Shaoguan

Shaoguan Danxia Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the famous Mount Danxia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opened recently at the end of 2021, this airport combines modern civil infrastructure with strategic importance, breathing new life into the transport accessibility of northern Guangdong Province. The terminal's architecture is elegantly integrated into the surrounding landscape, reflecting the region's unique red cliffs, creating a mood of adventure for travellers immediately upon landing. Despite its compact size, the air harbour offers a high level of comfort and allows access to stunning natural parks much faster than ground transport.

Features and Advantages:

Shaoguan Danxia Airport stands out for its convenient location for tourists: it is situated just a few dozen kilometres from the region's main attractions, including the Danxiashan Geopark. It is the ideal entry point for those wishing to avoid long train or bus journeys from Guangzhou.

Among the key advantages, the novelty and modernity of the infrastructure are worth noting. The terminal is equipped with advanced security systems and comfortable waiting lounges, ensuring a swift passage through all procedures without the queues typical of metropolises. The airport is actively developing its route network, connecting the region with major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, making travel to northern Guangdong accessible and easy.

• Official Website: The airport does not have its own separate web resource. General information is available on the Guangdong Airport Authority portal: www.gah.com.cn.
• Inquiry Service and Passenger Support: +86 751 684 0294. You can check flight status and receive assistance from airport staff at this number.
• Address: Guitou Town, Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province, China.
• Email: There is no public email for passenger enquiries. It is recommended to use telephone communication or social networks.
• Social Media: The most up-to-date information, news, and announcements are published on the official WeChat account. ID for search: 韶关丹霞机场 (Shaoguan Danxia Airport).
• Lost and Found: +86 751 684 0473.

Shaoguan Danxia Airport is located approximately 30 kilometres from the city centre and the Zhenjiang District. Despite the distance, transport links are well-established, and travellers have a choice between budget-friendly public transport and comfortable taxis.

Airport Shuttle Bus

The most economical way to reach the terminal is to use the special shuttle buses. Routes connect the airport with key transport hubs in the city. The main lines operate from Shaoguan Railway Station (high-speed train station) and the East Railway Station. The journey time is about 45–60 minutes depending on the departure point and traffic conditions. The fare is affordable and usually ranges between 15–20 RMB. It is recommended to check the current schedule in advance, as the frequency of trips may depend on flight arrival times.

Taxi and Transfers

For tourists with bulky luggage or those who value time, a taxi is the optimal choice. A trip from the city centre to the airport will take about 35–50 minutes. Mobile taxi-hailing apps (such as DiDi) are widely used in China, which solves the language barrier problem: you simply enter the destination in the app. The estimated cost of the trip is from 80 to 120 RMB. Official taxis can also be found at designated stands in the city, but ensure the driver switches on the meter.

Car Rental and Parking

Travellers who prefer freedom of movement can use car rental services. However, it is worth remembering an important feature: driving a car in the PRC requires Chinese driving licences (international licences are often not accepted directly without obtaining a temporary permit). If you are travelling in your own or a rented car, the airport offers convenient parking. The parking zone is located in immediate proximity to the terminal and is designed for both short-term passenger drop-off and long-term parking.

Alternative Routes via Neighbouring Hubs

Since Shaoguan Airport is regional and handles a limited number of flights, many tourists choose a combined route. A popular option is arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which is located approximately 176 km away. From Guangzhou, you can reach Shaoguan by high-speed train in just one hour, after which you can transfer to a taxi or bus to the local airport or head straight to the attractions.

Useful Recommendations:

• When planning a taxi trip, have the airport name written in Chinese characters (韶关丹霞机场) with you to show the driver.
• Allow extra time for the journey, especially during peak hours or on public holidays.
• If you choose the bus, ensure you have cash (small notes) or set-up Chinese payment systems (WeChat Pay / Alipay), as foreign cards are rarely accepted on public transport.

Terminal Structure

Shaoguan Airport features one passenger terminal serving domestic flights. The building, with an area of about 13,300 square metres, is designed in the "Danxia" architectural style characteristic of the region, combining modern technologies with elements of traditional Chinese aesthetics. Thanks to its compact size and thoughtful layout, the terminal ensures intuitive navigation: passengers do not need to cover long distances or use inter-terminal transport as in large hubs.

Zoning and Airport Layout

The interior space is organised as logically and functionally as possible. The terminal is divided into main passenger service zones:

• Check-in Zone: Located immediately at the terminal entrance. Here you will find baggage drop and flight check-in counters, as well as self-service kiosks.
• Security Screening Zone: Located in immediate proximity to the check-in counters, creating a quick and smooth flow of passengers from the public area to the secure area.
• Departure Lounge and Boarding Gates: The "sterile" zone includes comfortable seating, small shops, and cafes. The terminal is equipped with 4 aerobridges, allowing boarding in comfort regardless of the weather. Exits are also provided for boarding via bus or on foot for flights serviced at remote stands.
• Arrival Zone: Includes the baggage claim hall with conveyor belts. The exit from the arrival zone leads directly to taxi and bus stops.

Transfers Between Terminals

Since the airport consists of a single building, there is no need for complex transfers or shuttles between terminals. All procedures — from entering the building to boarding the aircraft — take place under one roof. This makes Shaoguan Airport one of the most convenient for transit or short connections, if such are provided by the airline's schedule.

Procedure Times

The main advantage of a regional airport is the absence of large crowds and queues. The process of passing through pre-flight formalities here takes significantly less time than in metropolises:

• Check-in and Baggage Drop: Usually takes 10–15 minutes.
• Security Screening: On average 5–10 minutes.

Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure to calmly pass through all stages and have a buffer of time in case of unforeseen circumstances. Check-in usually closes 30–40 minutes before the flight departure.

Navigation Recommendations

Navigation in the terminal is simple and convenient. All key signs are duplicated in English. Electronic boards above check-in counters and at boarding gates inform about flight status in real-time. If you have questions, you can always contact staff at the "Information Desk" located in the main hall, or volunteers in red vests who often patrol the hall during peak hours.

The history of Shaoguan Airport is a fascinating tale of revival and transformation. Although the modern terminal that tourists see today shines with novelty, the very site where planes take off and land has deeper roots in the aviation chronicles of Guangdong Province.

Early Stage and the Guitou Era

The current air harbour is based on the infrastructure of the former Guitou military airfield. Interestingly, civil aviation was already present here in the last century. Between 1986 and 1989, the airport hosted passenger flights, connecting the region with other parts of China. However, at the end of 1989, flights were suspended, and for a long 32 years, Shaoguan was left without its own air connection, relying solely on rail and road transport.

Revival Project

With the growing popularity of the Danxiashan Geopark and the economic development of northern Guangdong, the need for its own airport became obvious. The decision to reconstruct and expand the old airfield to accommodate civil liners was made at the state level.

• October 2017: Official start of construction. The project implied not just repairs, but the creation of modern infrastructure practically from scratch, including a new terminal, apron, and modernization of the runway.
• Project Goal: To turn a closed facility into a welcoming 4C-class tourist air gateway capable of receiving popular narrow-body aircraft (Boeing 737, Airbus A320).

Opening and Modern History

The culmination of four years of work came in 2021. Events developed rapidly:

• 2 September 2021: Test flights were successfully conducted. A China Southern Airlines liner made the first test landing, confirming the readiness of navigation and safety systems.
• 27 November 2021: The day of the official opening. The airport, receiving the resonant name Shaoguan Danxia, welcomed its first scheduled flight from Beijing Daxing Airport. This event marked the end of a thirty-year "no-fly" pause.

Interesting Facts and Achievements

Despite its youth as a civil facility, the airport has already noted several curious facts:

Firstly, renaming the airport to "Shaoguan Danxia" was a strategic move. Including the name of the famous mountains in the official name of the air harbour immediately positions the city as a world-class tourist centre.

Secondly, the reconstruction project became an example of efficient resource use. Engineers managed to integrate the existing base with advanced architectural solutions, creating a terminal whose appearance references the red sandstones of the local mountains, harmoniously blending technology into nature.

Shaoguan Danxia Airport, being a new and modern regional harbour, offers passengers the necessary set of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although there are no large-scale shopping galleries typical of international hubs here, the compactness of the terminal is compensated by thoughtful infrastructure and fresh renovation.

Dining and Shopping

The terminal operates a limited number of dining and retail outlets, which is typical for regional airports in China. Passengers can find:

• Cafes and Eateries: Small cafes offering hot drinks, soft drinks, and light snacks are located in the departure zone. Here you can try traditional Chinese noodles or have a sandwich before your flight.
• Shops: Retail is represented by souvenir stalls and mini-markets. Particular attention should be paid to shops with local products: they often sell famous tea from northern Guangdong and local delicacies, which make excellent gifts. There is also a shop for essentials (press, water, travel accessories).

Business Lounges and VIP Services

For passengers valuing privacy and enhanced comfort, the airport provides a VIP Lounge (First Class Lounge). Access is usually available to business class passengers, holders of elite airline loyalty cards, as well as those wishing to pay for entry on a one-off basis. The lounge offers more comfortable seating, newspapers, drinks and snacks, as well as a quiet atmosphere for work or rest.

Connectivity and Electronics

Staying connected at Shaoguan Airport is easy:

• Wi-Fi: A free Wi-Fi network operates throughout the terminal. Please note: connecting to the internet in China often requires authorisation via SMS, so ensure your phone can receive messages, or ask for help from staff at the information desk.
• Charging Stations: Stands for charging mobile devices with sockets and USB ports are equipped in the waiting hall, especially near the seats at the boarding gates.

Financial Services

Since the airport serves domestic flights, full-fledged currency exchange points are absent here. It is recommended to exchange money in advance in major cities or banks. For withdrawing cash in RMB, ATMs of major Chinese banks are installed in the terminal, which typically accept international cards of major payment systems (UnionPay, and less frequently Visa/Mastercard — depending on the bank).

For Passengers with Children

The new terminal is designed taking into account the needs of family travellers. A Nursing Room is equipped in the "sterile" zone. This is a clean and cosy space where you can change or feed a baby in privacy. Also, hot water dispensers (standard for Chinese airports) can be found in waiting areas, which is convenient for preparing baby food.

Medical Assistance and Security

A medical point functions in the terminal building, staffed with everything necessary to provide first aid. Qualified personnel are ready to help in case of illness. Security staff and police are also on duty on the premises.

Accessible Environment

The airport infrastructure is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility:

• Entrances and transitions are equipped with ramps and slopes.
• Specially equipped washrooms are available.
• Wheelchair service is available. To receive it, you must notify the airline when purchasing a ticket or contact the check-in counter upon arrival.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels or sleeping capsules directly inside the terminal, as the airport does not operate around the clock and is oriented towards daytime flights. The nearest accommodation options are located outside the airport territory:

• In Guitou Town, located a 10–15 minute drive away, there are small guest houses and local basic-level hotels.
• For comfortable accommodation, it is recommended to book hotels in the centre of Shaoguan (about 30–40 minutes by taxi), where major chain brands are represented (e.g., Ramada, Country Garden Phoenix Hotel).

The gastronomic scene of Shaoguan Danxia Airport (HSC) fully corresponds to its status as a small regional hub. You will not find huge food courts or dozens of chain restaurants typical of metropolises here. The choice of establishments is limited but sufficient to satisfy hunger before a flight. Since the airport has only one terminal, all dining points are located compactly and are easy to find.

Where to Eat: Landside vs Airside

It is important to note that the majority of establishments are concentrated in the departure zone after passing security (Airside). In the general hall (before security control), dining options are minimal.

• Landside (General Zone): Here, as a rule, there is only a small Convenience Store or kiosk where you can buy bottled water, juices, biscuits, chocolate, and packed snacks (for example, vacuum-packed chicken feet or soy meat). There may not be a full-fledged cafe here, so if you arrive long before check-in starts, we recommend having a snack in the city.
• Airside (Sterile Zone): After passing special control, cafes and a small restaurant are available to passengers. This is the main place where you can order hot food and drinks while waiting for boarding.

Menu and Local Specialities

The basis of the menu at the airport is Chinese cuisine. European dishes (burgers, pasta) or familiar fast food may not be available, or the selection will be extremely limited.

• What to Try: Be sure to pay attention to Chinese noodles. Shaoguan is famous for its local cuisine with elements of Hakka traditions. The airport often serves soups with beef brisket or pork. If you are lucky, the menu may feature dishes with the addition of famous local pickled bamboo shoots — a signature ingredient of the region.
• Set Meals: A popular dining format is sets including rice, a main meat dish, and a small portion of vegetables or broth. This is a filling and safe option for lunch.
• Drinks: In the cafe, you can order freshly brewed Chinese tea (the region is famous for Yingde Hongying tea) or coffee, although coffee consumption culture is less developed here than in major cities.

Dietary Needs (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

Travellers with strict dietary restrictions should be prepared for limited choices:

• Vegetarians and Vegans: Finding a specialised vegetarian menu is difficult. The most reliable option is to order noodles with vegetables or plain rice. Please be attentive: even vegetable dishes may be cooked in meat broth or with the addition of oyster sauce. Staff will understand the phrase "wo chi su" (I eat vegetarian), but it is better to clarify the ingredients.
• Halal: There are no separate certified Halal restaurants in the terminal. Pork dishes are widespread. If you observe Halal dietary laws, it is safer to stick to packed snacks with appropriate labelling or vegetarian options (instant noodles).
• Gluten-Free: Due to the ubiquitous use of soy sauce and wheat noodles, finding gluten-free food is extremely difficult. It is recommended to bring a snack with you.

Prices and Opening Hours

Pricing at Shaoguan Airport is higher than in the city but remains within reasonable limits ("airport pricing").

• Average Bill: A bottle of water costs about 5–10 RMB. A light snack (bun, tea) will cost 25–40 RMB. A full hot lunch (noodles or rice with meat) will cost from 45 to 80 RMB.
• Opening Hours: Establishments do not operate around the clock. The schedule is tied to the flight schedule. Cafes usually open 90 minutes before the first departure (around 07:00–08:00 AM) and close after the departure of the last flight (usually around 22:00–23:00, depending on the season).

Recommendations

For a quick snack, shops in the departure zone are ideal: you can buy ready-made sandwiches, yoghurts, or instant noodles (in China, boiling water dispensers are available everywhere in airports). If you want a proper lunch, plan your time to pass security in advance and eat calmly in the "clean" zone, where the choice of hot dishes is better.

Travelling through a regional airport in China has its nuances, which may differ from familiar international standards. To ensure your experience at Shaoguan Danxia Airport (HSC) goes as smoothly as possible, we have collected the most relevant tips considering local specifics.

Optimal Arrival Time

Despite the compactness of the terminal, do not arrive at the last minute. The recommended arrival time is 1.5–2 hours before departure. Flight check-in usually closes 30–40 minutes before departure, and the boarding gate closes 15–20 minutes prior. If you are flying during public holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day), allow an extra hour, as passenger traffic increases sharply.

Check-in and Security Nuances

Security services in Chinese airports work extremely thoroughly. Be prepared for the following requirements:

• Electronics: Laptops, tablets, cameras, umbrellas, and power banks must be taken out of your bag and placed in a separate tray.
• Power Banks: This is a critically important point. In China, it is categorically forbidden to check in any lithium batteries and power banks in luggage — they will be confiscated. In hand luggage, devices with a capacity of up to 100 Wh (approximately 27,000 mAh) are permitted. If the capacity is between 100 and 160 Wh, airline approval may be required. Devices without factory marking indicating capacity will be confiscated irrevocably.
• Lighters and Matches: Carrying any sources of fire is prohibited in both hand luggage and checked luggage. You will have to discard them before security screening.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

The airport is not named "Danxia" for nothing. During approach or take-off, picturesque views of the characteristic landscape with red cliffs and green hills open up. Try to choose a Window seat. When departing from Shaoguan in daylight, the best views often open up on the left side, but this depends on the specific take-off course.

Hand Luggage: What is Allowed and Prohibited

Besides the standard ban on sharp objects, pay attention to liquids. Containers with a volume of more than 100 ml (even if half-empty) will not be allowed into the cabin. An exception is often made for cosmetic products in containers up to 100 ml if they are packed in a transparent zip-lock bag. Also, in China, carrying beverages containing alcohol purchased outside the "sterile" zone in hand luggage may be prohibited.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Shaoguan Airport is typically a final destination or starting point, rather than a transit hub. There is no transit zone in the classical sense here. If you have a connection with separate tickets (not a single booking), you will have to collect your luggage, exit to the general zone, and check in again. Consider this when planning time between flights.

Customs Control

Since the airport serves only domestic flights, there is no customs or passport control (immigration service) here. If you arrived from abroad (for example, in Guangzhou or Beijing) and are travelling to Shaoguan, you pass all formalities at the first airport of arrival in China.

Saving Time and Money

• Free Water: Do not buy water before departure. Bring an empty bottle or thermal mug with you. In the waiting hall, there are dispensers with hot and cold drinking water — this is free and very popular among locals.
• Apps: Download offline maps or Chinese applications, as global services may not work correctly. For payments, it is better to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay in advance, as there may not be cash change available, and Visa/Mastercard cards are not accepted everywhere.
• Food to Go: Prices in the airport are higher than in the city. If you want to save money, buy instant noodles in a regular supermarket in advance — boiling water is available everywhere in the airport.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Flight delays happen in China, especially during the rainy season in the south of the country. If your flight is delayed:

• Monitor the status via apps (e.g., Umetrip or VariFlight) — they often update information faster than the boards.
• Listen carefully to announcements. Although they are duplicated in English, the accent may make understanding difficult.
• If the delay is significant, airlines often provide meal boxes (rice, meat, water) right at the boarding gate. Do not hesitate to approach staff and clarify your rights.