Yichang Sanxia Airport

Welcome to Yichang Sanxia Airport, the aerial gateway to one of the world's greatest engineering marvels — the Three Gorges Hydroelectric Power Station. The airport's name, which translates directly to "Three Gorges," refers explicitly to this famous landmark. It is a modern and dynamically developing transport hub that received international status in 2023, connecting Yichang not only with major cities in China but also with international destinations. The airport serves as a starting point for thousands of tourists eager to witness the grandeur of the Yangtze River and its picturesque surroundings.

Despite its relatively small size, Yichang Sanxia Airport offers passengers comfortable conditions. It is equipped with a single terminal featuring several boarding gates, making navigation simple and convenient. Essential services are available here: cafes, shops, and information desks. The airport's main advantage is its strategic location. It is located just 55 km from the Three Gorges Dam, allowing tourists to quickly reach the main goal of their journey. Regular bus services and the availability of taxis ensure a reliable transport link with the city centre of Yichang.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH). We recommend always checking the relevance of the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: Generally, the most accurate and up-to-date information on flight schedules, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official website. At the time of the last check, this was www.sanxiaairport.com.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call the number: +86 717 653 2114. Please pay attention to the international dialling format.
• Airport Address: Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH), Xiaoting District, Yichang, Hubei, China. The airport is located approximately 26 kilometres southeast of the centre of Yichang.
• Email: A dedicated email address for general inquiries may not be available. The best way for written communication is to use the contact form on the official website, if provided.
• Social Media: Airports in China most often use local platforms such as WeChat and Weibo. Links to official pages are usually posted on their website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you encounter a problem with lost or damaged luggage, first contact your airline's representative at the airport. Their counters are located in the arrivals area. If this does not yield results, contact the airport's luggage tracing service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can approach the information desks in the terminal or call the enquiry service.

You can get to Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH) from the city centre of Yichang in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences. The airport is located approximately 26 kilometres from the central part of the city, and the journey usually takes from 40 minutes to an hour.

Public Transport: Airport Shuttle
The most economical way to get to the airport is to use special shuttle buses. Usually, there are several routes that connect the airport with key points in the city, such as the railway station, bus station, and major hotels. This is a reliable and inexpensive option, although not the fastest. The shuttle trip will take about 1 hour. It is recommended to check the schedule and the stop nearest to you in advance, as intervals may vary.

Taxi and Transfer
Taking a taxi is the most comfortable and fastest way to get to the terminal. The travel time will be approximately 40-50 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the trip will be significantly higher than by bus, but you get "door-to-door" convenience. To avoid communication problems, we advise having the airport name written in Chinese (宜昌三峡机场) with you, or using online taxi-hailing apps popular in China. You can also pre-book a private transfer, which is especially convenient for groups or travellers with a large amount of luggage.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to travel around the region extensively, you can rent a car. However, it is worth noting that foreign tourists require a local driving licence to drive in China. Traffic can be intense and unfamiliar. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, both short-term and long-term parking facilities are provided on the airport grounds.

Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH) represents a modern and compact aviation hub, making it very convenient for travellers. The main feature of the airport is its structure, consisting of one main terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need for long transfers between buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Generally, the departure area is located on the upper floor, and the arrival area is on the lower floor. On the departure floor, you will find check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. The arrival area includes baggage claim belts, customs control for international flights, and the exit to the city, where taxis and buses meet passengers.

Due to the relatively small size of the airport, passing through all pre-flight formalities usually takes less time than in large metropolises. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive for check-in and security screening 1.5–2 hours before departure. For international destinations, it is worth allowing a little more time, about 2.5 hours, to go through all procedures without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. Airport staff and information desks are always ready to help if you have any questions. The absence of the need to move between different terminals makes the airport of Yichang particularly comfortable for passengers with children, large luggage, or those flying from this city for the first time.

Yichang Sanxia Airport is a relatively young but strategically important transport hub in Hubei Province. Its history is inextricably linked with one of the most ambitious engineering projects in the world — the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. The airport was built to service this grandiose project and opened its doors to passengers on 28 December 1996, becoming a key element for transporting specialists, equipment, and, of course, tourists to the city of Yichang.

The name "Sanxia" (三峡) translates from Chinese as "Three Gorges", which directly indicates its main purpose. Since its opening, the airport has become the main point of arrival for everyone wishing to see the construction of the giant hydroelectric station, and after the completion of works — to admire the structure itself and the picturesque landscapes of the Yangtze River. This transformed it from a purely utilitarian facility into the region's important tourist gateway.

With the growth of tourist flow and the economic development of the city, the airport has been modernized repeatedly. The initial infrastructure was designed for a specific passenger flow related to construction. However, over time, the need for expansion arose. In the 2000s and 2010s, works were carried out to lengthen the runway and expand the terminal, which allowed for the reception of larger aircraft and the servicing of a greater number of international and domestic flights. Today, it is a modern airport capable of handling millions of passengers a year.

Although Yichang Sanxia Airport cannot boast a centuries-old history, its significance for modern China is immense. It is a vivid example of how an infrastructure project created to support a single mega-construction successfully transformed into a thriving transport hub. It played a key role in the economic rise of the region, opening the central part of the country to business and tourism from all over the world.

Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH) strives to ensure maximum comfort for all categories of travellers, offering a wide range of services and amenities right in the terminal building.

For those feeling hungry, various cafes and restaurants operate within the airport. Here you can grab a quick sandwich and a cup of coffee, or have a full meal, choosing from local or European cuisine. In the shops, you will find souvenirs to remember your trip, travel essentials, and products from the Duty-Free zone.

To ensure waiting for a flight passes in a calm atmosphere, passengers can use the services of premium lounges and VIP zones. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous stations for charging gadgets will allow you to always stay connected.

The airport provides all necessary services for resolving practical matters. At the passengers' disposal are bank branches and currency exchange bureaus. In case medical assistance is required, a 24-hour medical centre operates in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

Special mother and child rooms are equipped for families with children, where you can feed and change a baby in silence and comfort. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, and the airport infrastructure, including ramps and lifts, is adapted for their convenience.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, hotels offering comfortable accommodation are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres may be available, allowing for effective use of time before departure.

At Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH), passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal. Although the selection here may not be as extensive as in major international hubs, you certainly won't go hungry. The main dining establishments are concentrated in the main terminal, serving both departing and arriving passengers.

For those in a hurry, the airport has cafes and snack bars offering a quick bite. Usually, they are located both in the public area (before security control) and in the secure airside departure zone. Here you can buy coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and various drinks. This is an ideal option to refresh yourself before boarding a flight or immediately upon arrival.

If you have enough time, it is worth paying attention to restaurants where you can have a leisurely lunch or dinner. They typically feature a menu with Chinese cuisine. This is a great opportunity to taste the authentic flavours of Hubei Province. Look for noodle soups, rice dishes with meat or vegetables, and other traditional treats of China on the menu. Such restaurants are usually located in the departure area, after passport control.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian dishes, such as noodles or rice with vegetables, is quite realistic. However, difficulties may arise with more specific requests (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes). It is recommended to clarify the ingredients of dishes directly with the establishment's staff. Prices at the airport are generally higher than the city average, which is common practice for such facilities. Most cafes and restaurants operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through Yichang Sanxia Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these proven tips. A little preparation will help save time, nerves, and even money, allowing you to focus on the pleasant impressions of your trip to China.

Arrival Time and Check-in: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international ones. This will give you a sufficient buffer of time in case of queues at check-in and security. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy — this will speed up the completion of all formalities.

Security Check and Hand Luggage: Security services at Chinese airports work very thoroughly. Be prepared for the standard procedure: remove outer clothing, take all metal objects out of your pockets, and also remove laptops and other large electronics from your bag. Pay special attention to the rules for carrying liquids (no more than 100 ml in one container) and power banks. External batteries are permitted only in carry-on luggage, and their capacity must be clearly marked on the casing. Devices without markings or with excessive power may be confiscated.

Seat Selection and Transfers: If it is possible to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. A window seat will give you beautiful views during take-off and landing, especially if the weather is clear. An aisle seat is more convenient if you plan to get up during the flight. Passengers with a transfer in Yichang should clarify in advance whether they need to collect and re-check their luggage. Follow the "Transfers" (Transfers/中转) signs and have enough time in reserve between flights.

Customs Control and Saving Money: When entering or leaving the country, it is necessary to declare large amounts of cash and certain goods. Familiarise yourself with current customs regulations in advance. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security. Prices for food and drinks in the departure area are usually higher, so you can have a snack before entering the secure area.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative. They should provide up-to-date information on the flight status. Depending on the duration of the delay, the airline may be obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Having travel insurance that covers such cases will also be a big plus.