Langzhong Gucheng Airport

Langzhong Gucheng Airport (LZG) is not merely an air gateway, but a modern bridge connecting travellers with one of the most charming ancient cities in China. Opened in 2018, it has become a key access point to the historical heritage of Sichuan Province. Despite its relatively modest size, the airport is designed to ensure maximum comfort and convenience for everyone arriving to explore the unique culture of Langzhong.

The airport's main advantage is its modern infrastructure and well-thought-out logistics. The terminal is compact yet bright and clean, with clear navigation, allowing passengers to complete all pre-flight formalities quickly without unnecessary hassle or long queues. Basic amenities are available for passengers, including small cafes where you can have a snack before departure, and souvenir shops.

Thanks to its location, Gucheng Airport significantly reduces travel time for tourists heading to the ancient city of Langzhong, which is listed among the country's best-preserved historical cities. This is the ideal choice for those who value their time and wish to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of old China without delay, avoiding long transfers from larger regional hubs.

• Official Airport Website: Currently, Langzhong Gucheng Airport (LZG) does not have a separate official website. It is recommended to check up-to-date flight information via official airline apps or major aggregators.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86 817 581 1111 (General Hotline)
• Airport Address: Shilong Town, Langzhong City, Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, China.
• Email: There is no public email address for passengers.
• Airport Social Media: The official WeChat (Weixin) account can be found under the name "阆中古城机场" (Langzhong Gucheng Airport).
• Lost and Found Information: There is no dedicated direct number; it is recommended to contact the general inquiry service at +86 817 581 1111 or the airline counter upon arrival.
• Customer Support Contacts (Complaints and Suggestions): +86 817 625 8080

You can get to Langzhong Gucheng Airport from the city centre of Langzhong in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences. When planning your trip, please note that the airport is located at some distance from the centre, so allow sufficient time for travel, especially during peak hours.

Public Transport is the most economical way to reach the airport. The main option is shuttle buses, which run between the airport and key points in the city, including the bus station and major hotels. This is a reliable and budget-friendly choice for travellers, but it is worth checking the schedule and route in advance, as they may change. There is usually no direct metro or high-speed train connection to the airport, making the bus the primary mode of public transport.

Taxi offers a faster and more comfortable way to reach the terminal. The journey from the city centre will take approximately 30-50 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is an ideal option if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a small group. It is recommended to use official taxis and ensure the driver uses the meter. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer through your hotel or an online service, which guarantees a fixed price and a meet-and-greet service.

For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement, car rental is available. This option allows you not only to reach the airport but also to explore the surroundings of Langzhong and picturesque corners of China. However, please remember that special permits and adaptation to local traffic rules may be required for driving. If you arrive at the airport in your own or a rented car, a car park with zones for short-term and long-term parking is at your service.

In general, the choice of transport depends on your priorities. The bus is the best choice for budget travellers. A taxi provides a good balance of speed and comfort at a reasonable price. A pre-booked transfer removes all worries about organising the trip, while car rental is suitable for independent explorers. Regardless of the chosen method, always leave in advance to avoid rushing before departure.

Langzhong Gucheng Airport (LZG) is a modern yet compact regional transport hub serving the city of Langzhong and the surrounding areas of Nanchong. Thanks to its small size, the airport offers passengers a cosy atmosphere and an absence of the hustle and bustle typical of large international hubs.

The airport complex consists of one passenger terminal. It is a two-storey building with a total area of about 7,000 square metres, designed with elements of traditional Chinese architecture, highlighting Langzhong's status as one of China's ancient historical cities. The terminal exclusively serves domestic flights within the country.

The airport layout is intuitive, making navigation extremely simple even for first-time visitors to the region. The ground floor is generally dedicated to the passenger check-in area and the arrivals hall with baggage claim belts. After completing check-in, passengers proceed to the pre-flight security screening area. The departure lounge is equipped with several boarding gates, some of which feature jet bridges for comfortable boarding.

Since there is only one terminal, transfers between buildings are not required. All necessary services are within walking distance. Basic amenities are located in the departure and arrival zones: small shops with souvenirs and local products, cafes, restrooms, and mother-and-child rooms. Navigation signs are duplicated in English, which facilitates orientation.

Procedures at Langzhong Gucheng Airport are quite fast. Queues at check-in counters and security checkpoints are rare. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to calmly check in luggage and complete all formalities. The baggage claim area upon arrival also operates efficiently, and passengers usually receive their belongings within 15–20 minutes after landing.

The history of Langzhong Gucheng Airport (LZG) as a civil aviation facility began quite recently, yet the location itself has deeper roots. This airport is a prime example of how infrastructure adapts to the growing tourism needs of a region, striving to open access to one of China's best-preserved ancient cities to the world.

The project to create a civil airport in Langzhong was officially approved in August 2019. A key feature of the construction was that the air harbour was not created from scratch in an open field, but based on the reconstruction and expansion of an old airfield that existed here previously. The main goal of the project was to transform the facility into a modern 4C class transport hub capable of accommodating popular medium-haul liners such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

Construction proceeded at an active pace, despite the difficult terrain and the need to integrate modern systems into the existing landscape. A significant milestone in the airport's history was July 2023, when the first test flight was successfully conducted here. This event confirmed the readiness of the runway and navigation equipment for regular operation.

The grand opening of the airport and the launch of regular passenger flights took place in December 2023. This event became a real celebration for local residents and the tourism industry, as it significantly reduced travel time to the famous "Ancient City of Langzhong," previously accessible mainly via ground transport from neighbouring major centres.

With the opening of Langzhong Gucheng, the city of Nanchong (under whose administrative jurisdiction Langzhong falls) joined the elite club of cities served by two civil airports simultaneously (alongside Nanchong Gaoping Airport). This is a rare achievement for a city of this level, underscoring the colossal importance of the region as a tourism centre of Sichuan Province.

It is interesting to note that the airport's name — "Gucheng" — literally translates as "Ancient City". This is a deliberate decision intended to immerse travellers from the very first minutes into the atmosphere of historical heritage, for which most of them fly to this picturesque corner of China.

Langzhong Gucheng Airport (LZG) is a compact and modern domestic airport in China that provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait before departure. Before your flight, you can have a snack at one of the several cafes offering light bites and drinks. For those looking for keepsakes of their trip to Langzhong, shops selling local goods and travel essentials are available.

For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, along with charging stations for mobile devices. The airport also provides basic amenities: ATMs are installed, a medical point is operational, and a mother-and-child room is equipped. The airport is adapted for passengers with reduced mobility — there are ramps and accessible restrooms, ensuring comfortable movement throughout the terminal.

At Langzhong Gucheng Airport (LZG), travellers will find various dining spots capable of satisfying different tastes and budgets — from a quick snack on the go to a leisurely lunch in a restaurant. Dining establishments are located in both the public area (landside) and the secure area (airside).

The main gastronomic attraction that is a must-try is the famous Lanzhou Beef Noodles. Several establishments in the airport specialise in this dish, offering guests the authentic taste of the region. This is an excellent choice for a hearty and wholesome meal before departure or immediately upon arrival. Most often, restaurants offering noodles are located in the general departure and arrival zones.

For those looking for a quick snack, coffee shops and fast-food outlets operate in the terminals. Here you can grab coffee, pastries, sandwiches, or familiar dishes from international chain menus. Such cafes are scattered throughout the airport, making it easy to have a bite without straying far from your boarding gate.

If you have enough time, you can visit one of the sit-down restaurants featuring dishes not only from the local region but also from other cuisines of China. The price range at the airport is generally higher than the city average. Expect to pay more for a full meal in a restaurant than in the centre of Langzhong, while prices at fast-food outlets are more moderate.

Most cafes and restaurants operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft. Some establishments in the departure zone may operate around the clock. Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian options can be found in most Chinese restaurants by asking for a dish to be prepared without meat. However, specialised vegan, gluten-free, or Halal-certified establishments may be absent, so it is best to clarify the ingredients with the staff.

To ensure your journey through Gucheng Airport in the city of Langzhong goes smoothly, plan your arrival in advance. For domestic flights within China, it is recommended to be at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5–3 hours. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours. If possible, complete online check-in for your flight to save time at the airline counters.

Security procedures at Chinese airports can be quite strict. Be prepared to remove all electronic devices, including laptops and power banks, from your hand luggage. Please note: China has specific rules for carrying power banks — they can only be carried in hand luggage, and the capacity must be clearly marked on the casing. Standard restrictions apply for liquids — no more than 100 ml per container, packed in a single transparent bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats will give you the opportunity to admire the views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and freedom of movement around the cabin. For maximum comfort, you can study the aircraft layout on specialised websites in advance to avoid seats with limited recline or those near the restrooms.

Passengers with a connection at Langzhong Gucheng Airport should check with the airline in advance whether their luggage will be automatically checked through to the next flight. If you have a long layover, you can relax in the waiting lounges, visit shops, or cafes. Consider that the airport is located at a significant distance from the city centre, so when planning a trip to Langzhong, carefully calculate the travel time there and back.

When passing through customs control, follow the "Green" channel signs if you have no goods to declare, or "Red" if you do. To save a little money, bring an empty reusable bottle and fill it with drinking water at special fountains after the security zone. It is also beneficial to research airport transfer options in advance — pre-booking a taxi or buying a shuttle bus ticket often costs less.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information on the flight status and possible compensation (vouchers for food, drinks). Use the free Wi-Fi at the airport to contact loved ones, your hotel, or to rebook connecting flights. If the wait is expected to be long, explore the services available in the terminal to pass the time in comfort.