Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport

Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport is a modern aerial gateway located in the uniquely beautiful Xinjiang region. Opened in 2024, it serves as the starting point for journeys to the famous Bayinbuluke grasslands, offering tourists fast and convenient access to natural wonders. The airport is designed to handle the growing flow of travelers wishing to explore the culture and breathtaking landscapes of this area. Its strategic location makes it a key transport hub for the development of eco-tourism in the Bayingolin Prefecture.

Features and Advantages

The main advantage of Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport is its proximity to the Bayinbuluke National Park and Nature Reserve, famous for its "Swan Lakes" and picturesque scenery. This makes it an ideal starting point for eco-tourists and photographers. Despite being new, the airport is equipped with modern infrastructure to ensure passenger comfort. The runway is capable of accommodating various types of aircraft, which will allow for the expansion of flight geography in the future, connecting the region with major cities across China.

Finding precise and up-to-date contact information for small regional airports, such as Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport (HJB), can be challenging. Below are general details and recommendations for contacting the airport.

• Official Airport Website: Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport does not have a separate official website. It is managed by the Xinjiang Airport Group. It is recommended to look for current information on their general portal (if available) or on the websites of airlines operating flights to Narat.
• Inquiry Service Phone: It is difficult to find a direct public phone number for the HJB inquiry service. For information regarding flights, services, or if questions arise, it is recommended to contact your airline directly.
• Airport Address: Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China.
• Email: An official email address for general inquiries is not published. Please use the feedback forms on airline websites for communication.
• Airport Social Media: There are no specialized social media pages for the airport.
• Lost Baggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, you should immediately contact the baggage tracing service (Lost & Found) of your airline at the arrival airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The best way to receive support is to contact the representative office of the airline you are flying with. Their contacts are always listed on the official website and on your ticket.

Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport (HJB) is located in a picturesque but rather remote area of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. It primarily serves tourists heading to the famous Bayinbuluke grasslands. Since the airport is situated at a significant distance from the town of Narat, the journey to it requires careful planning and will take several hours.

Taxi and Private Transfer are the most convenient and reliable ways to get to the airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance through your hotel or a local travel agency so that the driver is waiting for you at the required time. The trip from Narat will be quite expensive due to the long distance, but it ensures maximum comfort. To avoid misunderstandings, agree on the price in advance or use the services of official taxi companies with fixed rates.

Public Transport in this part of the region is poorly developed. There are generally no direct bus or train routes from Narat to Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport. Theoretically, one can get to Hejing city by intercity bus or shared taxi, and from there take a taxi to the airport. However, this option is extremely unreliable, difficult to organize, and not recommended for tourists with limited time before departure.

Car Rental is an excellent solution for independent travelers who want to explore the region at their own pace. You can rent a car in one of the major cities of Xinjiang and drive comfortably to the airport, viewing local beauties along the way. The roads are generally of good quality, but one should be prepared for mountainous terrain. The airport provides parking where you can leave your vehicle for a short or long term.

Whichever method you choose, we strongly advise leaving in advance. Given the remoteness of the airport and the specifics of mountain roads, always allocate extra time for the journey to guarantee you catch your flight without haste or stress.

Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport (HJB) is a modern and compact regional airport serving domestic flights. Its key feature is simplicity and convenience for passengers, due to the presence of only one passenger terminal. You will not have to worry about complex transfers or long movements between different buildings.

The terminal is designed according to modern standards with intuitive navigation. The airport layout is extremely simple: all key zones—check-in, security screening, waiting lounges, baggage claim, and exit—are located in one building. Signs are generally duplicated in English, which significantly facilitates orientation for international tourists. Since there is only one terminal, the issue of transfers between them is irrelevant.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. In the Departure Zone, airline check-in counters are located, after which passengers proceed to security checkpoints. Beyond the screening area, there is a small but comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates. The Arrival Zone includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the public area, where you can meet arrivals or find transport.

Thanks to the small size of the airport, completing all pre-flight procedures, such as flight check-in and security screening, usually takes significantly less time than in major airports. Queues here are rare, allowing passengers to arrive at the airport without a huge time buffer. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation—to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure—remains relevant to avoid any unforeseen situations.

The main advice for navigation at Hejing Airport is simply to follow the signs. It is practically impossible to get lost here. The compactness of the terminal is its main advantage, turning the beginning and end of your journey into a maximally comfortable and quick process.

The history of Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport (HJB) is a story of modern tourism development in China. Unlike airports with centuries of history, this air harbor is brand new. Its construction was dictated by the desire to make one of the region's most picturesque places—the famous Bayinbuluke grasslands—more accessible to travelers. The official opening took place quite recently, on March 19, 2021, which became a real breakthrough for the tourism infrastructure of this part of Xinjiang.

The main stage in the airport's brief history was its design and construction within the framework of the state program for the development of western regions. Located at a significant altitude, it is an example of modern engineering art. Its main achievement is the radical reduction of travel time. If previously the journey to the Bayinbuluke grasslands from major cities took many hours by car, now a flight, for example, from Urumqi, takes less than an hour. This has opened the region, including the picturesque surroundings of Narat, to a completely new flow of tourists.

Since the airport was commissioned very recently, it was initially built with state-of-the-art technology and has not yet undergone large-scale renovations. Its history is still being written, and every new flight adds a line to it. An interesting fact: Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport is designed primarily as a "tourism" airport; its main mission is serving guests arriving to enjoy the unique nature. Its operation may be seasonal due to severe weather conditions in the high mountains during the winter period, making a trip here even more special.

Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport (HJB) is a modern regional aviation hub providing passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although the range of amenities corresponds to the size of the airport and focuses on basic needs, travelers will find everything essential here.

There are several dining outlets within the terminal where you can have a snack before departure, such as small cafes offering drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. There are also shops where you can purchase travel goods, souvenirs, and locally produced products. The selection is generally not very large but sufficient to satisfy basic needs.

A general waiting lounge is equipped for all passengers. While information about the availability of separate VIP lounges may change, comfortable seating for rest is usually available in the terminal. Throughout the airport, free Wi-Fi is generally provided, and special stands and sockets are available for charging electronic devices.

Financial services are represented by ATMs where cash can be withdrawn. Currency exchange points in small regional airports may be absent or have limited operating hours, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in advance. A medical station operates at the airport to provide emergency assistance.

For passengers traveling with small children, a mother and child room is equipped. The airport is also designed taking into account the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. For additional assistance, such as a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact your airline representatives in advance.

There are no hotels directly inside the airport building, but travelers can find accommodation options in nearby settlements. Specialized conference halls or business centers are absent at Hejing Airport, as it is primarily focused on serving passenger flights rather than business events.

Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport (HJB) is a small regional airport serving mainly tourist flows to the famous Bayinbuluke pastures. Due to its compact size, the choice of dining establishments here is limited, and passengers should plan their time and meals in advance.

In the airport's single terminal, typically before the security checkpoint (landside), you can find a small cafe or snack bar. Here, travelers can purchase beverages such as tea, coffee, water, and soft drinks, as well as light snacks: packaged sandwiches, chips, pastries, and sweets. This is the main option for a quick bite before departure or after arrival.

Opportunities for a full lunch or dinner at the airport are extremely limited. Sometimes in such airports, one can find an establishment offering simple hot dishes, for example, instant noodles or boxed meals. However, one should not count on a wide selection of local Xinjiang cuisine or full restaurant service. Most establishments focus on a standard menu and quick service.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) will find it difficult to find suitable options. It is recommended to bring your own snacks. Regarding Halal food, given the airport's location in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, it is likely that the meat dishes offered comply with Halal standards, but this should be verified on-site.

Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city. The opening hours of the few dining spots are directly tied to the flight schedule: they open a few hours before the first departure and close shortly after the last departure. Therefore, if your flight is delayed or you arrive late at night, cafes may already be closed.

Main recommendation: If you have time, it is better to eat at one of the establishments in Hejing city or nearby settlements before traveling to the airport. If you plan to have a snack directly before departure, be prepared for a limited selection and higher prices.

When planning a trip through Hejing (Bayinbuluke) Airport, it is important to remember a few tips that will make your journey more comfortable and predictable. By following these recommendations, you can avoid unnecessary stress and save time for more pleasant activities in Narat.

Arrival Time. The standard rule for domestic flights within China is to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure time indicated on your ticket. Although Hejing Airport is not a major international hub, this time will be sufficient to calmly check in luggage, pass security control, and find your boarding gate, especially during the peak tourist season.

Check-in and Security. To save time, use the online check-in service on your airline's website. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters. When passing security control, prepare your passport and boarding pass in advance. Be ready to remove all electronics (laptops, tablets) as well as liquid containers from your hand luggage.

Carry-on Rules. Pay special attention to the rules for carrying items in the aircraft cabin. Liquids are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Power banks (external batteries) can be carried only in hand luggage, and the capacity marking must be clearly visible on them. In Chinese airports, very strict rules apply regarding lighters and matches—their carriage is most often completely prohibited.

Transfers and Delays. If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you will need to collect your luggage and check in for the next flight segment. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for current information and instructions. It is always useful to have a portable charger, a book, or headphones with you to pass the time during a possible wait.

Economy and Comfort. To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle with you—after security screening, it can be filled at drinking fountains. If you want to enjoy views of the picturesque surroundings during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat when checking in for the flight. It is also advisable to have a light snack with you, as the choice of food in small regional airports may be limited.