Enshi Airport

Enshi Xujiaping Airport is not merely a transport hub, but an aerial gateway to one of the most picturesque and distinctive regions of China. Located in the Qing River valley, it welcomes travellers eager to explore the incredible landscapes and culture of the Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. As interest in off-the-beaten-path routes grows, this airport is becoming an increasingly important centre for those seeking unique experiences away from bustling metropolises. Its compactness and convenient location make beginning an adventure in the city of Enshi exceptionally comfortable.

Despite its modest size, Enshi Airport offers everything necessary for a comfortable journey. The two-storey terminal building includes waiting lounges, check-in counters, a baggage claim area, as well as cafés and shops. The airport's main advantage is its strategic location. It serves as an ideal starting point for trips to natural wonders such as the Enshi Grand Canyon, the Suobuya Stone Forest, and the ancient Tusi City. You can reach the city centre in just 10-15 minutes by taxi or by city bus No. 18, making it extremely convenient for tourists.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official resources of Enshi Xujiaping Airport (ENH) or contacting your airline directly, as contact details are subject to change.

• Official Website: The most reliable information, including flight schedules, news, and a list of services, can always be found on the airport's official website.
• Information Desk Phone: We recommend verifying the current enquiry number on the official website immediately before calling.
• Airport Address: Enshi Xujiaping Airport (ENH), Enshi City, Hubei Province, China.
• Email: A contact email, if used for passenger communication, is usually published in the "Contacts" or "Feedback" section of the official airport portal.
• Social Media: Check for official airport accounts on popular social networks — this is a convenient way to follow news and updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged baggage, you should first contact the Lost & Found service of your airline at Enshi airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultation, you can approach the information desks in the airport terminal or representatives of your airline.

Enshi Xujiaping Airport is conveniently located just a few kilometres from the city centre of Enshi, making the journey to the terminals quick and straightforward. Regardless of your budget and preferences, you will easily find a suitable way to reach the airport in this part of China.

Public Transport: Bus
The most economical way to reach the airport is by city bus. Specialised routes run between the air terminal and key points in the city, including the centre and the railway station. A bus journey usually takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the number of stops. This is an excellent option for travellers with light luggage looking to save money. We recommend checking the current schedule and route number at your hotel or with locals.

Taxi and Transfer
For those who value comfort and time, a taxi is the ideal choice. A trip from the city centre to the airport by taxi will take just 15–20 minutes. This is the fastest and most convenient method, especially if you are travelling with heavy luggage or as a group. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but it is justified by the speed and convenience. You can use official metered taxis or order a car through mobile applications popular in China.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to actively explore the picturesque region of Enshi, renting a car can be a great solution. Most rental companies offer a car return service directly at the airport before departure. For those arriving in their own or rented transport, a car park operates within the airport grounds. Here you can leave a vehicle for a short time or for several days.

Overall, the choice of transport depends on your priorities. For a budget trip, the bus is best suited. For speed and comfort, choose a taxi. Plan your travel time with a small margin to avoid rushing before your flight.

Enshi Airport (ENH) is a modern and compact aviation hub that handles all flights in a single passenger terminal. Thanks to this, navigation here is intuitive, and all procedures are completed quite quickly, which is particularly convenient for tourists unfamiliar with the airport. The absence of the need to move between different buildings makes travelling through Enshi as comfortable as possible.

The structure of the terminal is logical and simple. The building has two main levels:

• The ground floor houses the arrival area. Passengers arrive here after disembarking from the aircraft; this is also where the baggage claim belts and the exit to the city are located, where one can find taxis or other transport to Enshi.
• The first floor houses the departure area. Here you will find flight check-in counters, security checkpoints, and the waiting lounge with boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, transitions between departure and arrival zones take minimal time. All key points — from check-in to boarding — are within walking distance of each other. Zones are clearly demarcated, and information boards and signs in Chinese and English help to orient yourself easily.

Check-in and security screening at Enshi Airport generally do not require much time. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage without rushing, pass through security control, and reach your boarding gate. During national holidays or the tourist season, passenger flow may increase, so it is worth allowing a little extra time.

The history of Enshi Xujiaping Airport (ENH) is a vivid example of transformation. Its journey began in 1938 with the establishment of a military airfield used during the Second Sino-Japanese War. After decades of disuse, a strategic decision was made in the 1980s to revive the facility as a civil airport for the city of Enshi and the entire autonomous prefecture.

Following large-scale construction that started in 1988, the airport was officially opened for civil aviation on 28 December 1993. This event was key to improving transport accessibility for a region known for its unique natural landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of the Tujia and Miao peoples.

To accommodate growing passenger traffic, the airport underwent several stages of modernisation. The most significant reconstruction was carried out between 2008 and 2010. As part of the project, the runway length was increased to 2,600 metres, and a new, more spacious terminal with an area of 12,000 m² was built. These changes allowed for the accommodation of larger aircraft types and improved the quality of passenger service.

In subsequent years, the airport continued its development, launching new expansion projects to meet the constantly growing demand from tourists and business travellers. Today, Enshi Airport is an important transport hub connecting this picturesque corner of China with the country's major cities and making a significant contribution to the regional economy.

Enshi Xujiaping Airport (ENH) offers passengers all key amenities to ensure a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is well-organised and designed with the primary needs of modern travellers arriving in this scenic region of China in mind.

While waiting for departure, you can have a snack at one of the cafés or eateries, featuring both local cuisine and more familiar options like sandwiches and beverages. In the small airport shops, you can purchase souvenirs, famous local tea, as well as travel essentials you might need on the road.

For those who value enhanced comfort or need a quiet place to work, the airport features waiting lounges, including VIP areas. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal to help you stay connected. If your device runs out of power, utilize the special charging stands and stations located in the waiting areas near the boarding gates.

The airport is equipped with all necessary services for passenger convenience. There is a medical point where you can seek first aid. For families with small children, nursing rooms are provided. Travellers with reduced mobility can rely on staff assistance and the availability of necessary infrastructure, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. It is recommended to notify your airline in advance if assistance is required. ATMs are installed in the terminal for financial transactions.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, numerous accommodation options are located just a few minutes away by taxi. They are situated in Enshi city, allowing for easy access to the terminal before departure. There are no specialised conference halls in the airport, however, for business travellers, VIP lounges can offer a secluded and quiet environment for work.

At Enshi Airport (ENH), travellers can find several options for a snack or a full meal. Although the selection here is not as extensive as in major international hubs, you will not go hungry. The main dining establishments are located in the main terminal, both in the public area before security and in the departure zone after it.

For those in a rush, cafés and small snack bars are an excellent choice. Here you can quickly grab a coffee or tea, eat a sandwich or pastry, or buy packaged snacks and drinks for the road. If you have time, it is worth visiting one of the restaurants offering a more substantial menu. Typically, you can order dishes of local and general Chinese cuisine. This is a good opportunity to try something authentic before flying out of China. Look out for noodle or rice dishes, as well as local dumplings — they are filling and delicious.

Regarding special dietary requirements, finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes might be challenging. However, many restaurant menus feature vegetable side dishes, tofu dishes, or simple soups that may suit vegetarians. It is recommended to check the ingredients with staff, but be prepared for a potential language barrier.

Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits. A quick snack will be inexpensive, while a full lunch in a restaurant will cost more. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through Enshi Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. Simple planning will help avoid stress and save time for more pleasant impressions of your trip to China.

Arrival Time and Check-in: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before a domestic flight departure. This will give you enough time to calmly go through all procedures. To save time in queues, use online check-in on your airline's website if available. Security checks at Chinese airports can be thorough, so be prepared for a detailed inspection of hand luggage and electronic devices.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection: Standard rules for carrying liquids (no more than 100 ml per container) apply here as well. Pay special attention to portable chargers (power banks): they can only be carried in hand luggage, and the capacity marking must be clearly visible on them. When choosing a seat on a plane flying to or from Enshi, try to get a window seat. The mountain landscapes of Hubei province are incredibly picturesque from a bird's-eye view.

Passengers with Connections: If you have a connecting flight, ensure that you have sufficient time between arrival and departure, preferably at least two hours. Watch closely for signs for transit passengers. Check with your airline whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations: To save money, consider getting to the airport by public transport or order a taxi via local apps. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline's counter first for the latest information. Keep boarding passes and receipts in case you need proof of expenses for compensation.