Songyuan Chaganhu Airport

Chaganhu Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the world of winter wonderlands and the ancient traditions of China. Located in the heart of the Qian Gorlos Mongol Autonomous County, this modern air terminal has become the starting point for travellers eager to witness the famous winter fishing on Chagan Lake. Compact, cosy, and intuitive, it offers guests a calm start to their journey without the hustle and bustle typical of giant international hubs.

Airport Features and Advantages

The main advantage of Chaganhu Airport is its strategic location. It is situated just 27 kilometres from the Chagan Lake Nature Reserve, making it an ideal choice for eco-tourists and ethnography enthusiasts. The journey from the aircraft steps to one of the region's main natural attractions takes minimal time.

The airport terminal is distinguished by its modern and compact infrastructure. There is a single passenger terminal in operation, which eliminates the possibility of getting lost and significantly speeds up all pre-flight formalities. Passengers appreciate the absence of long queues and the friendly atmosphere characteristic of smaller regional airports.

The airport plays a vital role in developing the transport accessibility of the region. Despite its modest size, it receives flights from major metropolises such as Beijing and Shanghai, ensuring a reliable connection between this colourful part of Jilin Province and the rest of the country.

Finding direct and up-to-date contacts for the regional Chaganhu Airport can be challenging. Below is the essential information and recommendations to help you navigate.

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have a separate official website. The most reliable information regarding flight status, carriage rules, and services is provided by the airlines operating flights to Songyuan.
• Inquiry Service Phone: The unified public phone number for the airport inquiry service often changes or is unavailable in public sources. For accurate information, it is recommended to contact your airline directly.
• Airport Address: The airport is located in the Qian Gorlos Mongol Autonomous County, Songyuan City, Jilin Province, China.
• Email and Social Media: The airport does not have official social media pages or a public email address for passenger communication.
• Lost and Found Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must first contact the Lost & Found service of the airline you flew with.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support regarding tickets, check-in, schedule changes, and other flight aspects is handled directly by the air carriers.

You can get to Chaganhu Airport from the city of Songyuan in several ways, allowing travellers to choose the most suitable option depending on budget, time, and personal preferences. On average, the trip from the city centre to the terminal takes about 40-60 minutes, but this time may vary depending on traffic conditions and the chosen transport.

Public Transport is the most economical way to reach the airport. Special airport shuttles run between the air terminal and key points in the city, such as the central bus station and major hotels. Their schedule is often linked to flight arrival and departure times, making them a convenient option for most passengers. The cost of a shuttle trip is typically around 20-30 CNY. This is the best choice for those travelling light and wishing to save money.

Taxi or Transfer is the most comfortable and fastest way to reach the terminal. A taxi ride from the centre of Songyuan will take approximately 40-50 minutes, and the cost will be estimated at 80-120 CNY. It is recommended to use official taxi companies and insist on using the meter to avoid overcharging. Ride-hailing apps (such as DiDi Chuxing) are also very popular in China and may offer more favourable rates. A pre-booked transfer guarantees that a driver will meet you at the designated location with a fixed trip cost.

If you prefer to manage your route independently, you can use a car rental service. There are representatives of rental companies at the airport and in the city. However, it is important to remember that foreign citizens usually require a Chinese national driving licence to drive in China. For those arriving at the airport in a personal or rented car, parking is available where you can leave the vehicle for both short and long periods. The cost of parking depends on the duration.

Chaganhu Airport (YSQ) is a modern and compact airport serving the city of Songyuan in Jilin Province. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making the experience comfortable even for first-time travellers.

Number of Terminals and Navigation

Chaganhu Airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to this, orienting yourself in the building is very easy, and the risk of getting lost is minimal. All signs are in Chinese and English, which significantly simplifies navigation for foreign tourists.

Airport Layout

The terminal has a logical layout standard for modern airports:

• Departure Zone is usually located on the second floor. Here you will find check-in counters, security checkpoints, and the waiting hall with boarding gates.
• Arrival Zone is located on the first floor. After disembarking from the aircraft, passengers proceed to the baggage claim hall, and then to the general meeting area where they can find a taxi or wait for a transfer.

Since there is only one terminal, there is absolutely no need for transfers between buildings or the use of shuttles. All services and zones are located within a single building within walking distance of each other.

Processing Time and Recommendations

Due to the small size of the airport and its efficient operation, passing through pre-flight formalities usually does not take much time. Check-in and security screening average from 30 to 60 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5–2 hours before departure, to check in luggage and complete all procedures without rushing. For navigation, simply follow the signs and check the information on electronic boards, which display the check-in counter numbers and boarding gates for your flight.

The history of Chaganhu Airport (YSQ) is, above all, a story of modern development and strategic planning. Unlike air terminals with centuries of history, Chaganhu is a new transport hub built to meet the growing needs of Songyuan city and the entire region.

The decision to build the airport was made as part of a programme to develop the infrastructure of Jilin Province. The active construction phase began on December 29, 2014. The project was implemented within a tight timeframe, which is characteristic of major infrastructure projects in China. The goal was to create a modern aerial gateway to stimulate tourism and business activity.

The official opening and reception of the first flight took place on October 29, 2017. This event became a key moment for Songyuan's transport system, significantly reducing travel time to the country's major metropolises such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The airport was named in honour of the famous Chagan Lake — one of the region's main tourist attractions, highlighting its focus on tourism development.

As the airport was built quite recently, it was designed according to modern standards from the outset and has not gone through stages of massive reconstruction. It was commissioned with a runway 2,500 metres long and a terminal capable of serving up to 400,000 passengers per year. Its history is not a tale of modernisations, but a narrative of growth and increasing passenger traffic since its opening. The airport's main achievement to date is the successful integration of Songyuan into the national air transport network and creating a powerful impulse for the economic development of the city.

Chaganhu Airport (YSQ) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is designed taking into account modern requirements for the convenience and safety of travellers heading to Songyuan and other cities in China.

In the airport building, you will find several cafes and small restaurants where you can have a snack before departure. The menu mainly features Chinese cuisine, as well as light snacks and beverages. Additionally, there are shops offering local souvenirs, travel essentials, and press.

Spacious and bright waiting lounges are equipped for passenger relaxation. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your flight. Numerous stands and sockets for charging electronic devices are also provided. For business class passengers and loyalty card holders, VIP lounges with more comfortable conditions and additional services may be available.

A medical point is located in the terminal to provide first aid. Financial services are represented by ATMs. A mother and child room is equipped for passengers with small children. The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, lifts, and special restrooms are available, and staff are ready to provide necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking.

There are no hotels or conference halls within the airport building itself. However, the nearest hotels and business centres can be found in the city, which is easily accessible by taxi or bus. This makes Chaganhu Airport a convenient gateway for exploring the region.

Chaganhu Airport (YSQ) is a modern regional air terminal, so the choice of establishments here is more compact than in giant hubs. Nevertheless, passengers will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait. Most cafes and restaurants are located within the single passenger terminal, making navigation very simple.

Establishments of several formats are represented at Songyuan airport. For those in a hurry, there are cafes and snack bars offering coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and other light dishes. For a more substantial meal, Chinese cuisine restaurants are available where you can order hot dishes. Food outlets are located both in the public area before security control and in the "clean" departure zone, directly near the boarding gates.

The main focus of the menu is on popular dishes of Chinese cuisine. Travellers wishing to explore local gastronomy should look for dishes from the Northeast region (Dongbei cuisine), known for being hearty. We recommend trying aromatic noodle soup, traditional dumplings (jiaozi), or rice with meat and vegetables — this is an excellent way to fortify yourself before a flight.

If you need a quick snack, visit one of the cafes in the departure zone or a shop selling packaged snacks, beverages, and instant noodles. For a full lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the restaurants where you can eat calmly while waiting for your flight. Passengers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans) should be prepared for a limited selection; rice with stewed vegetables is the safest option. Please note that finding certified Halal or gluten-free dishes might be difficult.

Food prices at the airport are usually higher than in the city but remain at a moderate level. Most catering establishments operate in accordance with the flight schedule — they open with the first flights and close after the departure of the last aircraft. This ensures that you will not go hungry, even if your flight is scheduled for early morning or late evening.

To ensure your journey through Chaganhu Airport (YSQ) goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these helpful tips. They will help save time and reduce stress, making waiting for your flight more comfortable.

Arrival Time: For domestic flights within China, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you have an international connection, it is better to allow at least 3 hours. This time will be sufficient to calmly complete all formalities, especially during peak hours.

Check-in and Security: If possible, complete online check-in for your flight in advance — this will save you time at the airport. At security control, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport. All liquids over 100 ml must be checked in as luggage, while containers under 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate tray for scanning.

Seat Selection: If you want to admire the views, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours are important to you, choose an aisle seat. Seats near emergency exits usually offer more legroom, but be prepared for additional responsibilities in the event of an emergency.

Hand Luggage: Carefully study your airline's rules regarding the weight and dimensions of hand luggage. It is prohibited to bring sharp objects, flammable liquids, and other dangerous substances into the aircraft cabin. It is important to remember that portable chargers (power banks) and lithium batteries are transported only in hand luggage.

Transfer Passengers: If you have a connecting flight at Songyuan airport, verify in advance if you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Upon arrival, immediately check the gate number for your next flight on the information boards, as it may change.

Customs Control: When entering or leaving the country, be ready to present your passport and a completed migration card (if required). If you are carrying goods subject to declaration, use the "Red Channel". Otherwise, proceed through the "Green Channel".

Saving Time and Money: To avoid unnecessary expenses, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security control. Research transfer options from the airport to the city — public transport often proves to be significantly cheaper than a taxi.

Flight Delays: In the event of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for information on further actions. Depending on the duration of the wait, the air carrier may be obliged to provide you with beverages, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses.