Zhangye Ganzhou Airport

Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY) serves as the main aerial gateway to the famous colourful rocks of the Danxia National Geopark, attracting travellers with its proximity to this natural wonder. Located in the heart of the historic Hexi Corridor, this modern aviation hub combines the functionality of a military airfield with the comfort of a civil terminal. Thanks to its compact size and intuitive navigation, the airport ensures a relaxed start for tourists wishing to explore the beauties of Gansu Province without the hustle and bustle of megacities.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Zhangye Ganzhou Airport is its strategic location. It is situated just a half-hour drive from the city centre and is the nearest arrival point for those planning to visit the "Rainbow Mountains" Geopark. This allows travellers to save precious time and begin their excursion programme almost immediately upon arrival.

The airport is distinguished by its high speed of service. Due to the low passenger traffic and compact terminal, passing through all pre-flight formalities, as well as baggage claim upon arrival, takes mere minutes. Long queues characteristic of major hubs are rare here, making the journey significantly less stressful.

Despite its status as a regional airport, a modern level of comfort is maintained here. The terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a short wait: from clear navigation to basic amenities. The building's architecture blends harmoniously with the surrounding desert landscape, creating a pleasant first impression of the region for tourists.

Below is the essential contact information for Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY). Please note that as a regional airport, some communication channels common to major international hubs may be unavailable.

• Official Website: The airport does not have a dedicated official website in English. It is recommended to check the most up-to-date flight status information directly on your airline's website.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86 936 888 2008. Please consider that staff may speak predominantly Chinese.
• Address: The airport is located in the Ganzhou District, approximately 24 km southeast of the city centre of Zhangye, Gansu Province, China.
• Email: There is no official email address for passenger enquiries. For questions, it is recommended to contact via phone or through your airline.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on international social media platforms.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly. For items left within the terminal building, please contact the airport inquiry service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information, assistance, and consultations within the airport, please contact the inquiry service at the phone number listed above.

There are several ways to get to Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY), located approximately 24 km southeast of the city centre of Zhangye. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The journey from the city centre usually takes about 30-40 minutes by car.

Airport Shuttle Bus is the most popular and economical way to reach the airport. Buses usually depart from the city centre, often from the Zhangye Hotel or the Civil Aviation Office. The shuttle schedule is typically coordinated with flight schedules. This is a reliable and inexpensive option, ideal for solo travellers and those wishing to save money. Be sure to check the current schedule and departure point in advance, as they may change.

Taxi or Private Transfer is the fastest and most convenient way to drive to the airport. A car can be hailed on the street, booked via an app, or arranged through your hotel. This option is particularly convenient if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group. A taxi ride provides "door-to-door" comfort and is available at any time of day. The cost will be significantly higher than the shuttle, but it is justified by the convenience and speed.

For those planning to actively explore the region, including the famous Danxia colourful rocks, renting a car can be a good solution. Many companies offer rental services in the city, providing complete freedom of movement. Travelling in your own or a rented car, you can use the parking facilities at the airport. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are available here, which is convenient if you are flying out of China for a few days.

Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY) is a modern and compact aviation hub serving domestic flights. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which simultaneously serves both departing and arriving passengers. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all necessary zones are under one roof. The terminal layout is logical: typically, the check-in and baggage drop-off area is located in one part of the hall, while the arrivals area with baggage claim belts is in the other.

The departure process is standard. After entering the terminal, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters are located. After completing check-in and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening. The departure zone with boarding gates is located immediately after the security area. Despite the airport's small size, there is everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight: seats, small cafes, and shops.

For a small regional airport, check-in and security procedures are quite fast. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, enjoy a coffee, and find your boarding gate.

Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY) is a relatively young but strategically important transport hub in Gansu Province. Its history is closely linked to the development of tourism in the region, known for its unique "Rainbow Mountains". Although a military airfield existed on this site for a long time, the history of civil aviation here began quite recently.

The civil airport was built upon the base of the reconstructed military airfield. The project received approval in September 2009, and construction began in May 2010. The airport opened for flights on 1 November 2011. This event became a key moment for the city of Zhangye and the entire region, opening it up to a wide flow of tourists from all over China and abroad.

The main goal of creating the airport was to improve transport accessibility to the Zhangye Danxia National Geopark. Before its opening, travellers had to reach here via long overland routes. With the advent of the air harbour, travel time was significantly reduced, leading to a sharp increase in the popularity of local attractions. The airport is designed as a modern complex capable of handling popular aircraft types such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

One interesting fact is that the airport is a dual-use airport, serving both civil and military flights. The name "Ganzhou" refers to the historical name of the city of Zhangye, highlighting its rich past. Since its opening, the airport has played a key role in the economic and tourism development of the northwestern part of the country, serving as an example of the successful integration of an infrastructure project into the regional economy.

Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the airport is designed to make your stay here as convenient and pleasant as possible before departing for Zhangye or other cities in China.

Within the terminal, you will find several cafes and eateries where you can have a snack or a cup of coffee. The menu features both local cuisine and familiar international snacks. Small shops are also operating, where you can purchase souvenirs, travel essentials, and local products. For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, VIP lounges are available where one can relax in a quiet atmosphere.

Staying connected is easy: the airport provides access to free Wi-Fi, and special areas for charging electronic devices are equipped in the waiting halls. For financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service, although it is recommended to carry some cash in Yuan for unforeseen situations.

The airport cares about the well-being of all travellers. A medical centre is located here for first aid. Families with small children can use the mother and child room. For passengers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created, and necessary assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking — it is recommended to notify the airline in advance for this.

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. For business travellers, basic business services may be available, but the availability of full-scale conference rooms should be confirmed in advance.

Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY) is a regional hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited compared to major international airports. The main cafes and eateries are concentrated in the main and only terminal, and most of them are located in the public area before security control (landside).

For a full lunch or dinner, the best choice would be one of the small restaurants offering local cuisine of China. Gansu Province, where Zhangye is located, is famous for its noodles. It is highly recommended to try the Lanzhou Beef Noodles — a signature dish of the region. This is a hearty and aromatic dish that will allow you to experience the gastronomy of Northwest China. If you are looking for a quick bite, look out for small shops where you can buy packaged snacks, pastries, beverages, or instant noodles.

After passing through security (airside), the selection becomes even more modest. Typically, only a small cafe serving drinks and light snacks, as well as vending machines, operate in the departure zone. Therefore, if you plan to have a substantial meal, it is better to do so before check-in and baggage drop. The price range at the airport is noticeably higher than in the city. Expect to pay more for a main dish with a drink than in city restaurants.

Regarding special dietary requirements, finding specialised menus (vegan, gluten-free) is practically impossible here. Vegetarians may try ordering vegetable dishes, but it is worth clarifying whether meat broth is used in their preparation. The Gansu region has a significant Muslim population, so there is a likelihood of finding Halal (清真) dishes, but their availability specifically inside the airport is not guaranteed. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule — they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last plane departs.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Zhangye goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these tips. Planning is the key to success, especially in airports in China.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights, which make up the majority of departures from Zhangye Ganzhou Airport, it is recommended to arrive 2–2.5 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option.

Security Screening: Security services at Chinese airports operate very thoroughly. Be prepared to remove all electronic devices from your hand luggage in advance, including laptops, tablets, and most importantly, power banks. Liquids must be in containers no larger than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Please note: lighters and matches are generally prohibited even in checked luggage.

Hand Luggage Rules: A key point is power banks. They can be carried only in hand luggage. The device must clearly display a marking indicating its capacity. Power banks without markings or with a capacity exceeding the established limit (usually 100-160 Wh) may be confiscated.

Seat Selection and Transfers: If your route flies over the famous Danxia colourful rocks, do not hesitate to choose a window seat. The views can be stunning! For passengers with transfers: always clarify whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transit airport.

Customs Control: Customs control is relevant mainly for international flights. For domestic flights within China, you only pass through security control. If you are arriving from another country, familiarise yourself with the rules for importing and exporting goods and currency in advance.

Saving Time and Money: Book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance to avoid inflated prices. Bring an empty water bottle that can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security — this will save money on beverages.

In Case of Flight Delay: Flight delays in China do happen, so be prepared for this. Download your airline's app for real-time notifications. Keep a book, a charged power bank, and headphones handy. Ask the airline representative if you are entitled to food or drinks in case of a long delay.