Vegans: Finding a strictly vegetarian dish can be difficult, as broths are often boiled on bones. The safest option is to buy instant noodles with a vegetable flavour (check the ingredients) or stick to fruit and biscuits from the shop.
• Halal: The region is home to a Muslim population (Hui people), so products marked "Halal" (Halal sign or characters 清真) are frequently encountered. Look for this sign on snack packaging. There is no separate Halal restaurant in the terminal.
• Gluten-Free: Travellers with gluten intolerance are recommended to bring food with them, as the basis of the local menu is wheat noodles and soy sauce.

Prices and Opening Hours

Average Bill: Prices at Ankang Airport are higher than in the city but remain affordable by international standards.

• A portion of noodles or a hot dish: 35–50 RMB.
• A bottle of water or tea: 5–15 RMB.
• Instant noodles: 10–20 RMB.

Opening Hours: Catering establishments and shops adjust to the flight schedule. They open 90 minutes before the first departure and close after the last flight departs. At night, when there are no flights, the terminal and all food outlets are closed.

Travelling through a small regional hub like Ankang Fuqiang Airport has its own specifics. Despite the absence of huge crowds typical of metropolises, strict general Chinese aviation security rules apply here. Here are some useful tips to help make your departure as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Optimal Arrival Time

Although the airport is compact and navigation is simple, do not arrive at the last minute. The recommended arrival time is 1.5 hours (90 minutes) before departure. Check-in counters usually close 30–40 minutes before the flight departs. This buffer allows enough time to check in luggage and pass through security, which can be quite thorough in China, without rushing.

Check-in and Security Features (Important!)

Security services in PRC airports work extremely scrupulously. Be prepared for the following points during screening:

• Lighters and Matches: Carrying them into the "Airside" zone or checking them in luggage is strictly prohibited. They will be confiscated at screening. It is better to remove them before entering the control zone.
• Power Banks: This is the most frequent stumbling block. Power banks can be carried only in hand luggage. The device must have a clear factory marking of its capacity. Batteries with a capacity exceeding 20,000 mAh (or 100 Wh) may require additional approval, and unbranded devices without markings will be confiscated permanently.
• Electronics: Laptops, tablets, cameras, and umbrellas must be placed in separate trays.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

A flight to or from Ankang is a veritable excursion. Planes often fly over the picturesque ridges of the Qinling Mountains and the Hanshui River valley. During online check-in or at the counter, try to choose a Window Seat. In clear weather, the views are stunning, especially during the approach for landing, when the liner descends over green hills.

Hand Luggage: What is Allowed and Prohibited

Rules for carrying liquids are standard: containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Anything larger (even if the bottle is half-empty) must be checked in. Knives (including penknives and multi-tools) and aerosols with flammable markings are categorically prohibited. Be sure to take valuables, documents, and lithium batteries (from cameras, drones, and phones) in your hand luggage.

Recommendations for Transit Passengers

Ankang Airport serves only direct point-to-point flights; there is no complex transfer zone here. If you are flying with a connection (e.g., Beijing – Ankang – Shanghai) on separate tickets:

• You will likely have to collect your luggage and check in for the next flight again.
• Allow at least 2–3 hours for the transfer to eliminate risks in case of a delay to the first flight.

Customs Control

Since the airport has domestic status, there are no immigration or customs control zones here. Foreign tourists undergo all border formalities at their first point of arrival in China (for example, in Beijing, Xi'an, or Guangzhou). In Ankang, only the ticket and passport are checked to verify identity.

Saving Time and Money

• Water: Do not buy water before security screening — you will be made to throw it away. Bring an empty bottle or flask. There are free drinking water dispensers (hot and cold) in the waiting hall.
• Food: Prices in airport cafés are higher than in the city, and the choice is small. It is wiser and tastier to eat in the city before leaving.
• Transport: If you are travelling alone or as a couple, use the airport shuttle — this will save you 20–30 RMB compared to a taxi.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

The weather in the mountainous region of Shaanxi Province is changeable, which sometimes leads to flight delays. Mobile apps (such as VariFlight or Umetrip) are very useful in China, showing flight status in real-time, often faster than the boards in the terminal. If a flight is delayed for a long time, the airline is obliged to provide food (usually a lunch box with rice and meat), but for this, you need to listen to announcements or approach the carrier's representative at the gate.