Pu'er Simao Airport

Pu'er Simao Airport (SYM) is not just an air gateway, but the beginning of your journey into the very heart of the tea culture of China. Located in the picturesque Yunnan Province, it welcomes guests eager to discover the homeland of the famous Pu'er tea. This compact and modern air harbour serves as a starting point for exploring ancient tea trees, ethnic villages, and the region's amazing landscapes, making it accessible to tourists from all over the country.

The key advantage of Pu'er Simao Airport is its compactness and efficiency. Unlike massive international hubs, all processes here are swift: from flight check-in to baggage claim. The clean and intuitive terminal allows for easy orientation, making the journey as comfortable as possible and eliminating unnecessary stress.

The airport has good transport links with the city — the centre can be easily reached by taxi or bus. Inside the terminal, there is everything a traveller needs: small cafes and shops where you can buy souvenirs and, of course, the famous local tea. The airport's main function is serving domestic flights linking Pu'er with major cities such as Kunming, Beijing, and Shanghai, making it a convenient gateway for exploring this unique corner of Yunnan Province.

• Official Airport Website: The airport does not have a separate website. Current information is published on the Yunnan Airport Group management company portal: www.ynairport.com.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86 879 212 2323 (general inquiry line).
• Airport Address: No. 123, Si'ting Road, Simao District, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province, China.
• Email: An official email address for passengers is not publicly available.
• Airport Social Media: The airport does not maintain active international accounts. Major news may be published on local Chinese social networks (e.g., WeChat).
• Lost and Found: To trace lost items, it is recommended to contact your airline's counter upon arrival or call the main inquiry service number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support is provided via the general inquiry phone line or the offices of airlines based at the airport (China Eastern, Lucky Air).

Getting to Pu'er Simao Airport (SYM) from the city centre of Pu'er is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres away. Depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

Public Transport

The most economical way to get to the airport is to use the dedicated shuttle bus or a city bus. Routes connect the air harbour with the main districts of the city. The bus journey usually takes about 20–30 minutes, but it is always better to allow extra time for waiting and possible stops. The fare is minimal, making this option ideal for budget travellers with light luggage.

Taxi and Transfer

For those who value time and comfort, a taxi is the best choice. The trip from the centre of Pu'er to the terminal will take no more than 10–15 minutes in the absence of traffic jams. This is the fastest and most convenient method, especially if you are travelling with family or a large number of suitcases. It is recommended to use official taxi services with a meter or to pre-book a private transfer through your hotel or a trusted online service to avoid inflated prices.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to actively explore the picturesque surroundings and tea plantations of China, renting a car will provide you with maximum freedom of movement. Rental points are available at the airport and in the city. Pu'er Simao Airport has a parking area where you can leave your car for both short and long terms. It is important to remember that foreign tourists generally require a Chinese driving licence to drive in China, so it is worth clarifying all conditions in advance.

When planning your trip, you can also consider flying via neighbouring airports. For example, Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport in Jinghong is approximately 93 km away, and Lancang Jingmai Airport is 128 km away. However, keep in mind that in this case, you will require an additional and longer ground transfer to reach Pu'er.

Pu'er Simao Airport (SYM) is a small and modern regional air station serving domestic flights. Its key feature is compactness and simplicity, making it very convenient for travellers.

The airport structure is extremely clear, as it consists of one passenger terminal. This single building unifies all zones necessary for passenger service. You will not have to worry about long walks or searching for the right building — everything is under one roof. Such organization significantly simplifies navigation and saves time.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Typically, the ground floor houses check-in counters and the arrival area with baggage claim belts. After check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the departure zone is located. Here, travellers pass through security control, after which they enter the waiting lounge with boarding gates.

Completing all pre-flight procedures at Pu'er Simao Airport usually happens very quickly. On average, check-in and security screening take no more than 30-40 minutes. Despite this, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to check in luggage and find your boarding gate without rushing.

Navigation Recommendations:

• Follow the signs, which are duplicated in English.
• Due to the small size of the terminal, it is practically impossible to get lost.
• Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by floors, eliminating confusion.

Overall, Pu'er Simao Airport represents a convenient and functional gateway, ideally suited for beginning a journey through the famous tea region.

The history of Pu'er Simao Airport (SYM) is inextricably linked with the development of the city of the same name and the entire region, known as the global capital of Pu'er tea. The air harbour was founded in 1957, and it began accepting its first civil aviation flights on 1 April 1961. Initially, the airport was named Simao and had a dual, military-civil purpose, playing an important role in connecting the remote mountainous province with the rest of China.

A key stage in the airport's development began in the late 1980s. After a temporary suspension of operations in 1986, a large-scale reconstruction was launched. In 1993, the renovated airport reopened its doors, now as a fully-fledged civil facility complying with class 4C standards. This event gave a powerful impetus to the development of tourism and the economy in Pu'er, making it more accessible to travellers and business people.

Another significant milestone in the airport's history occurred in 2007, when the city of Simao was officially renamed Pu'er to highlight its status as the centre of the tea industry. Following the city, the airport's name was also changed to Pu'er Simao. In subsequent years, on the wave of growing tourist flow, the airport underwent major modernization again, which included the construction of a new terminal and the extension of the runway, allowing it to accommodate a greater number of flights and passengers.

Interesting fact: the history of Pu'er Simao Airport essentially reflects the success story of the famous tea. Its transformation from a small regional airfield into a modern air gateway proceeded in parallel with the growth of Pu'er's global popularity. Today, it is not just a transport hub, but an important part of the infrastructure supporting the region's status as one of the world's main centres of tea culture and ecotourism.

Pu'er Simao Airport (SYM) offers passengers a set of essential services and amenities to make waiting for a flight comfortable. In the terminal, you can have a snack in cafes offering local and Chinese cuisine, as well as enjoy a coffee. For those wishing to buy something as a keepsake or for the road, there are shops selling souvenirs, Pu'er tea, and daily necessities.

To wait for boarding in comfort, the airport is equipped with waiting lounges. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi to stay connected, as well as find stations for charging their electronic devices. For those who prefer enhanced comfort and privacy, VIP lounges are available, offering additional services.

ATMs and currency exchange points operate at Pu'er Simao Airport, allowing you to settle financial matters right on the spot. In case of need, the terminal has a medical point where first aid can be obtained. For the convenience of passengers with children, mother and child rooms are provided.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms are available. Passengers requiring additional assistance can request an escort service from their airline in advance.

Although there are no hotels or large business centres within the airport building itself, many accommodation options for every taste and budget are located in the immediate vicinity, in the city of Pu'er. Some premium lounges may offer basic business services, such as access to a printer or a quiet zone for work.

Pu'er Simao Airport (SYM), despite its compact size, offers passengers several convenient dining options concentrated in its single terminal. For a full lunch or dinner before passing security control, we recommend going up to the first floor. This is where the airport's main restaurant is located, where you can settle comfortably while waiting for your flight and order traditional Chinese dishes.

A stay in Yunnan Province is an excellent excuse to get acquainted with local gastronomic traditions. We highly recommend trying the famous Yunnan Mixian noodles (米线) — a hearty and aromatic rice noodle soup which is the region's calling card. And, of course, you cannot leave Pu'er without drinking a cup of the eponymous Pu'er tea. It is served in most local cafes and tea shops within the terminal territory.

After passing inspection, in the airside zone, the choice of establishments becomes more modest. Small cafes and snack bars operate here, ideally suited for a quick bite. Passengers have access to sandwiches, pastries, packaged snacks, and various beverages. This is also a convenient place to buy water or juice immediately before boarding the plane.

Prices in airport establishments are expectedly higher than in the city but remain quite moderate by China's airport standards. Finding specialized vegan or gluten-free dishes can be difficult, but vegetarians will easily find suitable options based on rice, noodles, and vegetables. Most food outlets operate according to the flight schedule: they open with the first morning departures and close after the departure of the last evening aircraft.

To ensure your journey through Pu'er Simao Airport (Pu'er Simao Airport) goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. This airport serves the city of Pu'er and is an important transport hub in Yunnan Province. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight security screening without rushing.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this facility. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready at the airport. Security screening procedures at airports in China can be quite strict. Prepare liquids (in containers up to 100 ml) and electronic devices, especially portable power banks, for inspection in advance — they must have clear marking indicating their capacity.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. A window seat will give you the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the Yunnan mountain landscapes during take-off and landing. An aisle seat provides more legroom and allows you to stand up freely. Regarding hand luggage, besides restrictions on liquids, remember that carrying any sharp objects, as well as lighters, is prohibited.

If you have a connecting flight, especially an international one, pay attention to the following point. The airport in Pu'er serves only domestic flights. This means that you will pass all immigration and customs formalities at the first airport of arrival in the country (for example, in Beijing, Shanghai, or Kunming). Your subsequent flight to Pu'er will be considered domestic. Always check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage for the domestic flight segment.

To save money, check your airline's baggage allowance to avoid surcharges for excess weight. You can also take an empty water bottle with you and fill it at special fountains after passing security. A pre-booked transfer from the airport is often better value than a taxi taken on the spot.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative to obtain information about the new departure time and possible compensation (meals, drinks). Remain calm and use the free time to relax in a cafe or browse the airport shops. Having travel insurance will also help cover unforeseen expenses.