Ershilipu Airport

For many years, Ershilipu Airport served as the primary arrival point for travellers wishing to explore the historical heritage of the city of Yan'an in China. Located in close proximity to city neighbourhoods, it hosted domestic flights, connecting this significant region with the country's largest metropolises. Although its mission was taken over by the new modern Nanniwan Airport in 2018, Ershilipu remains an important chapter in the history of civil aviation in Shaanxi Province.

Below is the key information regarding Ershilipu Airport during its operational period.

A key feature of Ershilipu Airport was its convenient location — just a 15-20 minute drive from the centre of Yan'an and its main attractions. It was a small yet functional airport with a single runway and a compact terminal that effectively handled the growing flow of tourists. It played a vital role in improving accessibility to the region, which is renowned for its rich revolutionary history.

Important Note: Since November 2018, Ershilipu Airport (ZLYA) has been closed to commercial flights. All flights are now operated through the new, larger, and more modern Yan'an Nanniwan Airport, which has inherited the IATA code ENY. When planning a trip to Yan'an and searching for flight tickets, please ensure you refer to the new airport.

It is important to note that Yan'an Ershilipu Airport (ENY), regarding which you are requesting information, was closed for passenger flights in November 2018. All flights were transferred to the new, modern Yan'an Nanniwan Airport (YNV). Consequently, current contact details for Ershilipu Airport are no longer maintained.

For your convenience, information regarding the status of contact details for the old airport is provided below:

• Official Website: Not functioning, as the airport is closed.
• Information Desk Phone: Number is out of service.
• Airport Address: The terminal is no longer used for passenger service.
• Email: Not available.
• Social Media: Official accounts are not maintained.
• Lost and Found: Service is not active.
• Customer Support: Service is not active.

When planning a journey to Yan'an, we strongly recommend seeking information relevant to the operating airport, Yan'an Nanniwan Airport (IATA Code: YNV).

Getting to Ershilipu Airport (Yan'an Ershilipu Airport, ENY) from the city centre of Yan'an was quite simple, as it is located relatively close to major districts. Travellers could choose the most suitable method based on budget, time, and personal preferences. The airport served this important historical region of China, and transport accessibility here was well organised.

Public Transport was the most economical way to reach the airport. Dedicated airport buses (shuttles) ran between the airport and key points in the city centre, such as major hotels and bus stations. This was a convenient and reliable option. The bus journey usually took 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the route and traffic conditions. Ticket prices were low, making this the most popular method among budget-conscious tourists.

Taxi or Private Transfer offered maximum comfort and speed. A taxi ride from the centre of Yan'an to the airport took approximately 20-30 minutes. This was the ideal option for those with significant luggage or travelling in a group. The cost was significantly higher than the bus but remained quite reasonable. It is recommended to use official taxis and ensure the driver uses the meter, or agree on a price in advance. Private transfers could also be booked via hotels or online services for greater convenience.

For those preferring maximum freedom of movement, car rental was available. Several car rental companies had representation in the city. This option was particularly convenient for those planning not only to visit Yan'an but also to explore its picturesque surroundings. It is worth remembering that a local driving licence may be required to drive in China. For travellers arriving in their own or rented vehicles, Ershilipu Airport provided convenient parking, offering both short-term and long-term parking options.

When planning a trip to this region, it is also worth considering other air hubs that might be convenient depending on your route. Nearby airports include Qingyang Airport (184 km), Linfen Qiaoli Airport (199 km), and Yulin Yuyang Airport (200 km). Also located just over 200 km away are Lüliang Dawu Airport and Yuncheng Airport.

It is important to note that since November 2018, the historic Ershilipu Airport has been closed, and the IATA code ENY has been transferred to the new, modern Yan'an Nanniwan Airport. All information below refers to the current airport infrastructure serving the city of Yan'an today.

The current airport complex (ENY) is characterised by its compactness and a convenient, intuitive structure typical of regional aviation hubs in China. This allows tourists to navigate easily even without knowledge of the Chinese language.

Number of Terminals and Their Function

The airport features one passenger terminal with an area of approximately 13,000 square metres. This two-storey building serves exclusively domestic flights within China (e.g., to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an), as the airport does not have international hub status. A single terminal spares travellers the need to use shuttles or make long transfers.

Terminal Layout and Zoning

The interior space is organised according to a classic two-level scheme, separating the flows of departing and arriving passengers:

• Ground Floor: The Arrivals zone is located here. Passengers enter this area immediately after disembarking the aircraft or descending via the jet bridge. This level also houses the baggage claim hall with conveyor belts and the exit to the city for taxis and buses.
• First Floor (Second Floor in local terms): Dedicated to the Departures zone. Here you will find check-in counters, the security screening area, and the waiting lounge with boarding gates.

Transfers and Navigation

Movement between floors is facilitated by escalators and lifts located in the central part of the hall. Navigation within the terminal is extremely simple due to its modest size. Signs are duplicated in English, which is standard for tourist centres in China, including Yan'an.

Terminal Features and Services

Despite its status as a regional airport, the terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait:

• Small cafes and shops operate in the departure zone (after security control).
• Special attention is given to souvenir shops where one can purchase items related to "Red Tourism" and the local culture of Shaanxi.
• Massage chairs and gadget charging points are available for passenger convenience.
• The building is equipped with jet bridges, ensuring comfortable boarding in any weather.

Processing Times

Thanks to the terminal's compactness, check-in and security procedures are significantly faster than in major hubs like Beijing. Typically, completing all formalities takes no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before departure to have a buffer in case of unforeseen delays.

Navigation Recommendations

Upon arrival, follow the flow of passengers to the Baggage Claim area on the ground floor — getting lost here is practically impossible as the route is linear. For departures, proceed immediately to the upper floor: check-in counters are located directly opposite the entrance to the departure zone.

Yan'an Ershilipu Airport (ENY) is a historic airport that served the city of Yan'an for over 80 years, witnessing key events in the history of China. Its operation officially ceased on 8 November 2018, when all air traffic was transferred to the new, modern Yan'an Nanniwan Airport (YNV). Despite its closure, Ershilipu remains an important historical site.

The airport was built in 1936 and initially consisted of a simple runway. Its significance rose sharply between the late 1930s and late 1940s. During this time, it served as the sole aerial communication channel for the region, playing a critical role in transporting people, cargo, and receiving diplomatic missions. In effect, it was Yan'an's only connection to the outside world by air.

In the post-war decades, the airport functioned as a civil facility, undergoing several stages of reconstruction. However, its development was severely limited due to its location within city limits and a short runway. These factors prevented the accommodation of large modern airliners and eventually led to the decision to construct a new airport in a more suitable location.

One interesting fact relates to its name: "Ershilipu" literally translates as "The Fort at Twenty Li", where "Li" is a traditional Chinese unit of length. This name highlights the historical context of the location. Today, although closed, Ershilipu Airport stands not merely as a former transport hub, but as a true monument to its era, having played an indispensable role in the region's development.

Since the modern Yan'an Nanniwan Airport (ENY) opened relatively recently (in 2018), its infrastructure is designed with the current needs of travellers in mind. Despite the compact size of the terminal, there is a basic set of services allowing for a comfortable time before departure.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

The dining area in the airport is small but inviting. You will not find a huge variety of international chains typical of capital hubs here, but you certainly won't go hungry:

• Cafes and Eateries: The main focus is on Chinese cuisine. Passengers can try traditional Shaanxi noodles, dumplings, and local snacks. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks outlets are also available.
• Shops: In the retail zone, mini-markets operate selling essentials, press, and snacks. Souvenir shops hold a special place, offering locally produced goods: from dates and grains, for which the region is famous, to themed souvenirs related to the history of Yan'an.

Lounges and VIP Service

For those preferring to await their flight in a more private setting, the airport offers a First Class Lounge. It is available to passengers flying in priority classes and holders of relevant loyalty cards. The lounge typically offers comfortable seating, fresh newspapers, beverages, and light snacks, as well as a quieter atmosphere for work or rest.

Connectivity and Device Charging

The terminal is equipped with modern technological infrastructure:

• Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet is available throughout the airport. Please note that connection often requires authorisation via a Chinese phone number or the WeChat social network.
• Charging Stations: Waiting halls are provided with stands for charging mobile devices and power sockets integrated into the rows of seats.

Financial Services

As the airport serves domestic flights, currency exchange facilities are extremely limited or non-existent. It is recommended to carry cash in Yuan (RMB) or have payment systems (Alipay, WeChat Pay) set up in advance. The terminal houses ATMs from major Chinese banks where cash can be withdrawn using cards from supported payment networks.

Medical and Special Needs

The health and comfort of all passenger groups are a priority for the terminal's operation:

• Medical Centre: A medical room operates within the building to provide first aid in emergencies.
• For Passengers with Children: Dedicated Nursing Rooms are equipped. These are clean and private spaces where one can change and feed a baby away from the bustle of the general hall. Also, as is common throughout China, dispensers with free hot and warm drinking water are available in the terminal, which is convenient for preparing baby food.
• Accessible Environment: The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. There are ramps, wide lifts, specially equipped restrooms, and designated spaces in the waiting area. If necessary, assistance and a wheelchair can be requested at the check-in counter.

Accommodation and Business Services

There is no hotel directly within the terminal building. The nearest hotels are located in Yan'an city. The journey to the city centre by taxi or bus takes some time, so for long layovers or early departures, it makes sense to book accommodation within the city limits.

Specialised conference rooms are not provided in the airport; however, business travellers may utilise the work area in the VIP lounge to address urgent matters.

The gastronomic infrastructure of Yan'an Nanniwan Airport (ENY), which replaced the old Ershilipu Airport, corresponds to its status as a regional transport hub. The choice of establishments here is quite modest, so do not expect the restaurant abundance typical of major international hubs. Nevertheless, passengers can count on a quality hot meal and an introduction to the authentic flavours of Shaanxi Province.

Location of Outlets and Access Zones

Most food outlets are concentrated in the Airside zone on the first floor (upper level), which passengers enter after passing pre-flight security checks. This is done for the convenience of travellers waiting to board.

• Landside (Public Zone): Before passing security, choices are limited. There may be a small shop with drinks and packaged snacks, as well as vending machines.
• Airside (Departure Zone): The main food court and cafes are located here. Establishments are situated in close proximity to the boarding gates, allowing you to have a snack without fear of missing your flight.

Local Cuisine and Signature Dishes

The main feature of dining at Yan'an Airport is the emphasis on local culinary traditions. This is an excellent chance to try the famous dishes of the Shaanxi region before departure if you didn't manage to do so in the city:

• Yan'an Style Noodles: Local eateries always feature various types of noodles on the menu (for example, wide biangbiang noodles or oil-spilled noodles). This is a hearty and warming dish.
• Roujiamo: The famous "Chinese hamburger" — chopped meat (often pork or beef) stewed in spices and served in a hot, crispy flatbread. An ideal option for a quick snack.
• Liangpi: Cold noodles made from wheat or rice starch with spicy sauce, vinegar, and vegetables. A light dish popular in warmer weather.

Dietary Information: What You Need to Know

There are no specialised restaurants for vegans or allergy sufferers in the terminal, so selection requires care:

• Vegetarians and Vegans: Finding a strictly vegetarian dish can be difficult, as even vegetable soups are often cooked in meat broth. We recommend checking ingredients or choosing simple snacks (boiled corn, fruit). Dishes with tomatoes and eggs with rice are a safe choice for vegetarians who consume eggs.
• Halal: The Shaanxi region is home to a significant Muslim community (the Hui people), so menus often feature beef and lamb dishes. Look for signs or green labels with the inscription "Qingzhen" (Halal); however, the presence of a certified kitchen within the airport itself is not guaranteed.
• Gluten-Free: Since the region's cuisine is based on wheat noodles and flour products, avoiding gluten here is challenging. Rice-based dishes will be a safer alternative.

Prices and Opening Hours

Pricing policy at the airport is moderate, though higher than in the city.

• Average Bill: A full lunch with noodles and a drink will cost approximately 35–60 RMB. A light snack (flatbread or snacks) will cost 15–25 RMB.
• Operating Hours: Food establishments usually open 90 minutes before the first flight and close after the departure of the last flight. There are no 24-hour restaurants in the terminal.

Recommendations for Passengers

For a quick snack, it is best to buy Roujiamo or ready-made packaged snacks (vacuum-packed tofu, nuts) at the shop. If you have time for a full lunch, order a bowl of hot beef noodles — service in local cafes is very fast, and waiting for an order rarely exceeds 10–15 minutes.

Also, do not forget that dispensers with free hot water are available in the terminal. Many Chinese travellers bring thermos flasks with tea or brew instant noodles, which can be bought at the airport shop — this is the most budget-friendly dining option.

Travelling through Yan'an Airport (ENY) is generally a calm and organised process, given its small size and modern infrastructure. However, like any transport hub in China, strict rules and nuances apply here. Here are some proven tips to make your flight as comfortable as possible.

Optimal Arrival Time

Although the airport is regional and does not suffer from queues like those in Beijing or Shanghai, one should not arrive at the last minute. The recommended arrival time is 90 minutes before departure.

• Flight check-in usually closes 30–40 minutes before departure.
• If you are travelling during public holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year or "Golden Week" in October), it is better to allow 2 hours, as passenger traffic increases sharply.

Check-in and Security Specifics

Security services in Chinese airports work extremely meticulously. To pass control quickly, prepare in advance:

• Power Banks: This is the most important point. External batteries can be carried only in hand luggage. The device must have a clear factory marking indicating capacity (usually allowed up to 100 Wh or 20,000 mAh; from 100 to 160 Wh — with airline permission). Batteries without markings will be confiscated permanently.
• Lighters and Matches: Completely banned. They cannot be carried in hand luggage or checked baggage. Do not attempt to carry a souvenir lighter — it will be found and seized.
• Electronics: Laptops, tablets, cameras, and power banks must be taken out of backpacks and placed in a separate tray.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

Yan'an is located in a unique geographical zone — on the Loess Plateau.

• Choose a Window Seat. During take-off and landing, a stunning view of the rugged landscape opens up: endless yellow hills, terraced fields, and winding riverbeds. In clear weather, this spectacle rivals any excursion.
• If you are flying towards Xi'an, sit on the left side for a chance to see the Qinling mountain ranges in the distance.

Baggage and Hand Luggage

Besides standard international rules (liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag), pay attention to Chinese specifics:

• Alcohol: Local spirits (Baijiu) intended as souvenirs can only be transported in checked baggage. Alcohol will not be permitted in hand luggage.
• Knives and Tools: Any sharp or cutting objects, including nail scissors, should be placed in checked baggage immediately to avoid delays at security.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Yan'an Airport serves only domestic flights. If you have a connection to an international flight in a major hub (Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an):

• Allow Time: Domestic flights in China can be delayed due to weather conditions or air traffic control. Leave a minimum of 3–4 hours for transfer in a major airport, especially if you need to collect luggage and change terminals.
• Single Ticket: Try to book flights under a single reservation. In this case, if the first flight is delayed, the airline will rebook you on the next one free of charge.

Saving Time and Money

• Water: Do not buy water before security control. Bring an empty bottle or thermos. In the departure zone, there are dispensers with free hot, warm, and cold drinking water.
• Food: Prices in airport cafes are higher than in the city. If you want to save money, buy instant noodles in a city supermarket. You can brew them for free using the same dispensers — this is standard practice for local travellers.
• Wi-Fi: To avoid using mobile roaming data, connect to the airport network. If you do not have a Chinese SIM card, look for the Information Desk — sometimes they help obtain an access code by scanning your passport.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Flight delays happen, especially during the summer rainy season or winter fogs.

• Monitor the boards and announcements. Information in English may not always be duplicated loudly, so it is better to stay close to the gate.
• If the delay is significant and is the airline's fault, passengers are often offered free meals (lunch boxes) right at the boarding gate.
• Have offline entertainment ready (books, downloaded films), as access to familiar Western social networks and streaming services via local Wi-Fi will be blocked by the "Great Firewall" (unless using roaming or special services).