Tonghua Sanyuanpu Airport

Nestled amidst the scenic hills of Jilin Province, Sanyuanpu Airport serves as the main aerial gateway for travellers heading to the historic city of Tonghua and the foothills of the majestic Changbai Mountains. This relatively young aviation hub transforms a long overland journey into a quick and comfortable flight, connecting the rugged natural beauty of the northeast with dynamic metropolises. For tourists, it becomes not just a transit point, but a convenient starting point for exploring a region known for its pharmaceutical industry, rich local resources, and ski resorts.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Tonghua Sanyuanpu Airport stands out for its compactness and efficiency, making it extremely convenient for passengers tired of the hustle and bustle of giant international hubs. Thanks to the small size of the terminal, all procedures — from check-in to boarding — are completed here as quickly as possible. This is an ideal option for those who value their time and prefer a calm atmosphere before departure.

An important advantage is its strategic location. The airport serves not only Tonghua but also neighboring districts, providing access to popular tourist locations such as national parks and the historical monuments of the Koguryo Kingdom. The terminal building, constructed with modern requirements in mind, offers a basic but high-quality set of services, while the dual purpose of the airfield (military and civil) ensures the high quality of the runway and flight safety.

You can contact representatives of Sanyuanpu Airport (TNH) via the following channels. Please note that the airport is regional, and some communication channels common for major international hubs may be unavailable.

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have a separate official website for passengers. It is recommended to check flight information directly on airline websites.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86-435-7758777 (when calling from outside China)
• Address: Liuhe County, Tonghua, Jilin Province, China.
• Email: An official e-mail for general inquiries is not provided. It is better to use the telephone for urgent communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain active pages on international social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For lost luggage inquiries, please contact your airline's Lost & Found service at the airport directly or call the inquiry service for instructions.
• Passenger Support Service: for consultations and assistance with general questions, please use the airport inquiry service phone number.

Sanyuanpu Airport (TNH) is located approximately 50 kilometers from the city center of Tonghua. The most economical way to get to the terminal is to use the special shuttle bus. The route usually connects the airport with key points in the city, including major hotels and the bus station. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is an excellent choice for budget travellers and those travelling light.

For greater comfort and speed, you can choose a taxi or book a private transfer. A car journey from the city center to the airport will take about an hour. The cost of a taxi will be significantly higher than the bus, but this option provides "door-to-door" convenience. It is recommended to have the address of your hotel or the airport written in Chinese to avoid misunderstandings with the driver. In China, ride-hailing apps are also popular and can be a convenient alternative.

If you plan to actively travel around the region and not depend on public transport schedules, a good solution would be car rental. Rental agencies offering various classes of cars operate in the city and at the airport. This option offers maximum freedom of movement. Before booking, be sure to check the driving license requirements for foreign citizens. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented car, there is convenient parking offering both short-term and long-term parking options.

Sanyuanpu Airport (TNH) in the city of Tonghua is a modern and compact aviation hub with a structure that is extremely simple for passengers. A key feature of the airport is the presence of one passenger terminal serving both arriving and departing flights. This completely eliminates the need for complex transfers and makes orientation on-site intuitively understandable.

The terminal layout is logical and designed for quick processing. Typically, the ground floor houses airline check-in counters and the arrivals area with baggage claim belts. After check-in, passengers proceed to the upper floor, where the security screening area and the waiting lounge with boarding gates are located. Thanks to the small size of the building, all functional zones are in close proximity to each other.

Check-in and security control procedures at Sanyuanpu Airport are generally very fast, which favorably distinguishes it from large, congested aviation hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time is sufficient to check in luggage without rushing, complete all formalities, and calmly wait for boarding.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow standard signs, which are usually duplicated in English. It is practically impossible to get lost here. The path from the building entrance to the boarding gate is direct and clear, making travel through the airport of Tonghua comfortable even for those here for the first time.

The history of Sanyuanpu Airport in Tonghua is essentially the story of a modern infrastructure project that radically changed the transport accessibility of the region. Unlike airports with a century of history, Sanyuanpu is a relatively young but very important transport hub.

The airport was built on the basis of an existing military airfield. The decision to reconstruct and convert it into a dual-use airport (civil and military) was a key stage in the development of the southeastern part of Jilin Province in China. Construction work began in 2009, and the official opening for commercial flights took place on June 18, 2014. This day became a landmark event for the residents of Tonghua and the neighboring city of Baishan, who received direct air connections to other major cities in the country.

The main phase of the airport's development occurred during its construction period from 2009 to 2014. This was not just a build, but a large-scale modernization of existing military infrastructure. As part of the project, a new runway was constructed, a modern passenger terminal was built, and advanced navigation equipment meeting all civil aviation standards was installed.

The main achievement of Sanyuanpu Airport has been the significant stimulation of economic and tourism development in the region. It has substantially reduced travel time to the famous Changbai Mountains, making them and other natural beauties more accessible to tourists. Among interesting facts, it can be noted that the airport officially serves two urban districts at once — Tonghua and Baishan, playing the role of an aerial gateway for a vast territory.

Sanyuanpu Airport (TNH), serving the city of Tonghua, offers passengers essential services necessary for a comfortable wait before departure. This air harbor of China is equipped with basic amenities that will help pass the time before boarding the flight.

If you are hungry, there are cafes in the terminal where you can have a snack or drink a cup of coffee. In small shops, you will find souvenirs to remember your trip by and goods that may be needed on the road.

To stay connected, use the free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. The waiting areas also have charging stations for mobile phones and other gadgets. ATMs are installed for cash withdrawals. In case of feeling unwell, passengers can contact the medical point for first aid.

Families with young children will appreciate the presence of a mother and child room equipped for baby care. For passengers with reduced mobility, an accessible environment has been created, and special assistance is provided upon prior request to the airline or airport.

At Sanyuanpu Airport (TNH), passengers will find several options to have a snack while waiting for their flight. Since this is a small regional airport, the choice of establishments here is quite modest but sufficient for a comfortable wait. For a quick snack, you can use the services of a small cafe with a basic selection of beverages (coffee, tea) and snacks, visit a local noodle shop for a portion of hot soup, or use vending machines with drinks and snacks, which are available around the clock.

Dining establishments are located both in the general area before screening (landside) and in the secure departure area (airside), although the choice is usually more limited after passing security control. If you have time for a full lunch, it is worth visiting a small restaurant serving Chinese cuisine. This is a great opportunity to try specialties of Northeast China. The menu may include hearty dishes such as stewed potatoes with meat or famous local dumplings (jiaozi).

Passengers with special dietary needs should be prepared for the fact that finding certified vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes may be challenging. However, Chinese restaurant menus often include vegetarian options based on rice, vegetables, and tofu. It is recommended to clarify the ingredients of dishes with the staff, using a translation app if necessary. As in most airports around the world, prices in establishments at the airport of Tonghua are noticeably higher than in the city itself. Most cafes and restaurants operate according to the flight schedule, so they may be closed during night hours.

Travel through Sanyuanpu Airport in the city of Tonghua will go smoothly if you know a few nuances. These tips will help you save time, stress, and money, making the beginning and end of your adventure in China as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Sanyuanpu Airport is not among the giant hubs, so follow standard recommendations. Arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time will be enough to go through all formalities without rushing, even if small queues arise.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Security checks in Chinese airports are usually very thorough. Prepare in advance to remove laptops, tablets, cameras, and portable chargers (power banks) from your hand luggage. Liquids up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If it is possible to choose a seat in advance, consider your preferences. Window seats (A, F) will give you beautiful views of the mountain landscapes of Jilin Province during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats (C, D) are convenient if you plan to get up often during the flight.

Hand Luggage Rules. In addition to standard restrictions on liquids and sharp objects, pay special attention to portable chargers (power banks). In China, they are allowed to be carried only in hand luggage. Furthermore, the device must have a clearly visible marking indicating the capacity. Power banks without marking or with a capacity above the set limit (usually 100-160 Wh) may be confiscated.

Passengers with Transfers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify when booking whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. At the airport, follow the "Transfer" (Transfer/转机) signs to quickly find the necessary counter or boarding gate.

Customs Control. Upon entering the country, you will need to fill out a migration card (Arrival Card). Keep your passport and visa ready. If you are bringing something subject to declaration, use the "Red Channel". In most cases, tourists with personal items pass through the "Green Channel".

Saving Time and Money. Download a translation app on your phone in advance to communicate with staff who do not speak English. To avoid overpaying for water, bring an empty bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control. Transfer from the airport to the city is best planned in advance: study the bus schedule or order a taxi through a trusted app.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the wait, the air carrier may be obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. The airport usually has free Wi-Fi, cafes, and shops to help pass the time.