Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport

Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, often referred to as the "Airport in the Clouds," is not merely a transport hub but a true high-altitude landmark of China. Located atop a mountain plateau, it serves as the main aerial gateway to the fairytale world of the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve and Huanglong Valley. Immediately upon landing, travellers are greeted by breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks, setting the tone for the entire upcoming adventure.

Features and Highlights of the Airport:

The main feature of Jiuzhai Huanglong is its extreme location at an altitude of 3,448 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest airports in China. Due to the thin air, passengers are advised to move slowly and keep warm clothing at hand even in summer, as the temperature here is significantly lower than in the cities on the plains.

The airport terminal is designed in a traditional Tibetan style, creating a unique atmosphere from the very first minutes of your stay. Despite its compact size, there are necessary amenities: a medical station with oxygen cushions for those sensitive to altitude, small cafés, and souvenir shops selling yak products.

It is worth noting that due to the complex mountainous terrain, the weather around the airport is extremely changeable. Fog and strong winds can lead to adjustments in flight schedules, so travellers are recommended to allow extra time when planning connections.

• Official Airport Website: www.jzairport.com (available only in Chinese)
• Information Desk Phone: +86 837 724 3770
• Airport Address: Chuanzhusi Town, Songpan County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.
• Email: A direct public email address is not provided. It is recommended to use telephone communication.
• Airport Social Media: Official pages on international social networks are absent. Current information can be found on local Chinese platforms (WeChat).
• Lost and Found Information: Contact the main information desk phone (+86 837 724 3770) or your airline's check-in counter.
• Passenger Support Contact: +86 837 724 3770 (hotline operates on local time; English language service may be limited).

Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport is located in a mountainous area, so transport logistics here have their own specificities. The airport is not connected to cities by rail or metro, so the main modes of transport remain road vehicles and special shuttles. The road to the nearest settlements and attractions winds through picturesque serpentines, requiring special attention from drivers.

Airport Shuttle Buses

This is the most popular and budget-friendly way to reach the main tourist sites. The bus schedule here is flexible and usually linked to flight arrivals: transport departs as the cabin fills up. Ticket counters are located directly in the arrival hall.

• Destinations: The main routes lead to Jiuzhaigou National Park (about 88 km) and Huanglong Reserve (about 50 km). There are also routes to Songpan city.
• Travel Time: The trip to Jiuzhaigou takes approximately 1.5–2 hours, and to Huanglong — about 1 hour.
• Cost: A ticket to Jiuzhaigou costs roughly 45–50 Yuan (CNY), and to Huanglong — about 22–28 Yuan. Payment is most often made in cash or via WeChat/Alipay.

Taxi and Transfers

A taxi is the most comfortable option, especially if you are travelling with bulky luggage or in a group. The taxi rank is located immediately outside the terminal exit. In this region, drivers rarely use meters for long-distance trips, so it is customary to negotiate the price in advance before boarding. There are conventionally fixed rates for tourists.

A trip to Jiuzhaigou Valley will cost approximately 200–260 Yuan during the day (the rate may increase at night). Getting to the centre of Songpan city will be cheaper as it is located closer. If you wish to visit several places at once (for example, stop by Huanglong on the way to the hotel), it is recommended to hire a car with a driver for the whole day.

Car Rental

The choice of rental agencies within the airport itself is limited. It is important to remember that to drive a car in China, foreigners require a local driving licence (international permits are often not accepted). Given the difficult high-altitude roads with frequent turns and fog, tourists are strongly advised to rent a car with a local driver. This resolves issues regarding navigation and safety.

Parking at the Airport

An open-air car park is equipped in front of the terminal. It is designed for short-term parking for dropping off and picking up passengers. Since most tourists do not leave cars here for long periods, spaces are usually available. Tariffs are standard for regional airports in China: the first 15–30 minutes are often free, followed by an hourly charge.

Alternative Routes via Neighbouring Airports

Due to the high-altitude location, the weather at Jiuzhai Huanglong can be unpredictable, and flights may be delayed or cancelled. In such cases, travellers often choose to fly to larger airports with more stable weather located within a radius of 200–300 km, and cover the rest of the journey by bus or high-speed train (where available).

The key hub of the region is Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, from where numerous tours to the reserves are organised. Another convenient option is Mianyang Nanjiao Airport, located 187 km away. You can also consider flying via Guangyuan Panlong Airport or Longnan Chengxian Airport if your travel route passes through the northern part of Sichuan province or neighbouring Gansu.

Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) is distinguished by a compact and clear structure, which is typical for high-altitude regional airports. There is one passenger terminal operating here, serving all domestic flights. Thanks to the small size of the building, navigation inside is intuitive, and the risk of getting lost is minimal even for those who do not speak Chinese.

Terminal Layout and Navigation

The terminal is divided into two main levels, separating the flows of arriving and departing passengers:

• First Floor (Arrivals): Passengers arrive here after landing. This area houses the baggage claim zone (usually 2–3 baggage belts operate), a medical station, and the exit to the city towards taxi stands and buses. Ticket counters for shuttles are also located in the arrival hall.
• Second Floor (Departures): Designed for departing passengers. Check-in counters, the security screening zone, waiting lounges, and boarding gates are located here.
• Prayer Facilities: While there is no dedicated prayer room, the terminal has quiet corners suitable for prayer. It is advisable to bring your own travel prayer mat.

The building is equipped with escalators and lifts for moving between levels, which is convenient for tourists with heavy equipment.

Terminal Features and Amenities

The airport's infrastructure is adapted to the harsh conditions of the high altitude and the needs of tourists:

• Oxygen Zones: Perhaps the most important feature of this terminal. Waiting lounges are equipped with special seats with access to oxygen, and a fully-fledged medical centre operates for passengers experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness (dizziness, shortness of breath).
• Heating: Given the low temperatures on the plateau even in summer, the terminal is well-heated. In the departure zone, there are dispensers with hot water (free of charge), where you can brew tea or noodles.
• Shops and Dining: The choice of establishments is limited. In the "secure" area, there are several small cafés serving Chinese cuisine and stalls offering local specialities: dried yak meat, herbs, and Tibetan-style souvenirs. Prices here are higher than the regional average.
• VIP Lounge: There is a small First Class Lounge offering enhanced comfort, available to business class passengers and holders of certain loyalty cards.

Check-in and Screening Procedures

Despite the small size of the airport, control procedures here are conducted with all the strictness inherent in Chinese aviation hubs.

• Check-in: Counters usually open 90–120 minutes before departure and close 30–40 minutes prior. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours before your flight.
• Security Screening: Checks are very thorough. Particular attention is paid to batteries (power banks) — the factory marking of capacity must be visible on them, otherwise the device will be confiscated. Lighters and matches are strictly prohibited.

Navigation Recommendations

Inside the terminal, all main signs are duplicated in English. Electronic boards are informative and clear. The main advice for travellers is to pay attention to voice announcements, as boarding gates or departure times may change rapidly due to weather conditions. If you have arrived as a group, try to stick together when leaving the baggage claim area, as the meeting hall is quite compact and can be crowded with guides holding signs.

The history of Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport is an impressive tale of how engineering ingenuity was able to conquer harsh high-altitude nature for the sake of tourism development. Before the appearance of this air harbour, the journey to the famous Jiuzhaigou lakes took over 10 hours of exhausting bus travel along mountain serpentines from Chengdu. The construction of the airport became a turning point, opening the beauties of the region to the mass traveller.

Construction and Opening

The project to create the airport started in the early 2000s as part of a large-scale state programme to develop the western regions of China. Construction was carried out in extremely difficult conditions: at an altitude of nearly 3.5 kilometres, in a zone of permafrost and complex terrain. To create the runway, engineers literally had to slice off mountain peaks and fill in gorges. The official opening of the airport took place on 28 September 2003. The first flight from Chengdu marked a new era: travel time was reduced to 40 minutes.

Expansion and Modernisation Stages

The popularity of the destination exceeded all expectations of the designers. Initially calculated for a modest passenger flow, the airport very quickly ceased to cope with the influx of tourists wishing to see the "fairytale world" of the reserves.

• 2006: The first large-scale reconstruction (Phase II) began, aimed at increasing the capacity of the terminal and apron.
• 2011–2012: The third phase of expansion was carried out. The runway was lengthened, lighting equipment was upgraded, and the passenger terminal was expanded. This allowed for the reception of larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 757.
• 2018–2019: Scheduled repair works were conducted on the runway, the surface of which experiences colossal loads due to temperature fluctuations and the high-altitude climate.

Engineering Achievements and Records

Jiuzhai Huanglong is listed among the most difficult civil airports in the world for piloting. Due to its location in a mountain basin, pilots are forced to perform the approach in conditions of limited space and frequent crosswinds. The airport consistently holds a position in the top 5 highest civil airports in China (altitude 3,448 metres).

Interesting Facts

The uniqueness of the construction lay in the unprecedented volume of earthworks for that time. To create a level platform for the airfield, builders had to demolish the tops of two mountains and fill nine gorges with soil. The height of the embankments in some places reached over 100 metres, making the airport's foundation a true man-made marvel.

The infrastructure of Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) corresponds to its status as a small regional hub. You will not find huge duty-free zones or entertainment centres characteristic of international hubs here. All services are focused on basic comfort and passenger safety in high-altitude conditions.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops

The choice of catering establishments in the terminal is limited. In the public zone and departure zone, small cafés operate, offering Chinese dishes (noodles, rice), as well as snacks and hot drinks. Travellers should be prepared for food and water prices here being higher than in the city. In shops, you can purchase souvenirs characteristic of the region: dried yak meat, horn products, Tibetan jewellery, and high-altitude herbs. The assortment of goods is quite colourful and can be an excellent option for buying last-minute gifts.

Lounges and VIP Services

For passengers valuing privacy, a VIP Lounge (First Class Lounge) is available. It offers more comfortable seating, press, light snacks, tea, and soft drinks. Access is granted to business class passengers as well as holders of certain loyalty cards (conditions are best checked at the information desk). One of the main options in the lounge is the opportunity to rest in a quiet environment before the flight, which is especially important given frequent flight delays due to weather.

Connectivity and Electronics

Free Wi-Fi is available within the terminal. However, foreign tourists should remember that connecting often requires a Chinese phone number to receive an authorisation code or a WeChat account. Charging stations and sockets for mobile devices are installed in the waiting halls, but their quantity is limited, so it is recommended to charge gadgets in advance or carry a portable power bank.

Financial Services

ATMs of major Chinese banks accepting international cards are installed in the airport, but their operation may depend on connectivity. There are practically no full-fledged currency exchange points with a wide selection of world currencies here. It is strongly recommended to stock up on cash Yuan (CNY) while still in the major departure city (e.g., Chengdu), as cards are not accepted everywhere in the mountains, and cash will be needed to pay for taxis or buses.

Medical Services and Health

This is arguably the most important service at this airport. Given the altitude of nearly 3,500 metres, many passengers experience symptoms of oxygen deprivation upon arrival. A medical station operates in the terminal where you can have your blood pressure checked and receive assistance. Waiting zones are equipped with special seats with oxygen access (sometimes for a fee), and the pharmacy kiosk sells portable oxygen canisters and preparations based on Rhodiola rosea for altitude adaptation.

Services for Families and Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The airport is equipped with basic infrastructure for comfortable movement: there are ramps, lifts, and special restrooms for people with disabilities. Wheelchairs are provided upon request (it is better to notify the airline in advance). For passengers with small children, there is a mother and child room where you can change and feed your baby.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels directly within the airport building. The nearest accommodation options are located in the town of Chuanzhusi, situated approximately 10–12 km from the terminal. There are hotels of various levels there — from simple guesthouses to 4-5 star hotels. If your flight is severely delayed or cancelled (which is not uncommon for this region), airlines usually organise transfers and accommodation specifically in Chuanzhusi hotels.

Gastronomic opportunities at Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) are dictated by its compact size and high-altitude location. Passengers should not expect a wide selection of international chain restaurants or exquisite coffee shops here. The range of establishments is focused on feeding travellers quickly and substantially with hot food, which is especially relevant in the cool climate of the plateau.

Restaurants and Cafés: Locations and Variety

Since the airport consists of one small terminal, finding all food outlets is very easy. The majority are concentrated on the second floor in the departure zone (Departures):

• Landside (Public Zone): Before passing security control, a small restaurant-cafeteria operates. This is the best place for a full lunch if you have arrived early. They serve classic Sichuan dishes: noodle soups, rice with meat and vegetables.
• Airside (Secure Zone): After screening, the choice becomes more modest. In the waiting hall near the boarding gates, there are several kiosks and mini-cafés. Here you can order hot tea, coffee (instant or freshly brewed), and buy packaged snacks.
• Arrivals Zone: On the ground floor, possibilities are limited to vending machines and small stalls with drinks. There are no full-fledged restaurants here.

Local Specialities: What to Try

Even at the airport, you can feel the flavour of the local cuisine. The main "hero" of the menu in this region is yak meat. In the café, you may be offered noodles with braised beef (yak meat is often used), which is distinguished by a rich taste and warming effect. Be sure to pay attention to the spice level: Sichuan cuisine is famous for its abundance of red pepper and numbing peppercorns. If you are not accustomed to spicy food, ask to make the dish "bu la" (not spicy).

Quick Snacks and the "Popular" Option

If there is no time for lunch, snacks made of dried or jerky yak meat, sold in the terminal's souvenir shops, are an excellent option. This is a nutritious and high-calorie snack, ideally suited for high altitudes. Furthermore, in Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, as everywhere in China, dispensers with free boiling water are installed. Many experienced tourists and locals prefer to buy (or bring with them) cups of instant noodles. This is the most budget-friendly and guaranteed hot way to have a snack.

Information for Vegetarians and Special Diets

Travellers with strict dietary restrictions will find it challenging at this airport:

• Vegetarians and Vegans: There are no specialised establishments. In the menus of Chinese cafés, you can find vegetable dishes or "plain" noodles, but it is important to clarify what broth they are cooked in (a meat base is often used). It is recommended to carry a supply of familiar snacks (nuts, bars).
• Halal: Separate certified Halal restaurants are not observed in the terminal, although a Muslim population (Hui people) lives in the region. It is advisable to stick to vegetarian options or pre-packaged goods if strict Halal certification is required.
• Gluten-free Food: Finding dishes without soy sauce or wheat flour is extremely difficult. The safest option is plain boiled rice or boiled eggs, which are often sold in kiosks.

Prices and Opening Hours

Pricing at JZH, as in many remote airports, is above average. A lunch of one hot dish and a drink will cost approximately 50–80 Yuan (CNY). A bottle of water or a cup of tea may cost 15–25 Yuan. Opening hours of establishments are strictly tied to the flight schedule: cafés open about 90 minutes before the first departure and close after the departure of the last flight. At night, when there are no flights, the terminal and food outlets are closed.

Travelling through Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) is a unique experience requiring special preparation due to the high-altitude location and strict rules of Chinese aviation. To ensure your flight is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled the most important practical recommendations.

Optimal Arrival Time

Although the airport is small and queues are rarely huge, it is recommended to arrive at the terminal 2 hours before departure. This is due not so much to queues, but to logistics: the road to the airport along mountain serpentines may take longer than planned, especially in case of fog or icy conditions. Check-in usually closes strictly 30–40 minutes before departure, and late passengers are not waited for.

Check-in and Screening Nuances

Security services in Chinese airports work extremely scrupulously. Be prepared for the following points:

• Outerwear: Due to the cold in the hall, many passengers are dressed in bulky jackets and down coats. You will definitely have to remove them at screening, so dress in layers so as not to freeze while left in a t-shirt.
• Electronics: Laptops, tablets, cameras, and umbrellas must be taken out into separate trays.
• Footwear: If you are flying in trekking boots with thick soles or high boots, you may be asked to remove them for scanning.

Baggage and Hand Luggage Rules

Chinese aviation safety rules have specific prohibitions often forgotten by foreign tourists:

• Power Banks (External Batteries): This is the most critical point. They can be carried only in hand luggage. It is categorically forbidden to check batteries into hold luggage. Important: the device must have a factory marking indicating capacity (no more than 100 Wh without declaration, up to 160 Wh with airline permission). "Nameless" power banks without labels will be confiscated irrevocably.
• Lighters and Matches: Carrying any flammable items is prohibited in both hand luggage and checked baggage. They are confiscated at the entrance to the screening zone.
• Oxygen Canisters: Despite the altitude, carrying canisters with compressed oxygen on the plane (even in luggage) is usually prohibited due to explosion risk. Use oxygen at the airport, and buy new canisters upon arrival at your destination.
• Knives and Multi-tools: Any sharp or cutting objects, including manicure scissors, must be checked into hold luggage.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

A flight to Jiuzhai Huanglong is a free excursion over mountain ranges. When checking in online or at the counter, be sure to ask for a Window seat. In clear weather, stunning views of the snow-capped Minshan peaks open up. Since the airport is located on a plateau, landing and take-off look particularly spectacular, as if the plane is gliding right over the mountain tops.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport is a destination node, not a transit hub. If you have a transfer planned in the next city (for example, in Chengdu or Chongqing) to an international flight, allow a minimum of 4–5 hours between flights. Departures from the mountain airport are often delayed due to wind or cloudiness, and a short connection might be missed.

Customs Control

Since JZH serves only domestic flights, there is no passport or customs control here. However, if you are taking specific souvenirs out of the region (for example, expensive jade items or antiques), keep receipts and certificates to present at customs when departing from China.

How to Save Time and Money

• Food: Food at the airport is expensive. The most economical option is to buy a cup of instant noodles in the city (or at the airport shop). There are dispensers with free boiling water in the terminal. This will not only save your budget but also help you warm up.
• Water: You cannot take water through security, but you can take an empty bottle. In the "secure" zone, there are drinking fountains and taps with hot/warm water.
• Cash: Always have small denomination Yuan notes with you. Payment by Visa/Mastercard in small shops may not work, and not all tourists manage to set up WeChat Pay or Alipay in time.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Delays here are a common occurrence. If your flight is postponed for several hours or cancelled:

• Do not panic; this is done for your safety in difficult mountain conditions.
• Listen to announcements and stay near the information desk.
• If the delay is long, the airline may provide food (usually rice with meat and water).
• In case of flight cancellation with rescheduling to the next day, demand accommodation in a hotel. You will be taken to the town of Chuanzhusi, as sleeping in the terminal at night is cold and it closes.
• Have a warm sweater and a charged phone with an offline translator in your hand luggage to communicate with staff.