Xilinhot Airport

Xilinhot Airport is the main aerial gateway to the boundless steppes of Inner Mongolia, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in a world of nomadic culture and stunning landscapes. This modern regional aviation hub is located just a few minutes' drive from the city centre, making the start of your journey as comfortable and tireless as possible. The airport serves as a vital link, connecting the "Horse Capital of China" with the country's major metropolises and providing tourists with easy access to the region's unique natural attractions.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Despite its regional status, Xilinhot Airport boasts developed 4C-class infrastructure, allowing it to accommodate medium-haul liners such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight, including rest areas and dining outlets. The compactness of the terminal is an undoubted advantage: long queues are rare here, and completing all formalities takes a minimum amount of time.

The main asset of the air harbour is its convenient location. The journey to the city centre by taxi or bus takes only 15–20 minutes, which is particularly valuable after a flight. The airport maintains stable and frequent air connections with key hubs such as Beijing and Hohhot, ensuring convenient connections for tourists travelling throughout China. For those planning to explore the famous Xilin Gol grasslands, the airport serves as the ideal starting point.

You can contact representatives of Xilinhot Airport (XIL) through the following channels:

• Official Website: The airport is part of the Inner Mongolia Airport Group. Current information can be found on the group's website: www.nmgairport.com.cn. A separate website for Xilinhot Airport may not be available.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86-479-8260-123 (please consider the potential language barrier; the preferred language of communication is Chinese).
• Airport Address: Xilin Hot Airport, Xilin Gol, Inner Mongolia, China, 026000.
• Email: An official email address for general public use is typically not published. It is recommended to use the phone for communication.
• Social Media: Official pages on international social networks are not available.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you should primarily contact the representative office of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance, you can use the airport inquiry service phone number.

Getting to Xilinhot Airport (XIL) from the centre of Xilinhot is straightforward, as it is located relatively close by. A trip by car usually takes about 20-30 minutes, though time may vary depending on traffic conditions. Travellers can choose from several convenient methods to reach their flight.

Taxi or Transfer — the simplest and most convenient option. A car can be hailed on the street, ordered via apps popular in China, or booked at your hotel reception. This is an ideal choice for those travelling with heavy luggage or those who value comfort. The estimated cost of the trip is around 30–50 Yuan (CNY), making this method affordable for most tourists.

Public Transport is generally represented by special shuttle buses, which is the most budget-friendly way to get to the terminal. Their schedule is usually coordinated with flight departure and arrival times. However, please note that route information may only be available in Chinese. It is recommended to verify the current schedule and stop location at the information desk in your hotel.

Car Rental offers maximum freedom of movement, especially if you plan to explore the surroundings of Xilinhot. Local rental companies operate in the city. It is important to remember that foreign tourists usually require a Chinese driving license to drive in China. If you arrive at the airport in a rented or private car, a parking lot with zones for both short-term and long-term parking is at your disposal.

Xilinhot Airport (XIL) represents a modern and compact aviation hub that serves domestic flights. Thanks to its size and well-thought-out layout, navigating through it causes no difficulties even for those here for the first time.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which simultaneously serves both departing and arriving passengers. This structure makes moving around the building maximally simple and fast. You will not have to worry about transfers between terminals — all zones are located within a single building and within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entry, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters and waiting area are located. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, after which they enter the secure area — the departure hall. Here, boarding gates, small rest areas, and essential amenities are located. The arrival zone is equally simple: after disembarking the aircraft, passengers follow signs to the baggage claim hall, and from there — to the city exit.

Completing all formalities, including flight check-in and security screening, usually takes very little time thanks to the absence of large crowds and the efficient work of the staff. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5–2 hours before departure, to go through all procedures without rushing. Signs in the terminal are duplicated in English, which significantly facilitates navigation for international tourists.

The history of Xilinhot Airport (XIL) is a vivid example of the rapid modernization of infrastructure in China. The first airport in Xilinhot was built back in 1958 and served as the region's main air hub for many years. However, with the growth of the economy and tourist flow to the famous Xilin Gol grasslands, the old infrastructure ceased to cope with the load.

A key moment in the airport's history was the project for its complete relocation and reconstruction. The old airport was closed, and a modern aviation complex was erected at a new site. The grand opening of the new airport took place on August 1, 2009. This event became an important stage in the development of the entire Xilin Gol League, opening it up to a greater number of travellers and business partners.

The new airport received a 4C classification, allowing it to accommodate medium-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Its runway is 2,800 metres long, and the modern passenger terminal is designed to comfortably service the growing number of passengers. Since its opening, the airport has constantly expanded its route network, linking Xilinhot with major cities, including Beijing and Hohhot.

Interesting fact: the full name of the airport is Dongjiao, which translates as "Eastern Suburb". Its construction was one of the key projects within the framework of the 11th Five-Year Plan for the development of the Inner Mongolia region. Today, Xilinhot Airport plays an indispensable role in the region's transport system, serving as the aerial gateway to the unique natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the steppes.

Xilinhot Airport (XIL) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or eateries, serving both local cuisine and familiar snacks. Shops are also open in the terminal where you can purchase souvenirs, travel goods, and reading materials.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting halls. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of the VIP lounge, offering a quieter atmosphere, beverages, and light snacks. This is especially convenient during a long wait for a connecting flight.

The airport provides services for various categories of passengers. There are ATMs for cash withdrawal, as well as currency exchange counters. A mother and child room is equipped for families with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance from staff and an accessible environment, including ramps and equipped restrooms. If necessary, one can visit the medical post operating within the terminal.

If you have a long layover or an early departure, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport and in the city of Xilinhot itself. The airport is an important transport hub for those travelling through Inner Mongolia, one of the unique regions of China. Basic business services may be available for business travellers, however, the availability of full-fledged conference rooms is best checked in advance with the airport inquiry service.

Xilinhot Airport (XIL), being a regional air hub, offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal before departure. The selection of establishments here is compact but sufficient to spend time comfortably while waiting for a flight.

The majority of dining establishments are located in the main terminal building, both in the public area (before security control) and in the departure zone (after control). As a rule, their operating hours are tied to the flight schedule, so they are open to serve passengers of morning and evening flights.

The menus of local cafes and small restaurants are dominated by Chinese cuisine. Travellers can order hearty portions of noodles, rice with various toppings, or traditional dumplings. This is an excellent opportunity for a substantial lunch. For a quick bite, coffee shops offering sandwiches, pastries, and beverages are suitable. It is also worth paying attention to kiosks with snacks, where you can sometimes find local delicacies of Inner Mongolia, for example, dried beef or dairy products.

Prices at the airport are generally slightly higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (veganism, gluten-free diet) may find it challenging to locate specialised dishes. In such cases, it is recommended to clarify the ingredients with the staff — often one can ask for simple rice with vegetables prepared. For complete peace of mind, it is better to have a small supply of suitable snacks with you.

When planning a trip through Xilinhot Airport, it is worth considering several points to make your journey as comfortable as possible. For domestic flights within China, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. The airport in Xilinhot is not very large, but this time will be sufficient for a calm passage through all procedures, especially during peak seasons.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Security control points in Chinese airports operate very thoroughly. Be prepared to remove all electronic devices from your hand luggage, including power banks. Special requirements apply to them: the casing must have a clearly visible marking indicating the capacity.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. Window seats will give you the opportunity to enjoy views of the endless steppes of Inner Mongolia during takeoff and landing. If comfort and the ability to quickly leave the cabin after landing are important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Rules regarding hand luggage in China are strict. Besides the standard restriction on liquids (up to 100 ml in one container), it is strictly forbidden to bring lighters and matches on board. Power banks are permitted only in hand luggage; their carriage in checked baggage is prohibited. Ensure that the capacity of your device does not exceed the limits established by the airline.

Xilinhot Airport is not a major transfer hub, so most flights are direct. If you do have a planned transfer, clarify when purchasing the ticket whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Allow at least 2-3 hours for transfers at other, larger Chinese airports.

Customs control is only undergone by passengers of international flights. Since Xilinhot Airport serves predominantly domestic destinations, you will only have to go through security control. If you are flying to Xilinhot from another country with a transfer in a major Chinese hub (for example, Beijing), you will pass customs and immigration formalities at the first airport of arrival in the country.

To save time and money, check in for your flight online and travel with hand luggage to avoid waiting for baggage. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be elevated, so bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security control at special water fountains.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter for information on further actions. Keep your boarding pass and other documents. Have a phone charger and a book or downloaded films with you to brighten up the wait. Given that staff may not speak foreign languages, it is useful to have a translation app on your smartphone.