Yinchuan Hedong International Airport

Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (INC) is more than just an airport; it is the main aerial gateway to the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. Its name, "Hedong," poetically translates to "East of the River," indicating its location on the banks of the majestic Yellow River. As a key transport hub for the region, this modern airport serves as the starting point for exploring the unique culture and breathtaking landscapes for which Yinchuan is renowned. The airport connects the city with over 20 destinations, offering travellers a comfortable start to their journey.

Yinchuan Hedong Airport offers passengers convenient and well-thought-out infrastructure. It consists of two terminals: the main and largest, T3, serves the majority of domestic flights, whilst T2 handles international flights. For the convenience of travellers, everything necessary is available here: from cafes and restaurants such as Starbucks and Burger King to luggage storage and complimentary Wi-Fi. One of the unique features of the airport is a dedicated service centre for international guests, where staff assist with setting up and using payment systems popular in China, such as WeChat Pay and Alipay.

There are several ways to reach the city centre. At your service are not only shuttle buses and taxis but also a high-speed train, the station for which is integrated directly into the airport building on the basement level. This makes the trip to the city fast, convenient, and affordable, allowing you to arrive at Yinchuan Railway Station in just 21 minutes. Such transport accessibility, along with modern amenities, makes Hedong Airport an excellent example of efficient tourism infrastructure.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (INC). We recommend verifying the data on official resources for the most up-to-date information.

• Official Website: www.nxyc-airport.cn (the site is available in Chinese; you can use your browser's built-in translator to view it).
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86-951-96101. This is a 24-hour line for information regarding flights, services, and airport operations.
• Address: Linghe Town, Lingwu, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China. The airport is located approximately 19 kilometres southeast of the city centre of Yinchuan.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost luggage, you should first contact your airline's Lost & Found counter. If airline representatives cannot assist, you may call the general airport inquiry service.
• Passenger Support Service: For all questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main inquiry service number. Staff at the information desks within the terminal are also ready to provide assistance.

Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (INC) is located approximately 25 kilometres southeast of the city centre of Yinchuan, making it easily accessible for travellers. You can get from the airport to the city and back via several methods suitable for any budget and comfort level.

Public Transport: Shuttle Buses

The most economical option is the specialised shuttle buses. They operate on several routes, connecting the airport with key points in the city, such as the main railway station and major hotels. This is a reliable and popular method among tourists. The journey usually takes between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and your destination in the city. The ticket price is quite reasonable, making this an ideal option for budget travellers.

Taxis and Transfers

For greater convenience and speed, you can use taxi services. Official taxi stands are located outside the arrivals terminal exits. A trip to the centre of Yinchuan will take approximately 30-40 minutes. It is strongly recommended to use licensed taxis and ensure the driver switches on the meter. As an alternative, especially for families or travellers with bulky luggage, consider pre-booking a private transfer — you will be met with a name sign and driven comfortably to your hotel.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to actively travel around the Ningxia region, renting a car might be an excellent solution. Several rental agencies operate at the airport. It is important to remember that foreign nationals usually require a Chinese driving licence to drive in China, as international permits are often not directly accepted; this issue should be researched in advance. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, convenient parking with zones for short-term and long-term stays is available.

Although Hedong Airport is the primary hub for this region, for planning complex itineraries across the country, you might also consider other options, such as Zhongwei Airport or Wuhai Airport, which serve neighbouring cities.

Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (INC) consists of two main passenger terminals — Terminal 2 (T2) and the newer and larger Terminal 3 (T3). It is important to check your ticket in advance to see which terminal your flight departs from, as they serve different destinations and airlines.

Terminal 3 (T3) is the main terminal at the airport. It serves the majority of international and domestic flights for major carriers. It is a modern building with spacious halls and developed infrastructure, including numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants. Departure and check-in zones are located on the upper levels, whilst the arrival and baggage claim area is on the lower level. Navigation is simple thanks to clear signage in Chinese and English.

Terminal 2 (T2) is the older and more compact terminal. Today, it is primarily used to serve flights for certain budget airlines and some domestic routes. The selection of services here is more modest than in T3, but its smaller size allows for quicker completion of all pre-flight formalities.

Terminals T2 and T3 are located next to each other, and transferring between them does not take much time. You can walk via a covered walkway in a few minutes or use the complimentary shuttle bus running between the buildings. For check-in and security screening, it is recommended to allow standard time: about 2 hours for domestic flights and at least 3 hours for international ones. During national holidays and the tourist season, it is better to arrive with extra time to spare, as queues may be longer than usual.

The history of Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (INC) is a vivid example of the rapid infrastructure development in western China. The airport opened on 6 September 1997, replacing the old Yinchuan Xihuayuan Airport. Its main objective was to improve transport accessibility for the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and its capital, the city of Yinchuan, which became a powerful stimulus for the region's economic growth.

Since its opening, the airport has undergone several key stages of expansion. Initially, it served mainly domestic flights, but as passenger traffic and the strategic importance of the region grew, the need for modernisation arose. A landmark event was the massive expansion completed in 2016 with the opening of the new, modern Terminal 3. This allowed not only a significant increase in capacity but also the attainment of international airport status, opening direct flights to other countries.

One of the significant achievements in the airport's history was surpassing the 10 million passengers per year mark, which occurred in 2018. This confirmed its status as an important transport hub in Northwest China. The airport plays a key role in hosting major international events, such as the "China-Arab States Expo," acting as the main point of arrival for thousands of delegates and guests from around the world.

An interesting fact: Yinchuan Hedong Airport is often referred to as part of the "Aerial Silk Road." It has become a vital point connecting the east and west of the country, as well as a hub for flights to Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Today, it is a modern and dynamically developing aviation complex that continues to grow, reflecting the economic success and cultural openness of the entire region.

Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (INC) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. In the terminal, you will find diverse dining options — from cafes with quick snacks and aromatic coffee to restaurants where you can have a full meal enjoying local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops, souvenir stalls with unique regional goods, and shops with travel essentials.

For those who prefer to await their flight in a calmer environment, premium lounges and VIP halls are available. Here you can relax in comfortable armchairs, enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks, and work in silence. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets ensure you always stay connected. If you need to handle financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange counters are at your service.

The airport caters to all categories of passengers. Special nursing rooms are equipped for travellers with children. In case of necessity, you can contact the 24-hour medical centre for first aid. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on comprehensive support: provision of wheelchairs, staff escort, and specially equipped restrooms and lifts.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels are located near the airport offering comfortable accommodation. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres may be available at the airport, where you can hold a meeting or work in a quiet setting without leaving the terminal grounds. All these services make your stay at Yinchuan Hedong Airport a convenient and pleasant part of your journey.

At Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (INC), travellers can find diverse dining options suitable for both a quick snack before departure and a leisurely lunch or dinner. Most dining establishments are located in the main terminal, both in the public area (before passport control and security) and in the departure lounge.

Once in Yinchuan, it is worth taking the opportunity to experience the local cuisine of the Ningxia region. In the airport restaurants, you can encounter authentic dishes such as hand-pulled noodles (Lamian) or various lamb specialities, for which this region is famous. Since Ningxia is home to the Hui Muslim ethnic group, it is quite easy to find dishes that meet Halal standards here, which is a significant advantage for many travellers.

Besides local cuisine, more familiar international formats are also represented at the airport: coffee shops where you can order coffee and pastries, as well as fast-food outlets. For passengers with special dietary requirements, the choice may be limited. Vegetarians should look for rice or noodle dishes with vegetables, asking for them to be prepared without meat. Specialised vegan or gluten-free menus are rarely encountered.

The price range in airport establishments is generally higher than in the city. The opening hours of most cafes and restaurants are oriented towards the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and serve passengers until the departure of the last evening flights. If you are short on time, a sandwich from a coffee shop or a portion of instant noodles would be the ideal choice. For those with time to spare, restaurants in the main hall offer a wider selection of dishes and comfortable conditions for a full meal.

Planning a trip through Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (INC) will be easier if you take into account a few local specifics. Here are some tips to help make your journey more comfortable and predictable.

Arrival Time at the Airport. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5–2 hours. The airport is modern and usually efficient, but during peak hours or national holidays, queues for check-in and security can be longer than usual.

Check-in and Security. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. During security screening, be prepared to remove all electronics, including chargers and power banks. China has very strict rules regarding portable batteries: they can only be carried in hand luggage, and the capacity marking must be clearly visible on them. Power banks without markings or exceeding the limit (usually 100-160 Wh) may be confiscated.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. Standard advice works perfectly here: a window seat will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing, especially if you are flying over the mountainous or desert landscapes of Ningxia. An aisle seat ensures more legroom and allows you to stand up easily without disturbing your neighbours.

Hand Luggage: Do's and Don'ts. In addition to the previously mentioned power banks, carrying liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml, sharp objects, and lighters is prohibited in hand luggage (rules regarding lighters can be particularly strict; sometimes they cannot be carried even in checked luggage). Always take all valuables, documents, medication, and fragile electronics with you into the cabin.

For Transfer Passengers. If you have an international transfer to a domestic flight, you will likely need to pass through passport control, collect your luggage, and check it in again. Watch carefully for "Transfer" (Transfer/转机) signs. If you have a through ticket with one airline, clarify the procedure at the check-in counter at your first point of departure.

Customs Control. Upon entering China, you will need to complete an arrival card. There are green and red channels. If you are not carrying anything subject to declaration (large sums of cash, expensive goods for sale), feel free to proceed through the green channel.

How to Save Time and Money.

• Book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance via online services to avoid inflated prices.
• Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — there are drinking water dispensers in the terminal.
• Currency exchange at the airport is usually less favourable than in city banks. Exchange only a small amount for initial expenses.

In Case of Flight Delay. First, find an information board or check the flight status via your airline's app. Contact a carrier representative for information. For long delays, airlines usually provide food and drinks, and in the case of overnight delays — hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for forced expenses for potential compensation.