Shijiazhuang Daguocun Airport

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The airport consists of two terminals: Terminal 1 serves international flights, while the spacious Terminal 2 is dedicated to domestic flights within China. One of the airport's main highlights is its own high-speed train station. Thanks to this, you can reach the centre of Shijiazhuang in just 15 minutes, and a trip to Beijing takes about an hour, making this airport an excellent option for a budget-friendly start to your journey across the country.

For transit passengers from a number of countries, a 144-hour visa-free transit policy is in effect here, covering the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. This allows tourists to exit into the city and spend several days in the region without obtaining a full visa, provided they have a ticket to a third country. The infrastructure includes comfortable waiting lounges, duty-free shops, and various dining outlets featuring local cuisine.

• Official Website: www.hebeiairport.cn. On the website, you can find the current flight schedule, terminal maps, and information about services.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86-311-96360. This is the main number for obtaining information about departures, arrivals, and airport operations.
• Address: Zhengding County, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (China, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Zhengding County).
• Email: To contact the airport, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website, as a public email for general questions is usually not provided.
• Social Media: Current links to official pages on social networks (such as Weibo or WeChat) are usually available on the airport's website.
• Lost & Found Information: In case of lost luggage, please contact your airline representative first. You can also contact the airport's baggage tracing service at +86-311-88027352.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions related to passenger services, including assistance for people with disabilities, please contact the main airport inquiry number.

Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (formerly Daguocun, IATA: SJW) is located approximately 35-40 kilometres northeast of the city centre of Shijiazhuang. You can reach it in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences.

Public Transport

This is the most popular and economical way to get to the airport. China has an excellently developed public transport system, and Shijiazhuang is no exception.

• Shuttle Buses: Dedicated airport buses are the most convenient option. They operate on several routes, connecting the airport with key points in the city, including the central railway station and major hotels. The trip takes about 60-80 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. The fare typically costs 20-30 RMB.
• High-Speed Train: A unique feature of the airport is the presence of its own railway station (Zhengding Airport Railway Station), which is integrated into the national high-speed rail network. This allows you to quickly reach not only the centre of Shijiazhuang but also other major cities, such as Beijing. This is the fastest way if you are travelling between cities.

Taxi and Transfer

A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 40-60 minutes, excluding traffic jams. This is a comfortable option, especially if you have a lot of luggage. The fare by meter will be approximately 100-150 RMB. Ride-hailing apps (such as DiDi) are also widely used in the city, which is often slightly cheaper and more convenient. It is recommended to book a transfer in advance if you want to be sure of having a car at the required time.

Car Rental and Parking

Counters of international and local car rental companies operate at the airport. This option provides maximum freedom of movement around Hebei Province. However, it is worth remembering that to drive in China, foreign tourists must have a valid Chinese driving licence — international permits are not recognised here. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, both short-term and long-term parking facilities are provided. Rates depend on the duration of parking.

The airport in Shijiazhuang consists of two passenger terminals — T1 and T2, which serve different types of flights. It is important to check in advance which terminal your plane departs from to avoid confusion. Overall, the airport is designed logically, and navigation does not cause difficulties, but knowing the features of each terminal will help save time.

The main division of functions is as follows:

• Terminal 1 (T1) is used for servicing all international flights, as well as domestic flights by the budget carrier Spring Airlines. It is older and more compact.
• Terminal 2 (T2) is the main and more modern terminal, which serves the majority of domestic flights within China.

The structure of both terminals is quite standard: arrival zones with baggage claim belts and taxi counters are located on the first floor, while departure zones with check-in counters and security checkpoints are on the second. In Terminal 2, being larger, you will find more shops, cafes, and restaurants. Terminal 1 is more modest in terms of amenities, but thanks to its small size, all procedures here can be completed faster.

For check-in and security screening on domestic flights (Terminal 2), it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. For international flights (Terminal 1), it is better to allow more time — about 2.5-3 hours. Signs in the airport are duplicated in English, which facilitates navigation. The main advice is to always check the terminal number indicated on your ticket and follow the signs to the correct sector.

The history of aviation in Shijiazhuang is essentially the story of two facilities: the old Daguocun Airport and the modern Zhengding International Airport. Originally, Daguocun was built as a military airfield. In the 1980s, due to the economic rise of Hebei Province, its infrastructure was adapted for civil needs, and it began serving the first passenger flights in the region.

For several years, Daguocun Airport coped with the passenger flow, but with the rapid development of Shijiazhuang and the entire region, it became obvious that its infrastructure did not meet growing needs. The limited runway and small terminal did not allow for accommodating large long-haul aircraft or serving a large number of passengers. This prompted the construction of a new, modern airport complex.

A turning point in the city's air transport history was 1995, when the opening of the new Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport took place. From that day on, all civil flights were redirected to this modern complex, which inherited the international IATA code — SJW. Thus ended the era of Daguocun as the city's main civil airport.

After the opening of Zhengding Airport, the old Daguocun Airport returned to its original purpose and is today used primarily for military purposes. Thus, its history is an interesting example of how the development of a city and technology leads to the creation of new infrastructure, while the old finds a different, yet no less important, significance.

The airport in Shijiazhuang is a modern transport hub offering passengers a full range of services for a comfortable stay. All conditions have been created here so that waiting for a flight passes unnoticed and pleasantly, regardless of the purpose of your trip.

Dining and Shopping: In the terminal, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes where you can grab a quick snack or have a full meal, choosing from local or international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores where you can buy souvenirs, travel essentials, and gifts, as well as a Duty Free zone with a wide selection of perfumes, cosmetics, and other tax-free goods.

Comfort and Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work. Numerous sockets and special stands are provided for charging gadgets. Passengers who value privacy and enhanced comfort can use the services of VIP lounges and business lounges, where snacks, beverages, and fresh press are offered in a quiet atmosphere.

Essential Services: For financial matters, the airport has bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points. In case of illness or injury, a medical centre operates around the clock in the terminal to provide first aid. For business travellers, conference rooms and a business centre are equipped, providing the opportunity to hold a meeting or work in silence.

For Passengers with Special Needs: The airport is well-equipped for travellers with children — mother and child rooms with changing tables and all necessities are at their disposal. A barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with disabilities: ramps, elevators, and specially equipped toilets. An assistance service can also be booked in advance.

Accommodation: If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Most of them offer guests a convenient transfer to and from the terminal, making them an excellent choice for rest before a flight.

At Shijiazhuang Airport (SJW) in Shijiazhuang, travellers will find sufficient options for a snack or a full meal. Most dining establishments are concentrated in the main terminal, both in the public area (before security control) and in the departure zone.

For those wishing to experience local cuisine, it is worth paying attention to restaurants offering dishes from Northern China. Here you can try traditional noodles, dumplings (jiaozi), or hearty soups. In addition to authentic establishments, chain coffee shops and fast-food restaurants offering a more familiar international menu operate at the airport. This is a good choice for a quick snack before a flight.

Prices in airport establishments are generally higher than in the city, which is standard practice. For a full meal in a quiet setting, it is better to choose one of the à la carte restaurants located mainly in the departure zone. Regarding opening hours, most cafes open early in the morning and operate until the last flight, although some restaurants may have shorter schedules.

Passengers with specific dietary needs, such as vegetarians, are advised to study the menu carefully. Chinese cuisine features many dishes based on rice, noodles, and vegetables, so finding a suitable option is usually not difficult. However, for stricter restrictions (such as Halal, vegan, or gluten-free diets), choices may be limited, and it is best to clarify the ingredients with the staff.

To ensure your journey through Shijiazhuang Airport passes as comfortably as possible, several points should be considered. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights within China — 1.5-2 hours. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing. Many airlines offer online check-in, which allows you to save time and choose a seat on the plane in advance.

Security screening procedures at Chinese airports are known for their thoroughness. To pass through faster, prepare your passport and boarding pass in advance. All electronics (laptops, tablets, cameras) and portable chargers (power banks) must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate tray. Liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Important nuance: lighters and matches are prohibited from being carried even in checked luggage. Regarding power banks, they can only be carried in hand luggage, and the capacity marking must be clearly visible on the casing, otherwise the device may be confiscated.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. Seats in the front of the cabin usually mean a quicker exit upon arrival. If you have a connecting flight, carefully follow the "Transfers" signs. Check with your airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage — this depends on the route and the carrier.

Upon arrival in Shijiazhuang, you will have to pass through customs control. If you have no goods subject to mandatory declaration, you can safely proceed through the "Green Channel". In case of doubt, it is better to seek advice from a customs officer. If your flight is delayed, stay calm. First, find an information board or go to your airline's counter for current information. Find out about your rights: depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with beverages, meals, or even hotel accommodation.

A few tips for saving money. To save time, pack your luggage in advance so that you can easily take out everything necessary for screening. To save money, consider getting to or from the airport on the airport shuttle — this is often cheaper than a taxi. Prices for food and drinks in the terminal are traditionally higher, so you can have a snack before arriving at the airport or bring an empty water bottle with you to fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security control.