Dazhou (Dazhou Jinya)

Dazhou Jinya Airport is a modern and significant aviation hub in Sichuan Province, which opened its doors to passengers in the spring of 2022. Replacing the old Heshi Airport, this airport has become a symbol of the region's technological renewal and offers travellers a significantly higher level of comfort. The airport is located in a picturesque area and serves as the main aerial gateway for those wishing to explore the rich culture and nature of eastern Sichuan.

The new terminal features stylish architecture and well-thought-out navigation, making the wait for a flight pleasant and relaxing. Thanks to increased capacity and modern infrastructure, Dazhou Jinya ensures reliable connections with China's major metropolises, contributing to the development of tourism and business in the region.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Modern Infrastructure: The airport opened very recently, in May 2022, so passengers can enjoy new departure lounges, clean rest areas, and efficiently functioning modern service systems.
• Increased Capacity: Compared to its predecessor, Jinya Airport is designed to handle significant passenger traffic (design capacity is over 2 million passengers per year) and is capable of accommodating a larger number of flights.
• Transport Accessibility: You can reach the airport from the centre of Dazhou quite quickly by using taxis or special bus routes connecting the city to the terminal.
• 4C Class Comfort: The airfield is classified as 4C, allowing it to accommodate major types of medium-haul aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, ensuring stable connections with key cities in the country (Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc.).

• Official Airport Website: Currently, the airport does not have a dedicated website for an international audience. It is recommended to track up-to-date flight information via official airline apps or Chinese aggregator platforms (e.g., Trip.com, Ctrip).
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86 818 222 5555 (main line for flight and service inquiries).
• Airport Address: Jinya Town, Dachuan District, Dazhou City, Sichuan Province, China (中国四川省达州市达川区金垭镇).
• Email: A public email address for passengers is not provided.
• Airport Social Media: The main channel for news and interaction is the official WeChat account: "达州金垭机场" (Dazhou Jinya Airport).
• Lost Luggage Information: For questions regarding forgotten items, please contact the airport inquiry service at +86 818 222 5555 or visit the information desk in the terminal personally.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Complaints and suggestions are accepted via the airport hotline or the feedback form on the WeChat platform.

Transport accessibility for the new Dazhou Jinya Airport is well planned so that passengers can reach the city or depart for their flight without unnecessary stress. Since the air harbour is located approximately 19 kilometres from the city centre (Tongchuan District) and 32 kilometres from the old Heshi Airport, the journey usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions.

Airport Express Bus

The most budget-friendly way to get to the city is to use the special bus routes launched simultaneously with the terminal's opening. This is a reliable option for those travelling with light luggage who wish to save money.

• Routes: There are several lines connecting the airport with key points in the city, including the old town, Dachuan District, and Dazhou Railway Station. Buses usually wait for passengers at the exit of the arrival zone.
• Travel Time: About 50–70 minutes depending on the route and number of stops.
• Cost: Tickets are very reasonably priced, usually within the range of 5–10 CNY. Payment is often accepted via WeChat Pay, Alipay, or cash (please prepare small change in advance).

Taxi and Transfer

For maximum comfort and speed, taking a taxi is recommended. Both official city taxis and ride-hailing aggregators popular in China operate in Dazhou.

• How to find: The official taxi rank is located directly outside the terminal exit on the ground floor. You can also book a car via the DiDi app (the Chinese equivalent of Uber), which is often more convenient for international visitors due to its built-in message translator.
• Cost: A trip to the city centre will cost approximately 40–60 CNY. At night, the fare may be slightly higher.
• Tip: Always ask the driver to use the meter ("da biao"). If you do not speak Chinese, save the name of your hotel or destination in Chinese characters on your phone in advance.

Car Rental

Car rental counters can be found in the arrival hall. This option is suitable for those planning an independent journey through Sichuan Province.

• Important Condition: Please be reminded that International Driving Permits (IDP) are not valid in China. To drive a car, you must obtain a temporary Chinese driving licence.
• Cost: Rental of an economy class car starts from 150–200 CNY per day plus a deposit.

Parking

A spacious car park for private vehicles is equipped in front of the terminal building. It is divided into zones for short-term and long-term parking. The first 15–30 minutes are usually free, which is convenient for dropping off and picking up passengers. Daily parking is reasonably priced, making it convenient for locals flying out for a few days.

Nearest Alternative Airports

If there are no tickets to Dazhou or you are planning a complex route through the region, you may consider flying into neighbouring cities. The closest airports to Dazhou are:

• Wanxian Airport (Wanzhou) — located approximately 99 km away.
• Nanchong Airport (Nanchong) — located at a distance of about 135 km.
• Langzhong Gucheng Airport (Langzhong) — 143 km away.
• Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (Chongqing) — a major international hub 165 km away, offering numerous connections.
• Xiannyushan Airport (Chongqing) (Wulong) — located approximately 176 km away.

Terminal Structure and Navigation

The Dazhou Jinya airport complex consists of one modern passenger terminal covering an area of approximately 31,600 square metres. It is a compact yet spacious building, designed taking into account regional architectural traditions and modern requirements for comfort. Since all operations are concentrated under one roof, navigation here is intuitive, and the risk of getting lost is minimised.

The terminal has a classic two-level structure separating departing and arriving passenger flows:

• Second Floor (Departures): Here you will find check-in counters, the security screening area, departure lounges, and boarding gates. The area is equipped with jet bridges, allowing passengers to board the aircraft directly from the building without going outside (although a shuttle bus is still used for some flights).
• First Floor (Arrivals): Passengers descend here after landing. This area houses the baggage claim zone with conveyor belts and the exit to the public hall, where you can meet transfer representatives, find a taxi, or proceed to the bus stop.

Features and Services Inside the Terminal

Despite its status as a regional airport, Dazhou Jinya offers a decent level of service. The interior of the terminal is bright and clean, with air conditioning in operation. For the convenience of travellers, the following are provided:

• Mother and Child Rooms: Specially equipped rooms for passengers with young children.
• Drinking Water: As in all Chinese airports, dispensers with free hot and cold drinking water are installed here (don't forget to bring an empty thermal mug or bottle).
• Shops and Cafes: The selection of establishments is limited compared to international hubs, but you will find small shops with local souvenirs and products, as well as cafes where you can have noodles or tea before your flight.
• VIP Lounge: A separate lounge with more comfortable waiting conditions is available for business class passengers and loyalty program members.

Check-in and Pre-flight Screening

Procedures at Dazhou Airport are carried out quite efficiently thanks to modern equipment, however, Chinese aviation security standards remain strict.

• Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. Check-in usually closes 30–40 minutes before the flight departs.
• Screening: Be prepared for a thorough check. Laptops, tablets, and umbrellas must be removed from hand luggage. Strict restrictions apply in China regarding batteries (power banks): they must only be in hand luggage, have clear capacity markings, and not exceed established limits (usually up to 100 Wh without declaration). Lighters and matches are strictly prohibited.

Navigation Tips

Bilingual signs (in Chinese and English) are installed in the terminal, facilitating orientation for international guests. Electronic boards above check-in counters and at gates also duplicate information in English. If you have questions, staff at the Information Desk in the centre of the hall can usually help or use a translation app to communicate.

The history of Dazhou Jinya Airport (DZH) is the latest chapter in the region's aviation chronicle. Unlike many air harbours with a century of history, Jinya is a very young and high-tech facility, designed to meet all modern safety and comfort requirements. Its emergence was a response to the rapid economic and tourism development of Sichuan Province, when the old infrastructure ceased to cope with the growing flow of travellers.

From Concept to Realisation

For a long time, starting from 2006, Dazhou Heshi Airport served as the city's main airport. However, due to the complex terrain, short runway, and proximity to urban development, Heshi's capabilities were severely limited: it could not accommodate large aircraft and had restrictions on the number of flights. The decision to build a new airport was made by the authorities in the mid-2010s to transform Dazhou into a key transport hub at the junction of Sichuan, Shaanxi provinces, and Chongqing municipality.

Key Dates and Stages:

• October 2016: Official approval received for the construction of a new civil airport in the Dachuan District.
• 2018–2019: Active construction phase. The project included not only the erection of the terminal and runway but also the creation of a complex system of access roads cutting through the region's hilly landscape.
• 19 May 2022: A momentous date in the city's history. The official opening of Dazhou Jinya Airport took place. On the same day, the old Heshi Airport ceased servicing civil flights, completely passing the baton to the new complex.

Technical Achievements and Records

The move to Jinya marked a true technological leap. The new airfield received class 4C status, allowing it to accommodate popular airliners like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The runway is 2,600 metres long and 45 metres wide, which significantly exceeds the parameters of the old airport.

One of the main achievements during construction was the integration of the airport into the complex landscape. Engineers had to conduct massive earthworks to level the site among the hills ("cutting peaks and filling valleys"), which in itself became an impressive construction feat on a regional scale.

Interesting Facts:

• Architectural Symbolism: The terminal design is inspired by the rich culture of the ancient Ba Kingdom. The flowing lines of the roof resemble river waves and mountain outlines characteristic of Eastern Sichuan, symbolising the harmony of nature and technology.
• Instant Transition: The switch between the old and new airport happened literally overnight. This required a coordinated logistical operation to move equipment and personnel so as not to disrupt the flight schedule.
• Strategic Role: Jinya Airport was conceived not just as an arrival point, but as an economic catalyst. It is called an "air bridge" connecting revolutionary districts (historically significant places) with the developed metropolises of coastal China.

Although Dazhou Jinya Airport is a regional hub, its recent opening (in 2022) ensures passengers have access to modern and well-thought-out infrastructure. The terminal is designed to provide travellers with basic needs for comfort and safety before departure.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

A small but cosy commercial service zone operates within the terminal. The selection of establishments is focused on quick snacks and purchasing items for the journey.

• Dining: Passengers can visit cafes offering traditional Sichuan cuisine, particularly the famous spicy noodles and snacks. Outlets serving coffee, tea, and soft drinks are also available.
• Shops: Souvenir stalls are located in the shopping area, where you can purchase local Dazhou delicacies (e.g., dried meat or tea). Mini-markets selling newspapers, snacks, and daily necessities are also in operation.
• Important: Prices at the airport may be slightly higher than in the city, and the assortment is limited compared to major hubs.

Connectivity and Electronics

The airport fully complies with modern digital standards.

• Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet is available throughout the terminal. Please note: to connect to the network, international tourists are often required to undergo authorisation via SMS (a SIM card working in roaming is needed) or via a kiosk terminal that scans the passport to issue an access code.
• Charging Stations: A sufficient number of power outlets and USB ports for charging gadgets are installed in waiting halls, especially near gates. Some seats are equipped with built-in connectors.

Financial Services

Since Dazhou Jinya primarily serves domestic flights, currency exchange facilities here are limited.

• ATMs: ATMs of major Chinese banks are installed in the terminal, where you can withdraw cash (CNY) using cards (it is recommended to have UnionPay cards, as Visa and Mastercard are not accepted everywhere).
• Currency Exchange: Full-service foreign currency exchange points may not be available. It is strongly recommended to exchange money in advance in major cities or withdraw cash from an ATM.
• Cashless Payment: Almost all retail outlets accept mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay.

Premium Lounges

For passengers valuing privacy and high-class service, VIP Lounges (First Class/Business Lounges) are provided. Access is open to business class passengers, airline status cardholders, and sometimes for a separate fee. The lounges offer soft armchairs, snacks, beverages, fresh newspapers, and a calmer atmosphere away from the hustle of the general hall.

Services for Passengers with Children

Family travellers will find the new terminal comfortable:

• Mother and Child Rooms: Clean and private rooms for feeding and changing infants, equipped with sinks and changing tables.
• Hot Water: Dispensers with free drinking water (cold, warm, and boiling) are installed in waiting areas, making it easy to prepare baby formula or porridge at any time.

Accessibility and Medical Services

The airport infrastructure is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. The building is equipped with ramps, wide lifts, special restrooms, and tactile navigation. If necessary, you can book an assistance service in advance through the airline — staff will help with check-in and boarding.

For emergencies, a medical station operates in the terminal, where qualified personnel are ready to provide first aid.

Hotels and Accommodation

There is no transit hotel or sleeping pods within the terminal itself.

• Nearest Options: Since the airport is located in the Jinya Town area, the nearest guest houses are a short distance away, but their service level may be basic.
• In the City: For a comfortable overnight stay, it is better to head to Dazhou city centre (about 30–50 minutes drive), where hotels of various categories are represented, including chain brands with conference rooms and business centres.

The gastronomic map of Dazhou Jinya Airport (DZH) corresponds to its status as a regional yet modern aviation hub. Since a single terminal serves passengers, the choice of venues here is compact and straightforward. Do not expect huge food courts like in capital hubs, but travellers certainly won't go hungry. The main focus is on Chinese cuisine, especially Sichuan specialities, allowing you to start exploring local flavours immediately upon arrival or enjoy them before departure.

Landside Area (Public Zone)

Before passing pre-flight security, on the second floor (departure level) and in the arrival zone on the first floor, there are small establishments accessible to both passengers and those seeing them off.

• Chinese Fast Food Restaurants: Here you can find places offering classic hot meals. The menu usually includes sets with rice and meat, soups, and dumplings. This is the best option for a substantial lunch if you arrived at the airport with plenty of time.
• Mini-markets and Bakeries: For those in a hurry, shops with ready-made packaged food (sandwiches, buns, snacks) are open.

Airside Area (Sterile Zone)

After passing security checks, in the departure lounge, the choice narrows but becomes more specialised. Cafes are located so that passengers can have a snack in immediate proximity to the gates.

• Noodle and Tea Houses: The main dining format in the sterile zone. Freshly prepared noodles and hot drinks are served here. This is an ideal place for a quick but filling snack before boarding.
• Coffee Shops: Small outlets offering coffee, milk tea, and desserts. Suitable for a light breakfast or waiting for a flight with a laptop.

What to Try: Local Cuisine

Dazhou is located in Sichuan Province, famous for its hot and spicy cuisine. Even at the airport, it is recommended to try local dishes:

• Dazhou Style Noodles (Dazhou Mian): The city's calling card. This is typically wheat noodles with a fragrant meat sauce (often pork or beef), generously seasoned with chilli oil. Be prepared for the dish to be spicy ("ma-la").
• Sichuan Wontons: Tender dumplings in a spicy broth or red oil sauce.

Dietary Information (Vegetarian, Halal, Allergies)

In regional airports in China, specialised dietary options are limited, and Dazhou Jinya is no exception.

• Vegetarians and Vegans: Finding a strictly vegan dish on the menu can be difficult, as broths are often meat-based. It is recommended to choose simple dishes such as boiled vegetables, rice, tofu, or noodles with vegetables, specifying "no meat" and "no meat sauce" when ordering. Buying fruits or nuts in a shop can be a good option.
• Halal: There are currently no separate certified Halal restaurants in the terminal. Muslim travellers are recommended to choose vegetarian options or seafood dishes (if available), or bring food with them. Please be aware that many local dishes may contain non-halal ingredients.
• Gluten-Free: Since the basis of local cuisine is wheat noodles and soy sauce (containing gluten), finding safe options is extremely difficult. Rice is the safest alternative, but caution should be exercised with sauces.

Opening Hours and Prices

• Schedule: Most establishments open 90 minutes before the first departure (usually around 06:00–07:00 AM) and close after the last evening flight departs. At night, when there are no flights, cafes are closed.
• Price Range: Prices at the airport are traditionally 30–50% higher than in the city.
  • Cup of coffee or tea: 25–40 CNY.
  • Bowl of noodles or a simple lunch: 35–60 CNY.
  • Set meal in a restaurant: from 60–80 CNY.

Recommendations for Passengers

For a quick snack, shops near the gates are best, selling famous Chinese instant noodles (free boiling water is always available in the terminal for brewing them) or vacuum-packed spicy dried meat and tofu.

If you want a proper lunch, it is better to do so in the city before leaving for the airport, as the choice of dishes in the terminal is limited to basic items. However, if time is tight, a bowl of hot Sichuan noodles in the departure zone will be an excellent conclusion to your visit to the region.

Travelling through a regional airport in China has its own specifics, distinct from familiar international hubs. Dazhou Jinya Airport, being new and modern, offers a high level of comfort but requires passengers to know certain rules. Here is a list of practical tips to help make your flight as smooth as possible.

Optimal Arrival Time

Although the airport is not a giant hub, Chinese security screening procedures are thorough and may take longer than in other regions.

• Recommended Time: Arrive at the terminal 1.5–2 hours before departure. Check-in counters usually close strictly 30–40 minutes before departure.
• Peak Hours: Consider that during national holidays (Chinese New Year, Golden Week in October), passenger traffic increases sharply, and time for formalities should be increased by at least 30–40 minutes.

Check-in and Security Check Features

Security services in Chinese airports operate under very strict protocols. To pass screening quickly, prepare in advance:

• Electronics: Laptops, tablets, e-readers, and cameras must be removed from bags and placed in separate trays.
• Umbrellas: These are also always requested to be removed for scanning.
• Power Banks: This is the most critical point. Staff will check the capacity marking on the body of each device. If the inscription has worn off and the capacity is unreadable, the battery will be confiscated.
• Clothing: In cold weather, you will be asked to remove outer clothing. Shoes usually do not need to be removed unless the metal detector frame beeps.

Dos and Don'ts: Hand Luggage Rules

China has specific prohibitions that international tourists often forget:

• Strictly Prohibited (even in checked luggage): Matches and lighters. You cannot carry them in your pocket, hand luggage, or suitcase. At the entrance to the screening zone, there are usually baskets where passengers discard lighters.
• Hand Luggage Only: Lithium batteries and power banks. Checking them in luggage is prohibited. The maximum allowable capacity is usually 100 Wh (approximately 27,000 mAh). From 100 to 160 Wh — only with airline permission.
• Liquids: Standard restriction — containers up to 100 ml in a transparent bag. Please note: on domestic flights in China, the ban on carrying alcohol in hand luggage (even small bottles from Duty Free) is enforced very strictly.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

Dazhou is located in the picturesque hilly terrain of Eastern Sichuan. Flying in clear weather can offer beautiful views.

• Window Seat: Highly recommended. During takeoff and landing, a panorama of winding rivers, green hills, and the region's characteristic "layered" architecture opens up.
• Side of the Aircraft: When flying towards Chengdu or Chongqing (west/south), choose seats on the left side to have a chance to see mountains in the haze.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Since Dazhou Jinya is primarily a destination airport, direct transit corridors may not be available.

• Baggage Claim: If you are flying with a transfer in Dazhou on different airlines, you will almost certainly have to collect your luggage and check it in again.
• Time Buffer: Allow at least 2–3 hours for the transfer to calmly collect luggage, exit to the public hall, and pass security again.

Customs Control

Since the airport has domestic status, there are no customs and passport control zones for international flights in the usual sense.

• Arrival from Abroad: If you are flying to Dazhou from another country, you will pass border and customs control at the first airport of landing in China (e.g., in Beijing, Chengdu, or Guangzhou). Upon arrival in Dazhou, you simply exit as a domestic flight passenger.

How to Save Time and Money

• Drink for Free: Do not buy water before departure. Bring an empty bottle or thermal mug. After security, you can fill up with hot, warm, or cold water for free at special dispensers. This is part of Chinese travel culture.
• Saving on Food: Prices in "sterile zone" cafes are higher than in the city. Thrifty travellers often bring a pack of instant noodles — boiling water is available everywhere in the terminal for free.
• Transport: Use the airport bus for 5–10 CNY instead of a taxi if you don't have too much luggage. The schedule is usually adjusted to flights.

Actions in Case of Flight Delay

Weather in Sichuan can be foggy and rainy, which sometimes leads to delays.

• Tracking Apps: Install Chinese apps like Umetrip or VariFlight (they have an English interface). They show flight status, delay reasons, and even queue for takeoff more accurately and quickly than international boards.
• Food and Hotel: If the delay is the airline's fault (technical reason), they are obliged to provide food and, if necessary, a hotel. If the reason is weather or "air traffic control" (military exercises), the airline will help with booking, but you will likely have to pay yourself.