Ruoqiang (Loulan)

Ruoqiang (Loulan) Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true modern oasis on the edge of the vast Taklamakan Desert. This air harbour, which opened its doors quite recently, serves as a gateway to one of the most mysterious and inaccessible corners of the region, where the legends of the ancient Silk Road come to life. Arriving here, travellers seem to take a leap in time: from a comfortable liner, they land in territories that hold the secrets of the vanished Kingdom of Loulan, in whose honour the airport received its sonorous name.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Strategic Location. The airport plays a key role in the development of tourism, making unique attractions accessible that previously required long days of overland travel. It is from here that it is most convenient to start expeditions to the ruins of the ancient city of Loulan, Lop Nur Lake, and the Altun Mountains Nature Reserve. For lovers of extreme travel and history, this is the ideal starting point.

Compactness and Comfort. The passenger terminal, with an area of about 6,400 square metres, is designed to ensure maximum comfort and speed of service. It is impossible to get lost here: all zones, from check-in to boarding gates, are located intuitively and close to each other. This is especially appreciated by passengers tired after flights or preparing for desert trips.

Scenic Views. Even during descent, breathtaking panoramas open up to passengers: endless sand dunes transitioning into mountainous landscapes. The 2,800-metre runway is capable of handling most types of medium-haul aircraft, connecting this remote corner with major hubs such as Urumqi and Korla.

New Infrastructure. Commissioned in 2018, the complex features fresh renovations and modern technical equipment. The airport became the 20th civil airport in Xinjiang, symbolising a new stage in the transport accessibility of the region.

Finding detailed and direct contact data for small regional airports like Ruoqiang (Loulan) can be challenging. Below is the most up-to-date information gathered from open sources.

• Official Airport Website: Currently, Ruoqiang (Loulan) Airport does not have a separate official website. It is recommended to check all necessary flight information on airline websites.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86 996 712 3456. Please note that support may be provided primarily in Chinese (Mandarin).
• Airport Address: The airport is located in Ruoqiang County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
• Email: An official email address for general inquiries is not published.
• Airport Social Media: The airport does not have official accounts on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the support service of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with tickets, check-in, and other aspects of the flight, please contact your airline.

Getting to Ruoqiang (Loulan) Airport (RQA) from the city centre of Ruoqiang is not difficult, as it is located relatively close — approximately 15 kilometres away. Travellers can choose one of several methods depending on their budget, time, and comfort preferences. When planning a trip to this part of China, it is worth thinking about logistics in advance.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Typically, special shuttle buses or city bus routes run between the city centre and the airport. A bus ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes, but it is an excellent opportunity to save money. The fare is usually minimal. It is recommended to check the current schedule and route number on-site, for example, at the bus station or your hotel, as it may change.

Taxi or Private Transfer offers the best balance of speed and convenience. This is an ideal choice if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take about 20-25 minutes. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus but remains quite affordable. To avoid misunderstandings, use official taxis or agree on the price in advance. Useful tip: have the name of the airport written in Chinese (若羌楼兰机场) to show the driver.

Car Rental provides maximum freedom of movement, especially if you plan to explore the surroundings of Ruoqiang and the scenic Xinjiang region. Offices of rental companies can be found in the city and at the airport. However, bear in mind that foreign tourists often require a Chinese driving licence to drive in China. If you decide to rent a car, the airport provides convenient parking where you can leave the vehicle for both short and long terms.

Ruoqiang (Loulan) Airport (RQA) is a modern and compact aviation hub distinguished by a simple and logical structure. For passenger convenience, there is one passenger terminal operating here, serving all domestic flights — both arrivals and departures. This significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Typically, the arrival area is located on the ground floor, where passengers collect their luggage. The first floor houses check-in counters, the security screening area, and the waiting lounge with boarding gates. Thanks to the small size of the airport, all key points — from the entrance to the gate — are within walking distance of each other. Navigation is facilitated by clear signs in Chinese and English.

Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones take place within a single building. The process is standard: after check-in, you proceed to the security checkpoint, and then enter the general departure area. The arrival zone is completely separated from the departure zone, allowing for the efficient distribution of passenger flows.

Completing all formalities at Ruoqiang Airport usually does not take much time. Due to low passenger traffic, queues for check-in and security are generally minimal. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure to calmly check in luggage, go through all procedures, and find your boarding gate. Overall, navigating the airport will not cause difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

Ruoqiang (Loulan) Airport (RQA) is a modern transport hub with a history that began quite recently. Its official opening took place on March 29, 2018. The main goal of construction was to connect the remote county of Ruoqiang with the rest of China, as well as to stimulate tourism to the mysterious ruins of the ancient Kingdom of Loulan, in whose honour the airport received its second name.

The project was implemented in a short time: construction began in November 2015 and was completed in less than three years. This became an important stage in the development of the region's infrastructure. Although the airport has not yet undergone major renovations due to its young age, its initial construction was already a large-scale project designed to meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo transportation in this part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The main achievement of the airport has been a radical change in regional logistics. While previously a journey to Ruoqiang by land could take more than a day, with the advent of the air harbour, this time has been reduced to a few hours. This has not only simplified life for local residents but also opened up unique desert landscapes and historical monuments to travellers from all over the world, making them much more accessible.

Ruoqiang (Loulan) Airport (RQA) is a modern and compact aviation hub offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its small size, the terminal is designed taking into account the basic needs of travellers arriving in this unique region of China.

In the airport building, you will find several cafés and small eateries where you can have coffee and a snack before departure. Both local dishes and more familiar snacks are served here. There are also shops where you can purchase travel essentials, souvenirs reminiscent of a journey along the ancient Silk Road, and local delicacies.

Comfortable general lounges are equipped for waiting for boarding. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in rest areas, allowing you to stay connected. ATMs are available for financial transactions. Currency exchange points may be absent in small regional airports, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance.

The airport cares about the comfort of all categories of passengers. A mother and child room is provided for travellers with children. A medical post operates in the terminal, ready to provide first aid. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance and a barrier-free environment, including ramps and equipped restrooms.

There are no specialised business centres or hotels directly in the airport building; however, travellers can easily find accommodation options in the nearby city of Ruoqiang, which can be reached by taxi or shuttle. Conference rooms and other business services are available there.

Ruoqiang (Loulan) Airport (RQA) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited. Passengers should expect one or two small cafés or eateries located in the main terminal where you can have a snack or drink coffee while waiting for a flight.

The menu in local establishments typically offers an introduction to the authentic cuisine of Xinjiang. This is an excellent opportunity to try hearty and aromatic dishes such as Lagman (hand-pulled noodles with meat and vegetables), traditional Pilaf, or Manty (steamed dumplings). For those looking for a quicker and more familiar option, sandwiches, pastries, as well as hot and cold drinks are usually available. These establishments are part of the gastronomic culture of China, reflecting the colour of the region.

Cafés are located in the main terminal building, both in the public area and in the departure zone after passing security control. Please note that prices at the airport are generally noticeably higher than in the city of Ruoqiang — expect to pay approximately 20-30% more. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule to serve passengers of both morning and evening departures.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegetarians, vegans) may find it difficult to find suitable dishes, as the choice of specialised options is extremely small. At best, you can count on simple side dishes of rice or vegetables. If you have special dietary needs, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you to avoid inconvenience.

Planning a trip through Ruoqiang (Loulan) Airport? To ensure your journey goes smoothly, make use of these helpful tips. The airport serves the city of Ruoqiang and is the gateway to a unique region, so preparation will help you avoid unnecessary hassle and enjoy your trip from the very beginning.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight. Despite it being a small regional airport, it is better to have a time buffer in case of queues, especially during the tourist season. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to head straight to luggage drop-off or security screening if you are travelling light.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Security services at airports in China operate very thoroughly. Be prepared to remove all electronic devices from your hand luggage, including laptops, tablets, and power banks. Standard rules apply to carrying liquids: containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag. Pay special attention to power banks — they can only be carried in hand luggage, and they must have a clear capacity marking. Lighters and matches are generally completely prohibited.

Tips for a Comfortable Flight. When choosing a seat on a plane departing from Ruoqiang, it is worth opting for a window seat. Breathtaking views of the desert landscapes and mountain ranges of Xinjiang may open up to you. If comfort and legroom are more important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Transfers and Customs. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at baggage check-in whether you will need to collect it at the intermediate airport for re-check-in. Allow enough time for the transfer, as you may need to go through security control again. Since Ruoqiang (Loulan) Airport mainly serves domestic flights, customs control is only undergone by passengers arriving from other countries via major international hubs.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you — after security, it can be filled at drinking fountains. Food prices at the airport can be high, so it is better to bring a light snack with you. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information. Find out about your rights to drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation during long waits. Having travel insurance will help compensate for unforeseen expenses.