Guilin Liangjiang International Airport

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the world of China's famous karst landscapes. From the very first moments of arrival, travellers are enveloped in the atmosphere of Guangxi Province, as the design of the modern terminal is inspired by the flowing curves of the local mountains and rivers. Situated amidst picturesque hills, this air terminal sets a serene tone and promises an unforgettable journey through one of the most beautiful corners of the Celestial Empire.

One of the main features of the airport is its Terminal 2, opened in 2018. This grand structure, covering an area of over 100,000 square metres, is designed to reflect the concept of "landscapes under heaven," for which Guilin is renowned. Inside the terminal, passengers are welcomed by spacious halls featuring elements of traditional Chinese decor, relaxation zones, and duty-free shops.

The airport offers a high level of comfort: there are cosy business lounges, mother and child rooms, as well as restaurants where you can taste the famous local rice noodles even before heading into the city. Transport connections are excellently organised: you can reach the centre of Guilin by taxi or convenient shuttle buses that run regularly, allowing you to quickly begin your exploration of the region.

To contact representatives of Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), you may use the following contact details:

• Official Website: www.glairport.com. Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations is available on the site.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86 (773) 284-5359. You can call this number for information regarding schedules, check-in, and other general queries.
• Airport Address: Liangjiang Town, Lingui District, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the official airport website.
• Social Media: The airport actively uses platforms popular in China, such as WeChat. Links to official pages can usually be found on their website.
• Lost & Found: If you have lost your belongings within the airport premises, please contact: +86 (773) 284-5213.
• Passenger Support: For assistance and consultations, you may contact the main airport inquiry number.

Getting to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) from the city centre of Guilin is quite simple. The airport is located approximately 30 kilometres southwest of the city, and travellers have access to several convenient transport options varying in cost and travel time. When planning your trip, you can choose the method that best suits your budget and schedule.

Airport Shuttle Buses are the most popular and economical way to reach the airport. Special buses depart regularly from several points in the city, the main one being the Civil Aviation Building (CAAC/Minhang Building) on Shanghai Road. The journey takes approximately 40-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The ticket price is around 20-30 yuan. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those travelling light.

Taxi or Private Transfer offer greater comfort and speed. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take about 30-40 minutes. The metered fare usually ranges between 80-120 yuan. Ensure the driver turns on the meter, or agree on a fixed price in advance. Taxi-hailing apps, such as Didi, are also popular in China. This option is ideal if you are travelling with family, have a lot of luggage, or value personal space and time.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is available. Both local and international rental companies operate in the city and at the airport. Renting a car provides the opportunity not only to reach the airport in comfort but also to explore the picturesque surroundings of Guilin at your own pace. Please note that driving in China may require a local driving licence or a certified translation.

If you are travelling to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, airport parking is at your service. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. Rates depend on the duration of parking but are generally reasonable. This is a convenient option if you plan to leave the car for the duration of your absence.

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) consists of two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and the new, larger Terminal 2 (T2). Each serves distinct functions, so it is extremely important to verify exactly which terminal your flight departs from before travelling to the airport. Typically, Terminal 2 handles the majority of domestic flights within China, while Terminal 1 specialises in international and regional routes, including flights to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

The airport structure is quite logical. Terminal 2 is a modern and spacious building that is easy to navigate thanks to clear signage in Chinese and English. The standard layout for major airports is observed here: the departure area with check-in counters and security checkpoints is located on the upper level, while the arrival area with baggage claim and transport exits is on the lower level. Terminal 1 is significantly smaller in size, making navigation within it even simpler, though the selection of services there is more modest.

There is no pedestrian walkway between terminals T1 and T2, as they are situated some distance apart. A free shuttle bus operates to transport passengers between them. If you have a transfer from a domestic to an international flight (or vice versa), be sure to allocate extra time for waiting and the shuttle ride, which takes about 5-10 minutes.

Check-in and security procedures at Guilin Airport are organised efficiently, but the time required to pass through them depends heavily on the season and time of day. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — no less than 2.5-3 hours. During national holidays, such as Chinese New Year or "Golden Week," passenger traffic increases sharply, so it is worth arriving even earlier. Generally, the process in T2 may take longer due to the higher number of passengers, whereas in T1 it usually proceeds faster.

For comfortable navigation through the airport, follow a few simple recommendations. Most importantly, check your terminal in advance on the airline's website or on your ticket. Follow the signs, and if you encounter difficulties, do not hesitate to approach the information desks. If you are travelling with a large amount of luggage or with small children, allow extra time for all procedures to avoid rushing.

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is a modern transport hub whose history is inextricably linked with the transformation of Guilin into one of the main tourism centres of China. The airport was officially opened on 28 September 1996 to replace the old Guilin Qifengling Airport, which could no longer cope with the growing passenger traffic.

Construction began in 1993, and initially, the complex was designed to handle up to 5 million passengers annually. Almost immediately after opening, in November 1996, the airport received international status, which gave a powerful impulse to the development of tourism throughout the Guangxi region. This allowed for the establishment of direct air connections with many countries in Asia and the world.

A key stage in the airport's development was a large-scale reconstruction and expansion project that began in 2015. The main achievement of this project was the construction and commissioning of the new Terminal T2, which opened its doors to passengers on 30 September 2018. Thanks to this, the airport's capacity increased significantly, allowing it to receive more flights and provide a higher level of comfort for travellers.

An interesting fact: the name "Liangjiang" translates from Chinese as "Two Rivers," symbolising the famous Li and Taohua rivers, on the banks of which Guilin is situated. Since its foundation, the airport has served as the main entry point for millions of tourists eager to see the unique karst landscapes listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) cares for the comfort of its passengers by offering a wide range of services and amenities. While waiting for your flight, you can have a meal in one of the numerous cafés or restaurants, serving both local Guangxi cuisine and familiar international dishes. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores including Duty Free outlets, souvenir shops with local crafts, and boutiques.

For those who value privacy and enhanced comfort, the airport provides business class waiting halls and VIP lounges. Here you can relax in a calm atmosphere, enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments, and make use of work zones. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous stands and sockets are equipped for charging electronic devices.

Practical matters are also easily resolved at the airport. At travellers' disposal are bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points. In case of illness, a medical centre operates within the terminal, ready to provide first aid. Families with small children can use the comfortable and well-equipped mother and child rooms.

Guilin Airport is well adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and special restrooms, and staff are ready to provide necessary assistance. For those with a long layover or an early departure, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. Business travellers can utilise the services of business centres and conference rooms, which are ideal for holding meetings and negotiations.

At Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), passengers will find diverse dining options, from a quick snack to a full meal. Catering establishments are located both in the public area (before security control) and in the secure departure zone, allowing you to eat at any time before or after flight check-in.

The main gastronomic attraction that you must try is Guilin Rice Noodles (米粉, mǐfěn). Several cafés in the airport specialise specifically in this iconic regional dish. The noodles are served in an aromatic broth with the addition of pickled vegetables, peanuts, and thinly sliced meat. This is an excellent way to experience local cuisine right before departure. Additionally, other dishes from Guangxi province can be found on restaurant menus.

For those who prefer more familiar food, coffee shops and fast-food restaurants operate in the airport, offering sandwiches, pastries, burgers, and coffee. Most establishments offering a quick snack are located in the departure zone. If you have more time, you can visit one of the full-service restaurants in the public area, where the selection of dishes is wider and the atmosphere more relaxed.

Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city, ranging from moderate in food courts to high in restaurants. Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until the last evening flight. Regarding dietary restrictions, finding specialised vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free cafés may be challenging. However, in many restaurants, you can request a dish be prepared without meat, for example, rice noodles with vegetables.

To ensure your journey through Guilin Liangjiang International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these tips. The airport serves both domestic and international destinations, and proper preparation will help avoid stress and unnecessary expenses.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within China, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3-4 hours prior. This allows enough time to calmly complete check-in, baggage drop, and security screening. To save time, check in for your flight online via your airline's website or app.

Security Screening and Hand Luggage: Security services at Chinese airports operate very thoroughly. Prepare electronics (laptops, tablets) for separate scanning in advance. Pay special attention to power banks: they can be carried only in hand luggage, and the capacity marking must be clearly visible on the casing. Devices without markings may be confiscated. Standard restrictions on liquids (up to 100 ml per container) also apply.

Seat Selection and Transfers: If you are flying out of Guilin, try to secure a window seat — in good weather, you will be treated to unforgettable views of the famous karst hills. Passengers with a transfer should verify in advance whether they need to collect their luggage and check it in again. Look for "Transfer" signs in the airport to quickly find the correct gate.

Customs Control: When departing or arriving on an international flight, you will have to pass through customs control. If you are carrying large sums of currency or goods subject to declaration, be sure to complete the appropriate form. This is a standard procedure that usually does not take much time.

Economy and Flight Delays: Prices for food and beverages at the airport are traditionally higher, so you can save money by having a snack before arrival. Getting to the city or the airport is often cheaper via special shuttle buses. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information and instructions. The waiting halls have cafés, shops, and free Wi-Fi to help pass the time.