Lingling Airport

Lingling Airport is not merely a transit point but a cosy aerial gateway connecting travellers to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Hunan Province. Unlike the bustling hubs of megacities, a calm atmosphere reigns here, allowing you to begin your acquaintance with the region without unnecessary fuss or stress immediately after landing. Situated at the intersection of modernity and history, this transport hub provides quick and comfortable access to key locations in the city of Yongzhou.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

An important geographical feature of the airport is its actual location. Despite the name "Lingling", the terminal is located in the modern Lengshuitan district, just 9 kilometres from its business centre. This allows business tourists to reach the city in 15–20 minutes. The historic Lingling district is located somewhat further away — at a distance of about 18–20 kilometres, which is worth considering when planning your route and booking transfers.

Following extensive reconstruction, the airport offers passengers a modern level of service. The renovated terminal is ergonomic: it is bright, spacious, and navigation is intuitive even for those who do not speak Chinese. The compact nature of the building eliminates the need to cover huge distances on foot, making departure and arrival procedures as quick as possible.

Lingling Airport plays a key role in the region's transport system, receiving flights from major cities in China. Its runway is adapted to accommodate popular medium-haul liners. For tourists, this means the opportunity to comfortably reach the unique attractions of Yongzhou, bypassing complex ground transfers.

When planning a trip to Yongzhou, it is important to have the airport contacts at hand. Below is the essential information for contacting Lingling Airport (LLF).

• Official Airport Website: Finding a dedicated official website for Lingling Airport can be difficult. It is recommended to check current flight and service information on airline websites or the Hunan Airport Management Group portal.
• Inquiry Service Phone: The main contact number for the airport is +86 746 835 8222. Before calling, we recommend verifying its validity with your airline.
• Airport Address: Yongzhou Lingling Airport, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou, Hunan, China.
• Email: A direct email address for general passenger inquiries is generally not provided. For urgent communication, it is better to use the telephone.
• Airport Social Media: The airport does not have official pages on international social networks. News and updates are usually published on airline resources.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact your airline's Lost & Found service directly at the airport or call the general inquiry number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For any assistance or consultation within the airport, please visit the information desk or call the phone number listed above.

You can get to Lingling Airport from the city of Yongzhou in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget and preferences. The most economical option is public transport. Typically, special shuttle buses run between the city centre and the airport. The trip will take approximately 40-60 minutes, and the ticket price is usually around 10-20 Yuan. This is a great way to save money, although not the fastest. We recommend checking current schedules and routes on-site, as they may change.

A faster and more comfortable method is to take a taxi or book a private transfer. The journey from the centre of Yongzhou to the airport will take just 20-30 minutes without traffic, and the cost will be approximately 40-60 Yuan. This is an ideal choice for those travelling with large luggage or who simply value their time. To avoid language barriers, it is useful to have the airport name written in Chinese with you: 永州零陵机场.

For travellers planning independent trips around the region, car rental is available. However, please note that to drive in China, foreign citizens generally need to obtain a local driving licence, as international permits are usually not recognised. If you arrive at the airport in your own or a rented car, parking with zones for short-term and long-term parking is at your service.

When planning your route, it is also worth considering that for a wider choice of flights, especially international ones, it may be more convenient to consider larger airports in the region. Among them are Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and Huanghua Airport (Changsha), located a few hours' drive from Yongzhou. They offer significantly more destinations and can be a convenient alternative point of arrival or departure.

Lingling Airport (LLF) is a modern and compact air terminal complex serving domestic flights. Thanks to its small size, it is very convenient for passengers. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which completely eliminates confusion with finding the right building or transferring between terminals.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building has a logical division into zones, allowing even first-time visitors to orient themselves easily. Check-in counters and the arrival area with baggage claim belts are traditionally located on the ground floor. After checking in, passengers proceed to the second floor, where the security checkpoint and the sterile departure area are located.

The departure zone is a comfortable waiting hall with several boarding gates. There are small shops, cafes, and restrooms here. The arrival zone is located in a separate part of the ground floor. After retrieving luggage, passengers exit into the general hall, where they are met by greeters, and where exits to taxis and parking are located.

Passing through all pre-flight formalities at Lingling Airport usually takes little time. Check-in and security checks generally proceed quickly, taking on average from 20 to 40 minutes depending on flight load. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure to complete all procedures without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, follow the signs in Chinese and English. Thanks to the small space, all key points — from the entrance to the boarding gate — are within walking distance of each other. Getting lost here is practically impossible, making travel through Lingling Airport as comfortable as possible.

The history of Lingling Airport (LLF), serving the city of Yongzhou, is a story of transformation and growth. Originally created as a military airfield, it began its civil chapter on 30 October 2000, when it was officially opened for commercial flights. This step was key to developing the region's transport accessibility and integrating it into the national aviation network of China.

The most significant stage in the airport's development was a large-scale reconstruction completed in 2018. After a period of construction work, the airport resumed operations on 31 August 2018, presenting passengers with completely new infrastructure. As part of the modernisation, a new terminal with an area of 8,000 square metres was built, and the runway was extended to 2,600 metres. This allowed the airfield class to be upgraded to 4C and enabled the reception of larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

This modernisation was a real breakthrough, significantly increasing capacity and comfort for passengers. Today, Lingling Airport continues to play an important role in the economic and tourism development of Yongzhou and surrounding areas. An interesting fact remains its dual purpose: it continues to be a facility for both civil and military aviation, reflecting its unique history.

Lingling Airport (LLF) in Yongzhou offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the airport strives to ensure a pleasant travel experience for every guest.

In the terminal, you will find several cafes and eateries where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase beverages for the road. There are also shops offering souvenirs, daily necessities, and press. This is a great opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones or something you might have forgotten to pack.

Comfortable waiting lounges are provided for rest before departure. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, as well as find special charging stations for electronic devices. For those who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges with additional services may be available.

Financial matters can be settled using ATMs located in the airport building. In case of urgent assistance, passengers can contact the medical point. For travellers with children, a mother and child room is equipped where one can take care of the baby in a quiet environment.

The airport also cares for passengers with reduced mobility. Special assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking, and the terminal infrastructure is adapted to their needs. Although hotels are not available directly on the airport territory, in the city of Yongzhou, located nearby, one can find many accommodation options. For business travellers, business centre services or conference rooms may be available, which are best booked in advance.

Despite its modest size, Lingling Airport (LLF) in the city of Yongzhou offers passengers several options for a snack or a full lunch before departure. The main focus here is on traditional Chinese cuisine, allowing travellers to enjoy local flavours even while waiting for their flight.

Most catering establishments are concentrated in the main terminal. Typically, before the security zone (landside), the selection is slightly wider, including small restaurants where you can have a quiet lunch. After passing security control (airside), the departure zone usually hosts cafes and eateries offering quick and convenient options. Opening hours are tied to the flight schedule, so they are open to serve passengers for both morning and evening flights.

If you want to try something authentic, pay attention to Hunan cuisine, known for its spicy and aromatic dishes. Look for beef noodles, spicy soups, or rice with various toppings on the menu. For a quick snack, steamed buns (baozi) or instant noodles, which can be found in small kiosks or vending machines, are perfect. For a more substantial meal, the restaurant in the main departure hall, serving set meals, is the best choice.

Specialised dietary menus (vegan, gluten-free) are difficult to find in small regional airports. However, vegetarians can order vegetable dishes (for example, fried tofu with vegetables) or plain rice. The price range at Lingling Airport, as in most airports, is slightly higher than in the city but remains quite moderate. It is recommended to carry some cash, although many places accept payment via popular Chinese payment systems.

Travelling through Lingling Airport in the city of Yongzhou will go smoothly and comfortably if you prepare in advance and know a few useful tips. By following simple recommendations, you can avoid unnecessary stress and save time and money.

Plan your arrival at the airport in advance. For domestic flights within China, it is recommended to be on-site 1.5–2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to calmly check in, drop off luggage, and pass security screening. To speed up the process, use the online check-in service if available with your airline. This way, you can proceed directly to the baggage drop counter or, if travelling light, head straight to the security zone.

Security screening procedures in Chinese airports can be strict. Liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Pay special attention to the rules for carrying power banks: they can be carried only in hand luggage, and the device must have a clear marking indicating the capacity. Lighters and matches are most often prohibited.

The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preferences. A window seat will allow you to enjoy the views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and freedom of movement around the cabin. Study the aircraft layout on the airline's website to make the best choice.

Passengers with transfers are advised to find the boarding gate number for the next flight on the information board immediately upon arrival at Lingling Airport. Clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. When passing customs control, have your passport and boarding passes ready, and carefully fill out all necessary documents if required.

To save money, you can take an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after the security zone. Food and beverage prices at airports are usually higher, so a snack before the trip will help reduce expenses. Also, try to book flight tickets in advance to get the most favourable fares.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Contact your airline's information desk to find out about the flight status and possible options, such as rebooking or the provision of meals and accommodation. If you have travel insurance, check if it covers such situations and keep all receipts for possible compensation.