Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport

Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true triumph of engineering, soaring above the karst peaks of Guangxi. To construct this air harbour, builders literally had to slice off the tops of 65 mountains, creating a unique platform hundreds of metres above the valleys. From a distance, the runway resembles a giant aircraft carrier suspended in a celestial ocean of clouds. Arriving here guarantees travellers some of the most breathtaking and unforgettable landing views in the entire world.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

"The Sky Aircraft Carrier". The main feature of the airport is its unique location. The runway sits atop a levelled mountain, surrounded by precipices approximately 300 metres high. This creates an incredible sensation of flight even before the landing gear leaves the ground.

An Engineering Miracle. Hechi Jinchengjiang is considered one of the most difficult airports in the world in terms of construction. Its creation took years and required colossal efforts to level the mountainous landscape, making it an object of interest not only for passengers but also for aviation and architecture enthusiasts.

Compactness and Speed. Thanks to its small size and single terminal, navigation here is maximally simple. Passengers can complete all formalities in a matter of minutes, avoiding the long queues and bustle typical of large hubs.

Scenic Views. Landing and taking off in Hechi is an adventure in itself. The window view offers a stunning panorama of endless green hills and mountain ranges, characteristic of nature in southern China.

Below is the main contact information for Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport (HCJ). Please note that data for small regional airports may change, and it is not always easy to find in open sources.

• Official Website: It is difficult to find a dedicated official website for Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport. The airport is managed by the Guangxi Airport Management Group; you can try to find current information on their corporate portal.
• Information Desk Phone: The main number found in sources is: +86-778-2208-888. It is recommended to verify its validity before calling.
• Airport Address: Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport, Jinchengjiang District, Hechi, Guangxi, China.
• Email: A dedicated email address for general inquiries is generally not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not have official pages on popular international social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact the representative of the airline you flew with. You can also try contacting the general airport phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For support and consultations, it is recommended to use the main airport information desk phone number.

Getting to Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport (HCJ) is a small adventure in itself, as it has one of the most unusual locations in China. The airport is built on a mountaintop with the peaks sliced off, approximately 40-50 kilometres from the city centre of Hechi. Because of this, the distance and mountainous terrain require careful time planning for the journey.

Public Transport: Shuttle Bus

The most economical and popular way to get to the airport is the special shuttle bus. It runs between the city centre and the airport, and its schedule is usually coordinated with flight departure and arrival times. The bus journey takes approximately 1–1.5 hours depending on road conditions. This is not only an affordable option but also an opportunity to enjoy scenic views along the way. It is recommended to check the exact departure point and current schedule in advance at your hotel or the city's tourist information centres.

Taxi and Transfer

For greater comfort, especially if you are travelling with bulky luggage or a group, a taxi would be the ideal choice. A taxi ride will take about 1 hour, but it will be significantly more expensive than the bus. It is recommended to agree on the fare with the driver in advance or ensure the taximeter is switched on. You can also use taxi-hailing apps (such as Didi), which often provide a more predictable price. Booking a private transfer through your hotel is also a reliable option.

Car Rental and Parking

Renting a car offers maximum freedom of movement, but it is worth remembering that local driving licences are usually required to drive in China. The road to the airport is a mountain serpentine, so one should drive with particular caution. Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport has parking where you can leave your car for both short and long periods. Given the small size of the airport, issues with available spaces usually do not arise.

Recommendations and Other Options

There is no direct railway or metro connection to the airport. Thus, your choice is limited to bus, taxi, or car. Given the remoteness and road conditions, it is strongly recommended to leave for the airport with plenty of time to spare — at least 3-4 hours before departure. Although other air harbours can be considered for travelling around the region, such as the airports in Libo or Liuzhou, the local airport remains the most convenient point of arrival for a trip directly to Hechi.

Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport (HCJ) is a small and modern regional airport distinguished by its compactness and convenience. It operates one passenger terminal serving all domestic flights. Thanks to its unique design — the airport is built on top of a levelled mountain — and small dimensions, it offers passengers a quick and simple service process.

The terminal building has a logical and intuitive layout. All key zones — check-in counters, security screening, the waiting lounge, and the baggage claim area — are under one roof and within walking distance of each other. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between different buildings. Navigating the airport is very easy, even if you are here for the first time.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated for passenger convenience. Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in the general hall with check-in counters. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, followed by a small but comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is located separately and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to public transport.

Due to low passenger traffic, completing all formalities generally does not take much time. Queues for check-in and security are usually minimal, making the journey more comfortable. It is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be quite sufficient to go through all procedures without rushing. Signs in Chinese and English will help you orient yourself easily.

Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport (HCJ) is one of the most impressive airports not only in China, but in the entire world. Its history does not span many decades, but it stands as a shining example of modern engineering wonders. The official opening of the air harbour for commercial flights took place on 28 August 2014. This project was implemented to serve the city of Hechi and the surrounding territories, which significantly improved transport accessibility in this mountainous region.

The history of the airport is primarily the history of its construction. The project was approved in 2006, and the work itself began in December 2008. The main task was to create a flat surface for the runway and terminal amidst complex mountainous terrain. To achieve this, engineers had to slice off the tops of 65 hills and mountains, and fill the resulting voids and valleys. As a result, an artificial platform was created at an altitude of 677 metres above sea level — a unique achievement in global airport construction practice.

Thanks to its incredible location, the airport quickly earned the nickname "aircraft carrier on the mountain top". The 2,200-metre-long runway is surrounded on three sides by precipices and valleys up to 300 metres deep, creating a thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking sensation during take-off and landing. This fact also makes the airport one of the most challenging for piloting, requiring special skill and additional training from flight crews.

Since its opening, the airport has not undergone major renovations, as it was built using modern technologies. Its main achievement is not passenger traffic records, but the very fact of its existence, which stands as a monument to engineering thought and perseverance. Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport serves as a clear example of how infrastructure can transform inaccessible regions, opening them up for tourism and economic development.

Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport (HCJ) is a modern regional aviation hub offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-thought-out to ensure your journey begins and ends with maximum convenience.

Dining and Shopping. At the airport, you will find a few cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite before departure, drink coffee, or try local dishes. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs, travel essentials, and press. The range is small but sufficient to satisfy basic needs.

Waiting Lounges and Connectivity. Comfortable waiting areas are available for all passengers. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work. Charging stations for mobile devices are located in the waiting zones. For a more comfortable rest, you can use the services of the VIP lounge, which offers beverages, snacks, and a secluded atmosphere.

Financial and Medical Services. ATMs for cash withdrawal are installed in the airport building. Please note that currency exchange points in regional airports in China may be absent, so it is better to arrange money exchange in advance. A medical point operates to provide emergency assistance.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers. The airport is equipped for the comfortable movement of passengers with reduced mobility. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance if special assistance is required. For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is provided.

Accommodation and Business Services. There are no hotels within the airport territory itself; however, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Hechi, which is easily accessible by taxi or bus. There are no specialised conference halls at the airport, but basic business services may be provided in the VIP lounge.

When planning a departure from Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport (HCJ), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Unlike large international hubs, there are no food courts or a variety of restaurants here. Passengers are recommended to eat in the city of Hechi before travelling to the airport.

In the airport's single terminal, a small cafe or snack bar usually operates in the general area before security control (landside). Here you can have a quick snack before your flight. The assortment generally includes simple Chinese dishes, such as noodle soup or rice with toppings, as well as packaged sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and various beverages.

For those wishing to try something local, simple regional dishes may sometimes appear on the menu, but this is not guaranteed. It is difficult to find a full lunch or dinner here; establishments are more oriented towards quick and light snacks. After passing security control (airside), the choice is generally even more limited and may be reduced to vending machines with drinks and snacks.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, or those on a gluten-free diet) are strongly advised to bring food with them, as finding specialised dishes at the airport is practically impossible. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city, and opening hours are directly linked to the schedule of the few flights served by this airport in China.

To ensure your journey through Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to check in luggage, complete registration, and pass pre-flight security without rushing, especially during busy periods.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such a service. At the security checkpoint, be prepared to present electronic devices (laptops, tablets) separately from the rest of your hand luggage. Remember the standard restrictions on carrying liquids: containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml packed in a single transparent bag are allowed. Particular attention in airports in China is paid to external batteries (power banks) — they are permitted to be carried only in hand luggage.

If possible, choose your seat on the plane in advance. Window seats will allow you to enjoy views of the picturesque karst landscapes during take-off or landing in Hechi, while aisle seats will provide more legroom and the ability to stand up easily during the flight. If you have a connecting flight, verify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transit airport.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at special fountains after the security zone. Light, non-perishable snacks will also be useful to satisfy hunger while waiting for the flight or whilst in the air.

In the event of a flight delay, stay calm. First of all, contact a representative of your airline at the information desk or at the boarding gate. Staff will provide current data on the flight status and explain your rights. Depending on the duration of the wait, you may be offered drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation at the carrier's expense.