Longnan Chengxian

Longnan Chengxian Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the picturesque mountainous region of Gansu Province. Built at a high altitude amidst lush green hills, it seems to float above the ground, offering travellers breathtaking views even before landing. This modern air terminal has transformed exhausting journeys along winding mountain roads into a comfortable and rapid trip, connecting the region's ancient culture with the rhythm of major metropolises.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Longnan Chengxian Airport stands out for its unique architecture and location. Engineers literally had to shear off mountain peaks to create a level surface for the runway, making it a true marvel of construction engineering. Thanks to the compact terminal, passengers can complete all formalities in a matter of minutes, avoiding the queues typical of large hubs. Furthermore, the airport plays a key role in tourism development: it provides quick access to the nature reserves and historical monuments of Gansu, which were previously difficult for mass tourism to reach.

To obtain current information regarding flights, services, and regulations at Longnan Chengxian Airport (LNL), it is recommended to use the following contact details. Please note that for small regional airports, the most reliable method of communication is often a telephone call or contacting your airline directly.

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have an official website in English or Russian. For information on flight schedules and status, it is recommended to use the website of the airline you are flying with.
• Information Desk Phone: The main number for enquiries is: +86-939-3203888. Please be prepared to communicate in Chinese.
• Airport Address: Shiyuan Town, Cheng County, Longnan, Gansu, China (Gansu Province, Longnan Prefecture, Cheng County).
• Email: There is no official public email address for general enquiries. It is recommended to contact them by phone for all questions.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on international social networks (such as Facebook or Instagram).
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative office at the airport directly or call their hotline numbers.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information, you can use the main information desk phone number. For questions related to tickets, check-in, or your flight, please contact your airline's support service.

You can get to Longnan Chengxian Airport (LNL) from the city of Longnan in several ways. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. It is important to remember that the airport is located in Cheng County (Chengxian), approximately 55 km from the main urban district of Longnan — Wudu. Therefore, the travel time and cost will vary significantly depending on your final destination.

Public Transport. The most budget-friendly option is the special shuttle bus. There are two main routes: to the main urban district of Wudu and to the centre of Cheng County. The journey to Wudu District, where most tourists head, takes approximately 1–1.5 hours, and the ticket cost is about 20–30 Yuan. For those needing to go to the centre of Cheng County, the trip will be shorter — about 30–40 minutes. The shuttle schedule is usually linked to flight arrivals, but it is always best to verify this on-site.

Taxi and Transfers. For maximum convenience, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family, a taxi is best. A trip from the airport to Wudu District (central Longnan) will take about 1–1.5 hours, and the cost will be approximately 150–200 Yuan. It is recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance or ensure they have switched on the meter. The trip to the centre of Cheng County is significantly shorter and cheaper, taking about 20–30 minutes. You can also book an online transfer in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and a meet-and-greet service at the airport.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to travel extensively around the region, renting a car will give you complete freedom of movement. However, it is worth remembering that to drive in China, foreigners generally require a Chinese driving licence. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, there is a car park on the terminal grounds where you can leave your car for both short and long periods.

If your plans are flexible, it is worth considering other airports in the region. Among the nearest alternatives are Hanzhong Airport (HZG) at 150 km, Guangyuan Airport (GYS) at 155 km, and the major tourist hub Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH), located approximately 222 km from Longnan.

Longnan Chengxian Airport (LNL) is a modern and compact aviation hub characterised by a simple and clear structure. You won't have to worry about complex navigation, as the airport is designed for maximum passenger convenience. All its infrastructure is housed within one passenger terminal.

The single terminal serves both domestic departures and arrivals. This means you do not need to walk or transfer between different buildings, which significantly saves time and energy. All travel logistics — from check-in to baggage claim — take place under one roof.

The layout of the terminal is intuitive. The Departure Zone is located in the main part of the building. Immediately after entering, you will see the check-in counters, followed by the security checkpoint; once through, you will enter the airside area with waiting lounges and boarding gates. The Arrival Zone is usually located on the same level or on the ground floor, where the baggage reclaim belts and the exit to the city are situated. Navigation is simplified by clear signage in Chinese and English.

Thanks to the airport's small size and the absence of huge passenger flows, completing all pre-flight procedures typically takes very little time. Flight check-in and security screening are quick and simple. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in good time — approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure, to check in your luggage without rushing and find your boarding gate.

Longnan Chengxian Airport (LNL) is one of the youngest and most modern air hubs in China, with a history inextricably linked to the rapid development of the region. Unlike airports with centuries of history, its journey began quite recently. The official opening and the commencement of commercial flights took place on 25 March 2018. This day became a major event for the city of Longnan and the entire Gansu Province, as the airport radically improved transport accessibility to this mountainous region.

The decision to build was made as part of the state programme for the development of western territories and poverty reduction. Work began in 2015 and presented a highly complex engineering challenge due to the mountainous terrain. Builders literally had to level hilltops to create the runway and necessary infrastructure. Thus, the main "historical event" for the airport was its very creation — a true technological and construction breakthrough for the region.

Since its opening, Longnan Chengxian Airport has functioned as a modern 4C-class regional hub. It was designed and built using the latest technologies, so it has not yet required large-scale reconstruction or modernisation. The airport's main achievement is its impact on people's lives. The journey to major cities like Lanzhou or Xi'an, which previously took many hours by car along mountain roads, has now been reduced to approximately one hour of flight. This has opened up Longnan to tourists and investors, giving a powerful boost to the local economy.

Longnan Chengxian Airport (LNL) is a modern and compact air hub offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the airport is designed with traveller convenience in mind, ensuring a pleasant start or end to a trip across this picturesque region of China.

In the airport terminal, you will find several establishments where you can have a snack before departure. At your service are small cafes offering drinks and light snacks, as well as restaurants where you can try local cuisine. Additionally, there are shops where you can purchase necessities, press, and souvenirs to remember your trip by.

For comfortable waiting, the airport is equipped with spacious lounges with ample seating. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous gadget charging stations will allow you to stay connected at all times. For passengers travelling business class or who are members of airline loyalty programmes, a separate lounge with enhanced comfort may be available.

Longnan Chengxian Airport provides a range of practical services to meet basic needs. ATMs are installed here for cash withdrawals. In case of necessity, passengers can visit the medical post for first aid. For travellers with small children, special mother and child rooms are equipped where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment.

The airport is adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, special restrooms, and staff assistance is provided if necessary. It is worth noting that there are no hotels within the airport grounds. The nearest accommodation options are in the city of Longnan, which can be easily reached by taxi or bus. Business services, such as conference rooms, are absent at the airport; it is better to look for these in business hotels in the city.

Longnan Chengxian Airport (LNL) is a small regional air hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited but sufficient for a comfortable wait. Dining options are concentrated mainly in the single terminal and offer both quick snacks and the opportunity for a more substantial meal.

Before Security (Landside)

In the public area of the airport, there is typically a main restaurant or cafe. Here you can order a full lunch or dinner. The menu usually includes dishes from the local Gansu cuisine. Pay attention to the beef noodles — this is the region's signature dish. Simple and filling dishes such as fried rice, stewed meat with vegetables, and various soups may also be offered. This is the best place for a leisurely meal if you have enough time before departure.

After Security (Airside)

In the departure zone, the selection is usually more modest. Here you will find small cafes or snack bars, ideal for a quick bite. The assortment includes sandwiches, pastries, packaged snacks (crisps, nuts), as well as hot and cold drinks, including tea and coffee. Sometimes in such spots, you can buy instant noodles, for which hot water is provided.

Special Dietary Preferences

Options for passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, Halal dishes) at Longnan Airport are likely unavailable or extremely limited. Vegetarians can try to arrange for a meat-free dish at the restaurant in the general area, for example, by ordering fried vegetables or rice. However, if you have strict dietary requirements, it is recommended to bring food with you or eat before arriving at the airport.

Prices and Opening Hours

Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city. Catering establishments usually operate according to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last plane departs. For clarification, it is best to rely on the actual opening hours on the day of your travel.

To ensure your journey through Longnan Chengxian Airport goes smoothly, make use of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time and stress, making your flight as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time: For domestic flights within China, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to complete all pre-flight formalities without rushing, even during peak seasons.

Check-in and Security: If possible, complete online check-in — this will save you time at the airport. When passing through security control, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics, as well as your bag of liquids, from your hand luggage. Rules in Chinese airports can be strict, so please follow the staff's instructions.

Seat Selection: If you want to admire the views, choose a window seat. If the ability to get up and leave freely without disturbing neighbours is important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Seats at emergency exits usually offer more legroom, but airlines may charge an additional fee for them.

Hand Luggage: In hand luggage, liquids are permitted in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, or flammable substances. Be sure to check your airline's current rules before flying.

Transfer Passengers: If you have a connecting flight to another city in China, check in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Look for "Transfers" signs at the airport to quickly find the necessary gate or counter for transit passengers.

Saving Time and Money: To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport online in advance. Bring an empty water bottle with you to fill it up after passing security control and avoid buying water at inflated prices. Online check-in and preparing documents will also help avoid wasting time.

Flight Delays: In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. Monitor information on the departure boards and listen for announcements. Contact your airline representative — they will provide current information on the flight status and explain your rights, including potential provision of meals or accommodation.