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Nanchang Changbei International Airport

About the Airport

Nanchang Changbei International Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Nanchang Changbei International Airport serves as the main aerial gateway to Jiangxi Province, connecting the region with major Asian metropolises. This modern and spacious aviation hub impresses travellers with its architecture and well-planned infrastructure, ensuring a comfortable start to any journey. The airport is constantly developing, offering passengers a high level of service and convenient logistics for transfers to the city centre.
IATA Code KHN
ICAO Code ZSCN
City Nanchang
Distance to Centre 28 km
Status International
Annual Passengers Over 13 million (2019 data)

Features and Advantages

Convenient Infrastructure and Terminals. The airport features two terminals: T1 serves international flights, while the newer and more spacious T2 handles domestic flights. The buildings are designed to maximise natural light and provide intuitive navigation for passengers. Inside, there are numerous shops, souvenir stalls featuring local products, and various cafes where you can taste the cuisine of Jiangxi Province before your departure.

Transport Accessibility. Getting from the airport to the city is quick and affordable. Regular shuttle buses run to Nanchang Railway Station and the central part of the city. For those who value time and comfort, an official taxi service with designated boarding areas is available, as well as car rental services.

Traveller Services. The airport offers a wide range of services, including free Wi-Fi, gadget charging stations, and comfortable waiting lounges. Business travellers have access to business lounges with workspaces. Special attention is paid to security and the speed of pre-flight formalities, making Nanchang Changbei one of the most efficient transport hubs in the region.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Nanchang Changbei International Airport (KHN).

  • Official Website: www.jxairport.com
  • Information Desk Phone: +86 791 8765 2114
  • Address: Nanchang Changbei International Airport, Xinjian District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
  • Email: An official email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the telephone or feedback forms on the website for communication.
  • Social Media: Main communication channels are maintained on Chinese platforms such as WeChat and Weibo. Official accounts can be found by searching for the airport's name in Chinese: 南昌昌北国际机场.
  • Lost and Found Information: For inquiries regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact the relevant service at: +86 791 8765 2573.
  • Customer Support Contacts: For general questions and assistance, you may call the airport's main information desk.

How to Get to the Airport

Nanchang Changbei International Airport (KHN) is located approximately 28 kilometres north of the city centre of Nanchang and offers travellers several convenient ways to reach it. The best option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and the time you have available.

Public Transport is the most economical method. The following options are available to you:

  • Metro: The fastest and most reliable option is to use Line 1 of the Nanchang Metro, which has a station right at Terminal 2 of the airport. The journey from the city centre takes about 50-60 minutes. This is an excellent way to avoid traffic jams during peak hours.
  • Shuttle Buses: Specialised buses connect the airport with key points in the city, including the main railway station and major hotels. This is a budget-friendly option, although slower than the metro. Travel time can range from 60 to 90 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions.

Taxis and Transfers offer more comfort and convenience, especially if you have a lot of luggage. You can choose one of the following options:

  • Taxi: A taxi ride from central Nanchang to the airport usually takes 40-50 minutes, excluding traffic. It is recommended to use official taxis and ensure the driver turns on the meter. Ride-hailing apps popular in China, such as DiDi, are also a convenient alternative.
  • Private Transfer: You can book a transfer in advance online or through your hotel. This option guarantees a fixed price and a meet-and-greet service by the driver, which is particularly convenient for those visiting the city for the first time.

For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement, car rental and parking are available. International and local rental company counters operate at the airport. It is worth remembering that local driving licences are usually required to drive in China. For private vehicles, the airport provides both short-term and long-term parking zones located in the immediate vicinity of the terminals.

Terminals and Map

Nanchang Changbei International Airport (KHN) consists of two passenger terminals — T1 and T2, which serve both domestic and international flights. Understanding their structure will help you navigate easily upon arrival or before departure.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the older and more compact building. Following the opening of the new terminal, it was renovated and is now used primarily for serving international destinations, as well as flights by some budget and regional airlines. Due to its small size, navigation here is quite simple, and all zones — from check-in to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other.

Terminal 2 (T2) is the main and most modern terminal of the airport. It is significantly larger than T1 and handles the majority of domestic flights within China operated by leading carriers. The layout of Terminal T2 is logical: the departure area with numerous check-in counters and security checkpoints is located on the upper level, while the arrival area with baggage claim belts is on the lower level. The infrastructure here is more developed, with more shops, cafes, and rest areas for passengers.

A free shuttle bus runs between the terminals for transfers. It operates regularly, but if you have a connecting flight involving a transfer from one terminal to another, be sure to allow extra time for waiting and travel. Navigation inside both buildings is simplified thanks to clear signage in Chinese and English.

Completing all formalities usually does not take much time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5–3 hours. During peak seasons and holidays, check-in and security times may increase. To avoid rushing, always check in advance which terminal your flight departs from — this information is indicated on your ticket or the airline's website.

Airport History

The history of Nanchang Changbei International Airport (KHN) is a story of rapid growth and modernisation, reflecting the economic development of Jiangxi Province. The airport was opened on 10 September 1999, replacing the old Nanchang Xiantang Airport, which could no longer cope with the growing passenger traffic and modern civil aviation requirements. From the very beginning, the new airport was designed with the future in mind, allowing it to become one of the key transport hubs in central China.

A key stage in the airport's development was receiving international status in 2004, which opened new opportunities for international flights and strengthened its position on the global aviation map. However, the real breakthrough came with the opening of the second terminal (T2) in 2011. This massive reconstruction significantly increased the airport's capacity, improved passenger comfort, and allowed for handling a greater number of flights simultaneously. Around the same time, the runway was upgraded, enabling the accommodation of large long-haul aircraft.

Changbei Airport has repeatedly demonstrated impressive growth rates. For instance, by 2017, annual passenger traffic surpassed the 10 million mark, which was a significant achievement and testament to its growing importance. An interesting fact: the name "Changbei" (昌北) literally translates as "North of Chang", indicating its geographical location north of the city centre of Nanchang. Today, the airport continues to develop actively: construction is underway for a new, third terminal and an additional runway, promising to transform it into an even more powerful and modern aviation complex in the near future.

Services and Amenities

Nanchang Changbei International Airport (KHN) offers its guests a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. In the terminal, you will find numerous establishments to suit every taste and budget: from cafes with quick snacks and aromatic coffee to restaurants where you can have a full meal featuring both local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores, including Duty Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, cosmetics, perfumes, and other goods.

For those who wish to stay connected or get some work done, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. If your device runs out of power, make use of the numerous gadget charging stations. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can spend time in the business class lounges. These offer comfortable seating, newspapers, snacks, and beverages in a quiet atmosphere, away from the main terminal bustle.

Changbei Airport provides all necessary financial and everyday services. ATMs and currency exchange points are available, allowing you to prepare for your journey across China. In case of illness, there is a medical centre in the terminal ready to provide first aid. For travellers with young children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a calm environment.

The airport also cares for passengers with reduced mobility by providing necessary assistance and special equipment — it is recommended to notify your airline in advance for this. Business services and conference rooms are available for business travellers. If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels offering comfortable accommodation are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

Where to Eat

At Nanchang Changbei International Airport (KHN), Nanchang, travellers will find diverse dining options capable of satisfying both rushing passengers and those wishing to have a full meal before departure. Establishments here offer local Jiangxi cuisine as well as popular international and Asian chains, allowing everyone to find something to their taste.

Once at the airport, do not miss the chance to try the region's gastronomic hits. The main one is Nanchang Rice Noodles (拌粉) — a hearty and aromatic dish that locals often eat for breakfast or lunch. Another calling card of the local cuisine is Clay Pot Soup (瓦罐汤). This slowly cooked soup with various ingredients is perfect for warming up while waiting for a flight. Such dishes can be found in restaurants specialising in the cuisine of China.

Dining options are distributed throughout the airport, mainly between the public area and the departure zone:

  • Landside (Before Security): Coffee shops, small snack bars, and restaurants accessible to all airport visitors are usually located here. This is a convenient place to grab a bite if you arrived early or are meeting arriving passengers.
  • Airside (After Security): The selection is generally wider in the departure zone. Here you will find both à la carte restaurants and food courts with branches of famous fast-food chains (e.g., KFC) and cosy coffee shops (such as Starbucks or Costa Coffee).

For a quick snack, noodle kiosks, bakeries with fresh pastries, or numerous coffee shops are perfect. If you have time for a full lunch, we recommend visiting one of the Chinese cuisine restaurants to leisurely enjoy local delicacies. Regarding special dietary requirements, vegetarians will find it easiest to find suitable dishes in Chinese establishments by ordering vegetable side dishes, tofu, or mushroom dishes. Specialised vegan, gluten-free, or Halal menus are rare, so it is best to check the ingredients with the staff.

Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city, but options for different budgets can be found — from inexpensive noodles to more exquisite restaurant dishes. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the last planes depart, although 24-hour cafes may not always be available.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through Nanchang Changbei International Airport goes smoothly, it is worth considering a few points. We recommend arriving at the airport well in advance: 2–2.5 hours before a domestic flight and at least 3 hours before an international one. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours.

To save time, take advantage of online check-in if your airline provides this service. Upon arrival at the airport, have your passport and boarding pass ready. Security procedures at airports in China can be quite strict, so remove all electronic devices, including laptops and power banks, from your hand luggage in advance.

Pay special attention to carry-on luggage rules. Liquids are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Power banks can be transported only in carry-on luggage, and the device must have a clear marking indicating its capacity. Batteries without markings or with high capacity may be confiscated at security control.

If you are transiting through Nanchang, check when registering for your first flight whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. At the airport, follow the "Transfer" signs. Ensure you have enough time for the connection, especially if a change of terminal or re-screening is required.

When passing through customs control upon arrival, have your completed migration card ready. If you have goods to declare, proceed to the "Red Channel". In most cases, if you are travelling light, this process is very quick.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you — after passing security, you can fill it at drinking fountains available in the terminal. Also, explore transfer options from the airport to the city: shuttle buses or the metro are often a more budget-friendly alternative to taxis.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, find an information screen or check the flight status in your airline's app. Then contact a representative of the carrier — depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks, and for long waits — hotel accommodation.

And a small tip on choosing a seat on the plane: if you want to enjoy views of the picturesque landscapes of southern China, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely are more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.

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