Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport

Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport is not merely a transport hub, but an aerial gateway to the amazing world of the tropical paradise in Yunnan Province. Its architecture, featuring elements resembling the traditional buildings of the Dai ethnic group, immediately sets the mood for an exotic journey. Located in a picturesque area, it welcomes travellers with an atmosphere of tranquillity and the anticipation of adventures awaiting them in the city of Jinghong and its surroundings. It is the second-largest international airport in the province, serving as a starting point for exploring the southern part of China.

Despite its relatively small size, Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal features information desks, ticket counters, various cafes, and shops. Its convenient location allows for quick access to the centre of Jinghong by taxi or bus, with the journey taking about 15-20 minutes. The airport is constantly developing to cope with the growing flow of tourists wishing to experience the unique culture and nature of this region.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (JHG). We recommend checking the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: The airport is part of the Yunnan Airport Group. Current information can be found on their official website: www.ynairport.com
• Inquiry Service Phone: For general questions, you can contact the numbers: +86 691 215 9131 or +86 691 215 9114.
• Airport Address: Gasa Town, Jinghong, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, 666100.
• Email: A dedicated email address for general passenger inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: Main news and updates are published on Chinese platforms, such as Weibo, on the Yunnan Airport Group management company page.
• Lost and Found: For questions regarding lost or damaged items, please contact the baggage tracing service at: +86 691 215 9155.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and consultations, please use the main airport inquiry phone number.

Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (JHG) is located just 6 kilometres southwest of the city centre of Jinghong, making the journey there fast, affordable, and convenient. Travellers can choose from several methods to reach the terminal, depending on their budget, time, and amount of luggage.

Public Transport: Bus
The most economical way to get to the airport is to use the city bus. The special Route No. 1 (Airport Bus) connects the airport with major areas of the city, including the bus station and popular hotels. The trip usually takes about 30 minutes, but time may vary depending on traffic conditions. This is an excellent choice for travellers with light luggage and those looking to save money, as the ticket cost is minimal.

Taxi and Transfer
For maximum convenience and speed, especially if you are travelling with children or a large number of suitcases, a taxi is best. The journey from the city centre to the airport will take only 15-20 minutes. The cost is reasonable, but it is recommended to ensure the driver turns on the taximeter, or agree on a fixed price before starting the trip. Many hotels also offer a transfer arrangement service, which can be a convenient option to book in advance.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to move around the picturesque Xishuangbanna region extensively, renting a car might be a good solution. You can rent a car both in the city and directly at the airport. This will provide you with complete freedom of movement. However, please note that to drive in China, foreigners typically need to obtain a temporary local driving license. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented transport, parking is available where vehicles can be left for both short and long terms.

Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (JHG) consists of a single modern terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Despite its compact size, it is designed very logically and intuitively, making it convenient for passengers finding themselves for the first time in Jinghong — the capital of the tropical region of southern China.

The internal structure of the terminal follows a classic two-level scheme. The Arrivals Zone is located on the ground floor. Immediately after disembarking, passengers enter the baggage claim hall, then pass through customs control (for international flights) and exit into the public area where taxis and buses await. The Departures Zone is located on the second floor and includes check-in counters, security screening points, passport control, and waiting lounges with boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, no transfers between buildings are required. All navigation takes place within a single complex. Signs are in Chinese and English, which significantly facilitates orientation. Due to the relatively small passenger flow, passing through all pre-flight formalities generally does not take much time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2-3 hours before an international one, to complete check-in and security screening without rushing.

For comfortable navigation, simply follow the signs and check the information on electronic boards displaying check-in counter numbers and boarding gates for your flight. Airport staff are generally ready to help, although knowledge of English may be limited. Overall, Jinghong Airport leaves an impression of a clean, organised, and uncongested space, ideally suited for beginning and ending a journey through the scenic Xishuangbanna region.

Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (JHG) has a relatively short but rich history, closely linked to the rapid development of tourism in the region. Its construction began in the late 1980s, and it was officially opened for flights on 7 April 1990. Initially, it was a small domestic airport intended to connect the picturesque but hard-to-reach Xishuangbanna prefecture with major cities in China.

A key stage in its development was receiving international status in 1996. This opened direct air routes to neighbouring Southeast Asian countries and turned Jinghong into an important transport hub. Realising the growing potential, authorities initiated a large-scale expansion programme that took place from 2005 to 2008. As part of this modernisation, the runway was significantly extended to accommodate larger aircraft, and a new, modern passenger terminal was built.

Throughout its history, the airport has repeatedly set records for passenger traffic growth rates in Yunnan Province, reflecting the incredible popularity of Xishuangbanna as a tourist destination. It was one of the first in the country to establish regular connections with Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, strengthening its reputation as the southern gateway of China. Subsequent renovations have aimed at improving navigation equipment and enhancing passenger service quality to meet world standards.

Interesting fact: the architecture and interiors of Gasa Airport include elements inspired by the culture of the Dai people — the indigenous population of these lands. This allows travellers to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the region immediately upon arrival. Today, the airport continues to develop, serving millions of tourists and playing a crucial role in the economic life of this amazing tropical part of the country.

Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (JHG) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or restaurants serving both local cuisine and more familiar snacks. The terminal has shops where you can buy souvenirs, Pu'er tea (for which the region is famous), and travel essentials.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport features business lounges where you can relax in a quiet environment, have a drink, and use additional services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for mobile devices are equipped in the waiting halls, so you can always stay connected.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are available for travellers. In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical post is operational in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

For passengers with children, mother and child rooms are provided, equipped with everything necessary for baby care. The airport is also accessible for travellers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, special restrooms, and staff are ready to assist with movement around the terminal and boarding the flight.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, many accommodation options are located just a few minutes' drive away in the city of Jinghong. Regarding business services, the airport does not have its own conference halls, so it is better to use the infrastructure of city hotels for business meetings.

Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (JHG) offers passengers a decent selection of establishments where one can have a snack or a full meal before departure. Here you will find both outlets with familiar food and cafes specialising in authentic Yunnan cuisine, making the flight wait an excellent opportunity for a gastronomic introduction to the region.

Top Recommendation — do not miss the chance to try local dishes. The jewel of Yunnan cuisine is the famous rice noodles "Mixian" (米线), served in a fragrant broth with various toppings. This is a hearty and delicious dish, ideal for lunch. Also, pay attention to local tea shops where you can buy and taste the famous Pu'er tea, for which this region of China is renowned.

Dining options at the airport can be divided by location:

• Public Zone (Landside): Before passing security control, there are several full-service restaurants. This is the best choice if you have plenty of time and want to sit quietly for lunch or dinner. They serve local and general Chinese cuisine.
• Departure Zone (Airside): After passing screening, the selection shifts towards fast food establishments. Passengers have access to several cafes, small snack bars, and noodle shops. This is an ideal option for a quick snack, a cup of coffee, or tea immediately before boarding the flight.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding certified Halal or gluten-free dishes may be difficult. However, it will be easier for vegetarians: in most establishments, you can order vegetable-based dishes or ask for noodles prepared without meat. We recommend clarifying ingredients with the staff.

The price range at JHG Airport, like most airports worldwide, is somewhat higher than in establishments in the city of Jinghong. Most restaurants and cafes open with the first flights and operate until the last plane departs, so you will always find a place to refresh yourself, regardless of the time of your journey.

When planning a departure from Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport, located in picturesque Jinghong, it is worth arriving in advance. For domestic flights within China, it is recommended to allow at least 2–2.5 hours before departure. Although the airport is not the largest, queues can form during peak tourist seasons. Always check your airline's recommendations to avoid unnecessary rushing.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Be prepared for security screening at Chinese airports to be very thorough. Have your passport, visa, and boarding pass ready. Pay special attention to rules regarding liquids (in containers up to 100 ml) and portable chargers (power banks) — capacity markings must be clearly visible on them, and they are permitted only in carry-on luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, opt for a window seat to enjoy views of the tropical landscapes of Xishuangbanna during takeoff or landing. As for carry-on luggage, besides the mentioned batteries, remember that there are strict rules in China regarding lighters and matches — carrying them may be completely prohibited. Check the weight and size limits for carry-on luggage with your carrier in advance to avoid extra charges at the airport.

If you have a transfer at Gasa Airport, clarify whether you need to recheck your luggage for the next flight yourself. Customs control for international arrivals is standard: you will need to fill out a migration card and, if necessary, a declaration. We recommend studying current customs regulations before your trip to know which goods can be imported into and exported from the country.

A few tips for saving money. Book a transfer from the airport to the city or vice versa in advance — this is often more economical than catching a taxi on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle: after the security zone, you can fill it at drinking fountains. Food prices at the airport are generally higher, so a light snack brought with you or lunch before the trip to the airport will help save your budget.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline's counter for information. For long delays, the carrier is obliged to provide drinks, meals, and sometimes hotel accommodation. Your travel insurance may also cover expenses related to flight cancellation or delay. While waiting, you can use the Wi-Fi (often a local phone number is required for connection), visit the few shops, or relax in a cafe.