Daocheng Yading Airport

Welcome to Daocheng Yading Airport — the highest civil airport in the world, located at an altitude of 4,411 metres above sea level. This airport is not just a transport hub, but a true engineering marvel soaring amidst the majestic peaks of the Tibetan Plateau. Opened in 2013, it drastically reduced the journey to the "lost paradise" — the Yading Nature Reserve — turning a two-day bus ride from Chengdu into a one-hour flight. The futuristic terminal building, designed in the shape of a flying saucer, symbolises a bridge between modern technology and the eternal beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Daocheng Yading Airport is a truly unique place. Its main feature is its location at an extreme altitude, which poses specific challenges for both pilots and passengers, who are advised to acclimatise. For the convenience of travellers, the terminal is equipped with special oxygen rooms. Despite its modest size, the airport is equipped with everything necessary: there are cafes, shops, and rest areas. Thanks to a single runway 4,200 metres long, the airport is capable of handling medium-range aircraft, such as the Airbus A319 and Boeing 737, ensuring reliable connections with major cities in China.

Contacting representatives of Daocheng Yading Airport (DCY) can be challenging due to the language barrier and the specific nature of regional airport operations. Below is the most up-to-date contact information that may be useful for travellers.

• Official Website: Finding a dedicated website for Daocheng Yading Airport in English is difficult. We recommend looking for information on the official portal of the management company, Sichuan Province Airport Group Co., Ltd (www.scairport.com), which is primarily presented in Chinese.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For information, it is best to call the unified hotline of the Sichuan Province Airport Group: +86 28 8520 5555.
• Airport Address: Sangdui Town, Daocheng County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. The address in Chinese, which may be useful for taxis: 四川省甘孜藏族自治州稻城县桑堆镇.
• Email: A public email address for general inquiries is usually not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: Official airport pages are likely maintained on Chinese social networks such as Weibo. To search, use the name in Chinese: 稻城亚丁机场.
• Lost Luggage Information: If luggage problems arise, first contact your airline's counter at the airport. If this is not possible, call the general inquiry service for advice.
• Passenger Support Service: For all general questions related to service at the airport, contact the main inquiry service by phone: +86 28 8520 5555.

You can get to Daocheng Yading Airport, one of the highest in the world, in several ways. It is important to consider that the airport is located at a significant distance from the city of Daocheng (about 50 km) and even further from the entrance to the famous Yading Nature Reserve. Planning transport in advance is the key to a comfortable start and end to your journey through this region of China.

Public Transport is mainly represented by special shuttle buses. This is the most popular and budget-friendly way to get to the city. Buses run between the airport, Daocheng city, and Shangri-La Town (Riwa), which is the gateway to the Yading Nature Reserve. The shuttle schedule is usually linked to flight arrival and departure times. The trip to Daocheng city takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. There is no railway or metro connection to the airport due to its remote and high-altitude location.

Taxi and Private Transfer are a more comfortable, but also significantly more expensive option. Taxis can be found at the stand near the terminal, but be prepared for the fare to be high due to the long distance. It is recommended to agree on the price with the driver before the trip begins. an even more convenient solution would be to book a private transfer. This can be organised through your hotel or an online service in advance, guaranteeing a fixed price and timely vehicle arrival.

Car Rental is not a common choice among international tourists. Firstly, driving in China requires a Chinese driving licence. Secondly, driving in high-altitude conditions and on complex mountain roads requires special experience. A more practical alternative is to hire a car with a local driver for the entire duration of your stay.

For those who do travel to the airport by their own or rented transport, parking is available on the premises. It offers both short-term and long-term parking options. Given the specifics of the region, most travellers prefer to use shuttles or transfers, so the issue of parking for tourists is rarely relevant.

Daocheng Yading Airport (DCY) is not just a transport hub but a real attraction, as it is the highest civilian airport in the world. Its structure is extremely simple and convenient for travellers: the airport consists of one terminal that serves all domestic flights — both arrivals and departures. Thanks to this, you won't have to worry about transferring between different buildings.

The terminal building features a futuristic design resembling a flying saucer, making it instantly recognisable. The internal layout is logical and intuitive. Since there is only one terminal and it is quite compact, navigation causes no difficulties. All key areas — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within quick walking distance. Signs are duplicated in English, which significantly facilitates orientation for international tourists arriving in Daocheng.

The departure and arrival zones are organised as efficiently as possible. The Departure Zone is located on the first floor: immediately after entering, you find yourself in the check-in hall, where there are several counters. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the security screening area, and then to a small but cosy waiting hall with boarding gates. The Arrival Zone is even simpler: after leaving the aircraft, you go directly to the baggage claim hall, and from there to the general terminal area, where transfers may already be waiting for you.

Check-in and security procedures at Daocheng Yading Airport usually go very quickly — most often taking no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. The main advice for all travellers: due to the extreme altitude (over 4,400 metres above sea level), move through the terminal slowly and without sudden movements to avoid symptoms of altitude sickness. Getting lost here is practically impossible, so focus on your well-being and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscapes of China.

The history of Daocheng Yading Airport (DCY) is, above all, a story of how modern technology opened access to one of the most picturesque and remote corners of China. The airport is located in Sichuan Province, in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and serves as a key transport hub for tourists heading to the Yading Nature Reserve and the city of Daocheng.

Construction of the airport began in April 2011 and was an ambitious project aimed at developing tourism in the region. The official opening took place on 16 September 2013. This event was a real breakthrough, as previously the journey from the nearest major city, Chengdu, took about two days by bus along difficult mountain roads. With the advent of air travel, the journey time was reduced to just one hour.

The main achievement and most famous fact about Daocheng Yading Airport is its location. At the time of opening, it became the highest civilian airport in the world, situated at an altitude of 4,411 metres above sea level. This record attracted additional attention from travellers and aviation enthusiasts from around the globe. Although other high-altitude airfields appear over time, Daocheng Yading remains one of the most impressive engineering structures of its kind.

Since its opening, the airport has not undergone significant reconstruction, as it was originally built taking into account modern requirements and designed for growing tourist traffic. Its terminal, shaped like a flying saucer with two "wings", has itself become a kind of landmark. The main story of this airport is its colossal impact on the economy and accessibility of the region, turning a hard-to-reach gem of the Tibetan Plateau into a popular tourist destination.

Daocheng Yading Airport (DCY), despite its modest size and remote location in the mountains of China, offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Given that this is one of the highest airports in the world, special attention is paid here to the health and well-being of travellers.

Inside the terminal, you will find several cafes and small restaurants where you can try dishes of local Sichuan and Tibetan cuisine, as well as drink hot tea, which is especially relevant at such an altitude. There are souvenir stalls and shops where you can buy gifts, local handicrafts, and essential goods.

For a comfortable wait, common halls with a sufficient number of seats are provided. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi, as well as find stations for charging electronic devices. ATMs are installed in the terminal and there is a currency exchange point, however, it is recommended to carry some cash in Yuan.

Particular attention is paid to medical care. The airport has a medical centre where you can get help in case of discomfort related to altitude sickness. A mother and child room is equipped for passengers with children. Travellers with reduced mobility can count on the assistance of staff, and the airport infrastructure is adapted to their needs, including ramps and specially equipped toilets.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but the nearest hotels are located in the city of Daocheng and its surroundings, which can be reached by taxi or bus. Specialised business centres and conference rooms are absent in the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards tourist transport.

Daocheng Yading Airport (DCY) is a high-altitude regional airport serving a remote and picturesque area. It is important to understand that due to its location and relatively low passenger traffic, the choice of dining establishments here is very limited. When planning a snack or lunch, one should expect basic but filling options.

The main place where you can have a full meal is a small cafe or canteen located in the main hall of the terminal, before the security check and passport control (landside). Here they usually offer dishes of Chinese, particularly Sichuan, and Tibetan cuisine. You can try hot noodle soup, rice with meat or vegetables, as well as local dumplings. This is the best option for a full lunch before departure. After passing security control (airside), the choice is usually limited to a small kiosk where you can buy drinks (tea, coffee, water) and packaged snacks (crisps, biscuits).

Regarding special dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal dishes), finding suitable options at Daocheng Yading Airport will be extremely difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are strongly advised to bring food with them. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are noticeably higher than in the city, which is typical for remote aviation hubs. The opening hours of catering establishments are usually linked to the flight schedule and may be irregular, so do not count on being able to eat late at night or early in the morning.

Travelling through Daocheng Yading Airport is an adventure in itself, as it is one of the highest in the world. To make your experience as comfortable as possible, use our tips when preparing for a flight to this unique corner of China.

Arrival time at the airport. The airport mainly serves domestic flights. We recommend arriving 2–2.5 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient for a calm passage through all procedures, especially considering that at high altitude, all processes may seem a little slower.

Check-in and Security. Check-in and security control procedures are standard. Since the airport in Daocheng is relatively small, there are usually no long queues, but it is better not to risk it. Check in for your flight online if your airline provides such an opportunity to save time.

Choosing a seat on the plane. When flying to or from Daocheng, we strongly recommend choosing a window seat. The views of the snow-capped peaks of the Tibetan Plateau are simply breathtaking! Try to check with the airline which side will offer the best scenery depending on your flight route.

Hand Luggage. Sharp objects and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml are prohibited in hand luggage. For a high-altitude region, it is especially relevant to take with you: a warm sweater or jacket (the weather can be unpredictable), necessary medicines (including remedies for altitude sickness), as well as a portable charger.

Passengers with transfers. Daocheng Yading Airport is not a major transfer hub. Most flights are direct from major cities such as Chengdu. If you have a transfer planned, it will most likely be at another, larger airport. Allow sufficient time between connecting flights.

Customs Control. Since the airport serves domestic airlines, there is no customs control here. You will go through passport and customs control at your first airport of arrival in China if you are flying on an international flight.

Saving time and money. Book flight tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be inflated, so it is better to have a snack before arriving or bring permitted snacks with you. Use the free Wi-Fi in the terminal to avoid spending money on mobile roaming.

Flight Delays. Weather in the mountains is changeable, so delays or flight cancellations due to weather conditions are not uncommon. Regularly check the status of your flight online. Make sure you have everything you need in your hand luggage in case of a long wait: a book, music, a charger, and snacks. In case of a delay, contact your airline's counter for information on further actions and possible compensation.