Chenzhou (Beihu)

Chenzhou Beihu Airport is a modern air gateway that officially opened its doors to passengers in the autumn of 2021. Located amidst the picturesque hills of Hunan Province, this airport has become the long-awaited aerial entry point to the famous "Forest City" and its natural wonders. Despite its compact size, the terminal is distinguished by its thoughtful design and technological advancement, turning arrival in the region into the start of an exciting journey to Dongjiang Lake and the Mangshan Mountains.

Airport Features and Advantages:

• State-of-the-art Infrastructure: As the terminal was commissioned very recently, it is equipped with advanced screening and check-in equipment, minimizing wait times in queues and simplifying all formalities.
• Architectural Style: The airport's design blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, reflecting traditional features of southern Hunan architecture with elements reminiscent of the region's rich natural resources.
• Convenient Location: The airport is located just a 20–30 minute drive from the city centre. Taxis and special shuttle buses are available for passengers, allowing quick access to hotels and key attractions.
• Compact and Cosy: Thanks to its small size, navigation inside the terminal is intuitive, making it an ideal choice for travellers who prefer a calm atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of giant hubs.

Having up-to-date contacts at hand is important for planning your trip and resolving operational issues. Please note that staff at small regional airports in China often speak only Chinese, so the assistance of an interpreter or the use of online translation apps is recommended for calls.

• Official Airport Website: The airport does not have its own separate website for an international audience. Flight schedules and news are best tracked through official Chinese aggregators or airline apps.
• Information Desk Phone: +86 735 3999900 (General Hotline).
• Airport Address: Tashui Village, Huatang Town, Beihu District, Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, China (Chinese: 湖南省郴州市北湖区华塘镇塔水村).
• Email: No public address for passenger inquiries is provided.
• Airport Social Media: The main channel for information is the official WeChat account (ID: czbhjc / search by name 郴州北湖机场).
• Lost and Found: +86 735 3999892 (Baggage Tracing Department) or the general information number.
• Customer Service Contacts: +86 735 3999888 (Line for feedback and complaints).

Getting from Chenzhou Beihu Airport to the city centre or key transport hubs is quite simple. Although the airport opened quite recently, transport links are already established to ensure comfort for arriving tourists. The distance to the city centre is about 18–20 kilometres, and the trip usually does not take much time thanks to good roads.

Buses and Shuttles

The most budget-friendly way to get to the city is to use special bus routes. This is a reliable option for those travelling light and looking to save money.

• Airport Shuttles (Airport Bus): Run between the terminal and key points in the city, including the International Exhibition Centre and the station. The schedule is usually linked to flight arrivals.
• City Routes: There is a direct bus service (e.g., route No. 201) connecting the airport with the bus station and the railway station.
• Cost and Time: The bus ticket price ranges from 5 to 10 CNY. The journey time to the city centre by bus is about 40–50 minutes.

It is important to note that there is no metro or railway station directly at the airport. The nearest major railway hub is Chenzhou West Railway Station, where high-speed trains arrive.

Taxi and Transfer

For international tourists, a taxi remains the most convenient option. This eliminates difficulties with orientation in an unfamiliar area and the language barrier.

• Where to find: The official taxi stand is located right at the exit of the arrivals area on the ground floor.
• Apps: Ride-hailing services like DiDi (similar to Uber) are very popular in China. It is recommended to install the app in advance, as it has a built-in message translator.
• Cost: A trip to central Chenzhou will cost approximately 40–60 CNY depending on the time of day and traffic.
• Travel Time: By car, the journey to central hotels will take about 25–30 minutes.

Car Rental and Parking

The airport provides parking for those dropping off or picking up passengers, located within walking distance of the terminal. Regarding car rental, there is an important nuance: China does not recognize International Driving Permits (IDP). To drive a car, you must obtain a temporary Chinese license. Therefore, tourists are more often recommended to hire a car with a driver.

Alternative Airports Nearby

If tickets to Chenzhou are sold out or the schedule does not suit you, you can consider flying into neighbouring cities, from where it is easy to reach Chenzhou by high-speed train or bus. Here is a list of the nearest air harbours:

• Hengyang Nanyue Airport (Hengyang) — located approximately 126 km away.
• Ganzhou Airport (Ganzhou) — located 193 km away.
• Ji'an Jinggangshan Airport (Ji'an) — 224 km away.
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Guangzhou) — the region's largest hub, located 265 km away. Very fast trains run from here to Chenzhou (travel time about 1.5 hours).
• Yichun Mingyueshan Airport (Yichun) — located at a distance of about 270 km.

Terminal Structure

Chenzhou Beihu Airport (HCZ) is a classic example of a modern regional airport in China, designed with an emphasis on efficiency and comfort. The airport complex consists of one single passenger terminal. This significantly simplifies logistics for travellers: there is no need to use trains or buses to move between buildings, and the risk of confusing the departure location is completely eliminated.

The terminal is a two-storey building where passenger flows are smartly separated to avoid overcrowding. The total area of the building is about 6,400 square metres, making it quite intimate. The terminal's architecture is executed in a style of "restrained modernism" with panoramic glazing that fills the halls with natural light and opens up views of the airfield and surrounding hills.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Navigation inside the building is intuitive even for those visiting China for the first time. The main zones are located as follows:

• Departure Zone: Includes check-in counters located in the main hall, the security screening area, and the waiting lounge with boarding gates. Thanks to its compactness, the path from the airport entrance to the seat on the plane takes minimal time. In the waiting area, there are small souvenir shops and cafes.
• Arrival Zone: Located on the ground level. After disembarking, passengers quickly reach the baggage claim hall. Modern conveyor belts are installed here. The exit to the city is located immediately after the customs area (screening is minimal for domestic flights).

Terminal Features and Amenities

Despite its status as a regional airport, Chenzhou Beihu offers a decent level of service:

• Navigation: All key signs are duplicated in English. Electronic boards with flight information are located at key points in the halls.
• Comfort: The terminal provides mother and child rooms, clean restrooms, and dispensers with free hot and cold drinking water (be sure to carry your own bottle or thermal mug, this is standard practice in China).
• For Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The building is fully equipped with ramps, elevators, and special toilets, ensuring a barrier-free environment.

Processing Times

A huge advantage of flying through Chenzhou Beihu is the absence of long queues typical of metropolises like Beijing or Shanghai.

• Check-in: Usually opens 90 minutes prior and closes 30–40 minutes before departure. Counters operate efficiently.
• Security Screening: The security check procedure is fast but remains strict by Chinese standards (be prepared to remove power banks, laptops, and umbrellas). This usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes.
• Time Recommendation: Experienced tourists advise arriving at the airport 1.5 hours before departure. This time is ample to check luggage, pass controls, and have a cup of tea before boarding.

Navigation Tips

Since the terminal is small, transitions between zones take mere minutes. If you have a connecting flight (which is rare for this airport as it is more often a final destination), you will have to collect your luggage and check in again, as there is no transit zone in the international sense here. In case of questions, approach staff in uniform at information desks — it is better to prepare a translation app on your smartphone in advance for communication.

The history of Chenzhou Beihu Airport (HCZ) is a clear illustration of the rapid development of transport infrastructure in modern China. Unlike many air harbours in the world with a long chronicle of reconstructions behind them, this airport is a brand-new 21st-century project created "from scratch" to stimulate tourism and the region's economy.

From Blueprints to Runway

For a long time, the city of Chenzhou relied exclusively on ground transport. The idea of building its own airport arose from the need to connect this resource-rich region with the country's key metropolises. The project implementation process took record-breaking short times:

• 2015–2016: Inception of the project. The construction of a civil airport was included in state development plans and received approval from the State Council of the PRC. Surveying work began in the Beihu district.
• January 2019: Start of the active construction phase. Engineers had to solve complex tasks of levelling the hilly landscape to lay the runway and erect the terminal.
• Summer 2021: The airport entered the final stage of preparation. Successful test flights, checks of navigation equipment, and security systems were conducted, opening the way to official certification.

Birthday and First Flight

The official start date of the airport's operation is considered to be September 16, 2021. This event became a real celebration for the entire Hunan Province. A historic moment was the landing of the first scheduled flight arriving from the capital. A China United Airlines aircraft, departing from Beijing Daxing Airport, touched the new runway, symbolically opening Chenzhou to travellers from all over the country.

Technology Instead of Renovations

The uniqueness of Chenzhou Beihu's history lies in the absence of an "old cramped terminal" stage. The airport was built immediately to modern flight class 4C standards, bypassing long evolutionary stages:

• The project initially took into account the latest requirements for energy efficiency and "green" construction.
• The 2,600-metre runway was immediately designed to accommodate popular medium-haul liners such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
• From day one, the terminal has been equipped with advanced screening systems and contactless check-in.

Interesting Facts and Achievements

Despite its youth, the airport has already written several notable lines in its biography:

• Named after a Lake: The name "Beihu" translates as "North Lake". This is a reference to the eponymous picturesque park and district, highlighting the air harbour's tourism mission.
• Construction Speed: Less than three years passed from the start of major earthworks to the launch of scheduled flights. This is an impressive figure, considering the difficult terrain.
• Strategic Bridge: The opening of the airport was an important step in integrating Chenzhou into the "Greater Bay Area" economic zone, turning the city into an accessible "green garden" for residents of the densely populated metropolises of southern China.

Although Chenzhou Beihu Airport (HCZ) is a small regional hub, passengers can count on a necessary set of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Since the terminal opened very recently, all infrastructure here is new, clean, and modern, although the choice of establishments may be more modest than in large international hubs.

Restaurants and Shops

Due to the airport's compactness, there are no huge food courts or global brand boutiques here. The commercial zone focuses on the basic needs of travellers.

• Dining: Small cafes and eateries operate in the terminal, offering both traditional Chinese dishes (noodles, rice with toppings) and Western fast food. This is a great place to try local Hunan cuisine, known for its spiciness and aroma, before flying.
• Shopping: Shops are located in the departure area where you can buy souvenirs, books, and travel goods. Special attention should be paid to stalls with local products: Chenzhou is famous for its tea, silver items, and minerals. There are also mini-markets with drinks and snacks.

Connectivity and Work

For those who want to stay connected or work before departure, the following amenities are provided:

• Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet is available throughout the terminal. Important: connecting to the network in China usually requires authorization via SMS, so ensure your phone can receive messages (or use a Chinese SIM card).
• Charging Stations: A sufficient number of sockets and USB ports for charging gadgets are installed in the waiting halls, especially near the seats at the gates.
• Business Services: There is no separate business centre with meeting rooms available to the general public, but VIP lounges provide a quiet environment for work.

VIP Lounges and Comfort

The airport features First Class / Business Lounges available for business class passengers and airline loyalty program members. Here you can relax in soft armchairs, use separate Wi-Fi, read the fresh press, and have a snack with light refreshments and soft drinks away from the bustle of the general hall.

Financial and Medical Services

• Banks and Currency Exchange: ATMs of major Chinese banks are installed in the terminal. Please note that full-service currency exchange points for rare foreign notes may not be available, so it is recommended to stock up on Yuan (CNY) in advance or withdraw cash from international cards (UnionPay, and sometimes Visa/Mastercard).
• Medical: A medical point functions in the building to provide first aid. If necessary, staff will help call an ambulance.

Services for Passengers with Children

Travelling with family through Chenzhou Beihu is quite peaceful thanks to thoughtful infrastructure:

• The terminal is equipped with mother and child rooms — clean and private spaces for feeding and changing infants.
• Dispensers with free hot water (boiling water) are available throughout the airport, making it easy to prepare baby formula or brew tea in your own thermos.

Accessibility

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with disabilities. The building is equipped with ramps, wide elevators, and special restrooms. Passengers can request escort services and wheelchairs when checking in for a flight or in advance through the airline.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no transit hotels or sleeping pods within the terminal itself. Since the airport is located in a rural area (Beihu District), the nearest accommodation options are located in the town:

• The closest hotels are in Huatang Town, a 10–15 minute drive away.
• For a comfortable stay, it is recommended to go to Chenzhou city centre (about 25–30 minutes by taxi), where a wide selection of international and local chain hotels, such as Wyndham or Hilton, is presented.

Since Chenzhou Beihu Airport (HCZ) is a small regional hub with one terminal, the choice of catering establishments here is quite modest but fully covers the basic needs of travellers. The airport's gastronomic map focuses on speed of service and introduction to local flavour, allowing passengers to have a snack before departure without unnecessary fuss.

Zoning and Location

Food outlets are distributed between two main zones:

• Public Zone (Landside): Before passing pre-flight screening, in the main hall of the terminal, there is a small convenience store and a cafe kiosk. This is an ideal place for those who want to drink coffee or buy snacks for the road while saying goodbye to those seeing them off.
• Departure Zone (Airside): The main options for a full lunch are located in the secure waiting area after passing special control. Cafes offering hot meals operate here. Thanks to the compactness of the terminal, these establishments are in direct line of sight from any gate.

Local Cuisine: What to Try

Even in the airport building, the influence of the famous Hunan cuisine is felt. If you didn't manage to enjoy culinary delights in the city, you will have a last chance here before departure.

• Chenzhou Rice Noodles (Chenzhou Mifen): The main dish to look for on the menu of local cafes. This is rice noodles in a rich, often spicy broth. In Chenzhou, it is customary to serve noodles with a large amount of red chili pepper, pickled vegetables, and slices of meat. This is an excellent option for a warming and hearty lunch.
• Spicy Snacks: Airport shops sell vacuum packs of local snacks — tofu, dried fish, or duck necks, generously seasoned with spices.

Quick Snacks and Drinks

For those limited in time or preferring lighter food, the following are available:

• Convenience Stores: Here you can purchase bottled water, juices, yoghurts, biscuits, and famous Chinese instant noodles. There are taps with boiling water in the airport, so you can brew noodles for free at any time.
• Tea and Coffee: In the waiting area, you can find points selling hot drinks, including Chinese milk tea (bubble tea) and classic black coffee.

Dietary Needs and Preferences

Travellers with strict dietary preferences should be prepared for a limited selection:

• Vegetarianism and Veganism: Finding a full hot vegan dish can be difficult, as noodle broths are usually boiled on bones, and vegetable dishes may contain animal fats. The most reliable option is buying ready-made snacks, fruits, or instant noodles with appropriate labelling.
• Halal: Specialized certified Halal restaurants are not currently noted in the terminal. Muslim travellers are advised to verify ingredients or stick to pre-packaged goods.
• Gluten-free: Due to the widespread use of soy sauce in Chinese cuisine, maintaining a gluten-free diet is challenging. It is recommended to carry your own snacks.

Prices and Opening Hours

Pricing at Chenzhou Beihu Airport is slightly higher than in the city but remains affordable compared to large international hubs.

• Average Check: A portion of noodles or hot rice with a side dish will cost approximately 30–50 CNY. A bottle of water or tea costs from 5 to 15 CNY.
• Schedule: Establishments do not operate around the clock. Cafe opening is usually linked to the start of check-in for the first morning flight (around 07:30–08:00), and closing occurs after the departure of the last plane (usually around 22:00–23:00). It is impossible to buy food in the terminal at night.

Travelling through a regional airport in China, such as Chenzhou Beihu, has its nuances, knowledge of which will make your trip much more comfortable. Despite the small size, strict national aviation security rules apply here, and local specifics may surprise an unprepared tourist. Here is a list of practical tips to help you save time and keep calm.

Optimal Arrival Time

Although Chenzhou Beihu is a compact airport without the huge queues typical of Beijing or Shanghai, it is not worth the risk. It is recommended to arrive at the terminal 1.5–2 hours before departure. Check-in for flights usually closes strictly 30–40 minutes before departure. This time is enough to calmly pass screening, which can be quite thorough in China, and even manage to brew tea before boarding.

Check-in and Security Screening

Chinese security standards are among the strictest in the world. To pass control quickly, prepare in advance:

• Documents: Keep your passport handy. If you are flying within China, you may need to show your entry stamp or visa, although the photo page is usually sufficient for domestic flights.
• Electronics: Laptops, tablets, cameras, and power banks (external batteries) must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate tray.
• Umbrellas: These are also often requested to be removed from hand luggage for scanning.
• Personal Search: Be prepared for security staff to conduct a manual search or ask you to remove your shoes if the metal detector beeps.

Baggage and Hand Luggage Rules

The most frequent mistake tourists make in China involves carrying batteries and lighters. Remember the "golden rules":

• Power Banks and Lithium Batteries: Must be carried ONLY in hand luggage. Checking them in baggage is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the device must have a factory marking indicating capacity (usually allowed up to 100 Wh or 20,000 mAh; from 100 to 160 Wh — only with airline permission). Unmarked batteries may be confiscated.
• Lighters and Matches: Completely prohibited for carriage in both hand luggage and checked baggage. They will be confiscated at screening.
• Liquids: You can take containers of no more than 100 ml each in hand luggage, packed in a transparent bag. Anything larger (even if it is cream or honey) must be checked in baggage.
• Alcohol: Transported only in checked baggage. Bottles cannot be taken into the aircraft cabin, even if sealed, unless purchased in the "secure" area.

Seat Selection on the Plane

Chenzhou is called the "Forest City", and the region is famous for its picturesque karst hills and lush greenery. When checking in online or at the counter, try to choose a window seat. During takeoff and landing, especially in clear weather, stunning views of the mountain ranges and lakes of Hunan Province open up, which will be a great start or end to your journey.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Chenzhou Beihu Airport is a regional hub, not an international one. There is no special "Airside" transit zone (without exiting to the city) here, as in large airports.

• If you have a connecting flight (two separate tickets), you will have to: collect your luggage, exit to the general hall, and go through check-in and screening again.
• Allow at least 2 hours for the transfer to eliminate the risk of being late due to a delay of the first flight or queues at the re-screening.

How to Save Time and Money

• Free Water: Do not buy water before passing control — you will have to throw it away. Bring an empty bottle or thermal mug. In the waiting hall, there are free dispensers with cold, warm water, and boiling water. This is standard for all airports in China.
• Food: Prices in airport cafes are higher than in the city. An economical option is to buy instant noodles or fruit in the city and have a snack at the airport using free boiling water.
• Taxi: To avoid overpaying private drivers at the exit, use the DiDi app (Chinese equivalent of Uber) or go strictly to the official taxi stand, demanding the meter be turned on ("da biao").

Actions in Case of Flight Delay

The weather in the mountainous terrain of Hunan is changeable (fogs, rains), and China's airspace is sometimes closed due to military exercises, leading to delays.

• Tracking Apps: Install Chinese apps Umetrip or VariFlight. They often show information about the delay and its reasons faster than the boards in the airport.
• Meals: If the delay lasts a long time (usually more than 2–4 hours) due to the airline's fault, you may be offered a free lunch (lunch box) and drinks. Do not hesitate to ask staff at the gate about this.
• Stay Calm: In case of flight cancellation, contact the airline counter. In China, it is customary to resolve issues calmly; shouting and scandals may lead to calling the police rather than solving the problem.