Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport

Welcome to Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, the main air gateway to the charming coastal city of Dalian, located in northeast China. As one of the busiest airports in the region, it serves as a vital transport hub connecting Dalian with dozens of cities worldwide. Despite its long history, dating back to 1927 as a military airfield, today Zhoushuizi stands as a modern and functional complex ready to welcome travellers from across the globe. The airport plays a key role not only in domestic transport but also serves as a crucial hub for flights to Japan, South Korea, and the Russian Far East.

Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable journey. The terminal building houses numerous shops, including Duty Free, cafes and restaurants, currency exchange counters, ATMs, and luggage storage. For travellers with children, a nursery room is available, while business class passengers can enjoy several VIP lounges with enhanced comfort. Excellent transport accessibility is one of the airport's key advantages. You can reach the city centre in just 20-30 minutes by taxi or metro, with a station conveniently located right at the terminal. Passengers also have access to an extensive network of bus routes connecting the airport to various districts of Dalian.

• Official Website: For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations, please visit the official airport website.
• Inquiry Hotline: For any questions, you can contact the 24-hour number: +86-411-96600.
• Airport Address: 100 Yinggeshi Road, Ganjingzi District, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email address for general inquiries. It is recommended to use the phone or feedback forms on the website for communication.
• Social Media: Official airport accounts can be found on popular Chinese social networks, such as WeChat, for real-time news updates.
• Lost and Found: If you cannot find your luggage upon arrival, please contact the Lost and Found service at: +86-411-83886915.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main support channel is the 24-hour inquiry hotline available at the phone number listed above.

Getting to Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC) from the centre of Dalian is quite simple, as it is located within the city limits. Travellers have access to several convenient and budget-friendly transport options, allowing them to plan their trip according to their schedule and budget.

Metro. The fastest and most predictable way to reach the airport is by metro. Line 2 of the Dalian Metro has a station right at the terminal — "Airport" (机场站, Jīchǎng). The trip from the city centre, for example from Zhongshan Square station, will take about 25-30 minutes. This is not only a quick but also a very economical option, with the fare costing just a few yuan. The metro operates from early morning until late evening, making it an excellent choice for most flights.

Buses. For those who prefer ground transport or whose hotel is far from metro stations, city buses and special shuttles are suitable. Several routes, including bus No. 710 and airport shuttles, connect the terminal with different parts of the city, including the railway station. A bus ride is the cheapest option but will take more time — from 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. This method is suitable if you have light luggage and enough time to spare.

Taxi and Transfers. Taking a taxi is the most comfortable way, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. The journey from the centre of Dalian to the airport usually takes 20-30 minutes, but this may increase during peak hours. The cost of the trip will be approximately 30-50 yuan. Ride-hailing apps like DiDi are also popular in China and often offer more competitive rates. For maximum convenience, you can book a private transfer in advance.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to get around the city in a rented vehicle, there are car rental offices at the airport. Both short-term and long-term parking lots are located near the terminal. Parking is convenient if you are seeing someone off or arriving in your own car. However, renting a car solely for the trip to the airport before departure is rarely the most rational choice due to the availability of cheaper and faster alternatives.

Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC) in Dalian is a modern and convenient transport hub. Despite its size and significant passenger flow, its structure is simple enough to navigate. The airport consists of one large passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal is functionally divided into two main zones: for domestic flights (Domestic) and for international ones (International), which simplifies orientation for passengers.

The terminal layout is intuitive. As in most modern airports, the floors are divided by function: the Departure Hall is located on the upper level, and the Arrival Hall is on the lower level (ground floor). Movement between the international and domestic sectors is done on foot within the same building; no shuttles or buses are required. Signs in the airport are duplicated in Chinese and English, which significantly facilitates navigation for foreign tourists.

In the departure zone, after entering the terminal, you will find check-in counters divided by airlines. For international flights, after check-in, you must go through passport and customs control, followed by security screening. For domestic flights, the procedure is limited to check-in and security screening. In the "airside" zone, after all formalities, passengers have access to Duty Free shops, various cafes and restaurants, as well as comfortable waiting lounges.

The arrival zone is located on the ground floor. After landing, international passengers go through passport control, then proceed to the baggage claim hall. Baggage claim belts are equipped with information screens. After collecting suitcases, it is necessary to pass through the customs corridor ("green" or "red"). In the public arrival area, there are taxi stands, car rental offices, bus ticket counters, and currency exchange points.

To avoid rushing, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance. For international flights, allow about 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights within China — 1.5-2 hours. This time is usually sufficient for a calm passage through all procedures, including flight check-in and security screening, which can take longer during peak hours. Pay close attention to the information on electronic boards — they display the check-in counter and boarding gate numbers for your flight.

The history of Zhoushuizi International Airport begins in 1927, making it one of the oldest aviation hubs in China. Initially, the airfield was used for military purposes, but soon began serving civil flights as well, laying the foundation for the future development of air travel in the region. The early years of the airport were closely linked to the turbulent history of the country's northeast.

A new era in the airport's history began in 1972, when it was officially transformed into a fully civil facility. This step provided the impetus for its gradual modernisation. By 1984, the airport of Dalian received first-class airport status, allowing it to accept larger aircraft and significantly expand its route network, strengthening the city's economic and tourism ties with other regions.

The period of most active growth occurred in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, coinciding with China's economic rise. The airport underwent several large-scale renovations, the key ones taking place in 1992, 2005, and 2011. During these works, a modern passenger terminal was built, the runway was extended, and the infrastructure was upgraded. Thanks to this, Zhoushuizi's capacity increased manifold, allowing it to become one of the busiest airports in the northeast of the country.

Interesting fact: the name "Zhoushuizi" (周水子) literally translates as "Water Village of the Zhou Family", indicating the historical name of the area where the airport was built. Today, despite discussions about building a new airport outside the city, Zhoushuizi continues to remain an important transport hub, valued by travellers for its convenient location just a few kilometres from the centre of Dalian.

Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport offers passengers a range of services that make waiting for a flight comfortable and productive. The needs of different categories of travellers, from tourists to business people and families with children, are well considered here.

For those wishing to have a snack or do some shopping, the terminal features various restaurants and cafes where you can try both local dishes and familiar international snacks. Numerous shops, including Duty Free, offer a wide range of goods: from souvenirs and cosmetics to electronics and fashion apparel.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. For passenger convenience, special zones with power outlets and USB ports for charging mobile devices are provided. If you are looking for greater comfort, there are several premium lounges and VIP halls at your service, where you can relax in silence, use additional services, and have a snack.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: there are bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of need, passengers can visit the 24-hour medical centre for first aid.

Families with small children will appreciate the presence of mother and child rooms, equipped with everything necessary for baby care. A barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, special toilets, and elevators. Airport staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance, however, it is recommended to notify the airline of your needs in advance.

For travellers who need to rest between flights, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Business people can make use of the business centres and conference rooms to hold meetings and negotiations without leaving the airport terminal grounds.

At Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC), passengers will find diverse dining spots capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Both establishments serving traditional Chinese cuisine and popular international chains offering familiar dishes are represented here. Options are available both for those rushing to a flight and for those who have time for a full lunch or dinner.

Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the departure zone (airside), that is, after passing through passport control and security screening. However, in the public zone (landside), before flight check-in, there are also several good options where you can have a snack or drink coffee while seeing off or meeting loved ones. Typically, these are coffee shops and fast-food outlets.

Being in Dalian, it is worth taking the last opportunity to enjoy local cuisine. The airport has restaurants specialising in dishes of Northeastern China. Pay attention to establishments offering fresh seafood, for which this coastal city is famous, as well as traditional dumplings (jiaozi) and noodles. For those who prefer more familiar food, well-known international chains such as KFC and Starbucks operate here, where you can order standard meals and drinks.

Travellers with specific dietary requirements should be attentive. Although Chinese cuisine features many vegetable-based dishes suitable for vegetarians, finding certified vegan, Halal, or gluten-free options may be challenging. It is best to clarify ingredients directly with restaurant staff. In international coffee chains, it is usually easier to find plant-based milk for drinks.

Food prices at the airport are, as expected, higher than in the city. A quick snack at a fast-food outlet or coffee shop will cost an average amount, while a full meal in a restaurant with table service will be more expensive. Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until the last flight departs, providing passengers with food throughout the day.

For a quick snack, coffee shops and bakery kiosks are ideal. If you have an hour or more to spare, we recommend visiting one of the Chinese cuisine restaurants to conclude your journey with a truly authentic dinner.

To ensure your journey through Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, there are several points to consider. We recommend arriving at the airport in advance: 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international ones. This time will be enough to go through all formalities without haste, especially during peak hours. When planning a trip to Dalian, be sure to check the current requirements of your airline.

To save time, use the online check-in service if available from your carrier. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. Security control at airports in China can be quite strict. Be prepared to present all electronics and liquids separately. Regarding seat selection on the plane, a window seat will offer you scenic views of the Yellow Sea during takeoff or landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the ability to disembark quickly upon arrival.

Pay special attention to the rules for carrying items in hand luggage. Standard restrictions on liquids (up to 100 ml in one container, packed in a transparent bag) apply here as well. It is extremely important to remember that power banks and lithium-ion batteries are permitted only in hand luggage; carrying them in checked baggage is strictly prohibited. Ensure that the capacity is clearly marked on the device. Lighters and matches are generally confiscated at security control, so it is better not to bring them with you.

If you have a connecting flight in Dalian, check the procedure in advance. Depending on the route (for example, international-domestic), you may need to collect your luggage, pass through customs and passport control, and then check in again for the next flight. Keep all documents — passport, visas, boarding passes — handy to speed up the process of passing through customs control. Service staff usually act precisely and quickly if the passenger's documents are in order.

To save money, use public transport. Dalian airport is easily accessible by metro (Line 2), which is significantly cheaper than a taxi. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — after passing security, you can fill it at drinking fountains available in the terminal. This will help avoid extra spending on drinks in the departure zone, where prices are traditionally higher.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, check the information on the departure boards or in your airline's mobile app. Contact the carrier's representative for up-to-date information on the new departure time, as well as the possibility of providing meals or hotel accommodation during long delays. Having travel insurance that covers such cases can significantly simplify resolving issues that arise and compensate for expenses.