Zunyi Xinzhou Airport

Zunyi Xinzhou Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a modern aerial gateway to the historic heart of China, Guizhou Province. Opened in 2012, the air terminal welcomes travellers with unique architecture inspired by the famous Zunyi Conference building, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the region's atmosphere immediately upon landing. Located in a picturesque hilly area, this airport offers a cosy and peaceful alternative to noisy metropolises, ensuring a comfortable start for a journey through famous "Red tourism" sites and natural attractions.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Zunyi Xinzhou Airport stands out with its modern terminal, which, despite its regional status, is designed with the aesthetics of local culture and traditions in mind. The terminal building resembles a traditional Chinese lantern or elements of historic Guizhou architecture, creating a memorable visual image.

The main advantage for tourists is the absence of long queues and the compactness of the terminal, which allows for completing all pre-flight formalities much faster than in China's major hubs. The airport serves both civil and military flights, and while the main route network connects Zunyi with major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou), its international status allows it to receive flights from abroad, for example, from Southeast Asian countries.

For the convenience of passengers, transport links with the city are well-established: special shuttle buses run connecting the terminal with the centre of Zunyi, and taxis are also available, with the journey taking about 40–50 minutes via the expressway.

To obtain the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and rules at Zunyi airport, it is recommended to use official channels. Below are the main contact details for Zunyi Xinzhou Airport (ZYI).

• Official Website: Finding a dedicated official website for Zunyi Xinzhou Airport can be difficult. For the most reliable information, we recommend using the telephone enquiry service or referring to the data provided by your airline.
• Enquiry Service Phone: For consultations regarding flights and airport services, you can call: +86 851 2893 7888.
• Airport Address: Zunyi Xinzhou Airport, Honghuagang District, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China.
• Email: A direct email address for general enquiries is usually not published. It is preferable to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: Official airport pages may exist on Chinese social networks (such as WeChat); however, they are generally oriented towards the domestic audience and may be difficult to navigate without knowledge of the Chinese language.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, first contact the representative of your airline directly at the airport. If this does not help, contact the general airport enquiry service.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main enquiry service number.

Important: Before travelling, we strongly recommend clarifying information directly with your airline, as contact details and rules may change.

Zunyi Xinzhou Airport (ZYI) is located at some distance from the city centre of Zunyi, so it is worth planning your route there in advance. Travellers have access to various transport options, allowing the choice of the optimal method depending on budget, amount of luggage, and personal comfort preferences.

Public Transport: Shuttle Bus

The most affordable way to get to the airport is to use the special shuttle buses. Typically, they depart from several key points in the city, for example, from the central bus station or major hotels. The journey takes on average 60-80 minutes, making this option an excellent choice for budget-conscious tourists. It is recommended to check the schedule and route in advance, as they may change.

Taxi and Transfers

For those who value time and comfort, a taxi or a car booked via mobile apps popular in China will be the ideal solution. This is the fastest way to reach the terminal — the trip from the city centre will take about 40-60 minutes depending on traffic congestion. This option is convenient if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but the "door-to-door" comfort justifies it.

Car Rental and Parking

If your plans include not only visiting the city but also exploring its surroundings on your own, it is worth considering car rental. Rental desks can be found directly at the airport. Please note that to drive a car in China, foreign citizens most often require a temporary local driving license. For travellers arriving at the airport in private or rented transport, convenient parking zones are provided on the premises for both short-term and long-term parking.

Zunyi Xinzhou Airport (ZYI), serving the city of Zunyi, is a modern and compact air terminal complex. Its structure is designed for maximum convenience and quick passenger navigation, which is especially valuable for those travelling around China for the first time.

Structure and Navigation

The airport consists of one main terminal which handles all domestic and international flights. This layout eliminates the need for complex transfers and shuttles, making the process of moving through the airport intuitive. The terminal building generally has two main levels:

• First Floor: Arrivals area. Located here are the baggage claim belts, customs control counters (for international flights), exits to the city, as well as taxi and car rental offices. Some check-in counters are also often found here.
• Second Floor: Departures area. Upon ascending here, passengers enter the main check-in hall, pass through security and passport control, after which they find themselves in the airside zone with boarding gates, shops, and cafes.

Completing Procedures

Thanks to the airport's compact size, all pre-flight formalities usually take not too much time. For check-in and security screening on domestic flights, it is recommended to allow about 1.5-2 hours before departure. During peak hours, small queues are possible, but overall, service is quite fast and efficient. Navigation through the terminal causes no difficulties — clear signs in Chinese and English are installed everywhere.

Recommendations for Passengers

To orient yourself comfortably in Zunyi Airport, simply follow the standard signs. Information boards with flight schedules are located throughout the terminal. If you have any questions, you can always approach the information desk. Since this is a mid-sized regional hub, all key zones — from check-in to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other.

The history of Zunyi Xinzhou Airport (ZYI) is a story of modern and rapid development. Unlike many airports with a century-long history, it is a relatively new transport hub. Its official opening took place on 28 August 2012. Construction was initiated to replace the old airport of Zunyi city, which could no longer cope with the growing needs of the region and had infrastructure limitations. The new complex was intended to become a catalyst for economic growth and tourism development in Guizhou Province, being part of a large-scale programme to modernize China's transport system.

From the very beginning, Zunyi Xinzhou Airport was designed as a dual-use facility, serving both civil flights and the air force. After entering operation, it demonstrated phenomenal growth rates. The demand for air travel exceeded all expectations: by 2015, just three years after opening, passenger traffic surpassed the milestone of one million people per year, which was a significant achievement and record for the young airport.

Such rapid growth required immediate expansion. To cope with the increasing load and improve service quality, a large-scale modernization project was launched. A key stage was the construction and commissioning of a new, more spacious Terminal T2. This allowed for a significant increase in throughput capacity and offered passengers more comfortable conditions and modern services.

An interesting fact: the name of the airport, "Xinzhou" (新舟), translates from Chinese as "New Ark" or "New Boat". This name symbolically reflects its role as a modern transport hub, opening new paths and opportunities for Zunyi and the entire region. The history of this airport is a vivid example of how modern infrastructure can transform the economy and life of an entire region in the shortest possible time.

Zunyi Xinzhou Airport offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and eateries where you can have a snack before departure, trying both local dishes and more familiar options. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs, travel goods, and local products.

For those who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges are available. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are equipped in the waiting areas so that you can always stay connected.

Other important services are provided at the airport. Passengers have access to ATMs and currency exchange points. In case of necessity, you can visit the medical point for first aid. For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on staff assistance and special equipment for convenient movement around the terminal — it is recommended to notify the airline in advance about the need for accompaniment.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, which can be quickly reached by taxi. This is a convenient option for those with an early departure or a long layover. For business travellers, working conditions may be provided in the VIP lounges, although specialized conference centres may be absent at the airport.

At Zunyi Xinzhou Airport in the city of Zunyi, passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal to comfortably spend time waiting for a flight. The main catering establishments are concentrated in the main terminal building, primarily in the area before security control, where the selection is traditionally wider.

Travellers are offered both Chinese-style fast food establishments and small cafes. Here you can order noodles, rice dishes, dumplings, and other snacks popular in China. This is an excellent option for those who want a quick and filling meal before flying. For coffee and pastry lovers, coffee shops operate where you can take drinks to go or relax in a cosy setting.

Once in Zunyi, it is worth taking the opportunity to try the local cuisine of Guizhou Province, known for its spicy and sour-hot flavours. Pay attention to establishments offering local noodles, for example, the famous lamb noodles (Zūnyì yángròu fěn). This authentic and warming dish will be a wonderful conclusion to your journey through the region.

For those short on time, the best choice will be kiosks with ready-made food and small shops where you can buy sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and sweets. If time permits, you can settle into one of the restaurants with table service for a more relaxed meal. After passing security control (airside), the choice of establishments is usually more limited and represented by small cafes and vending machines with snacks.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes can be challenging. It is recommended to clarify the ingredients of dishes with staff or choose the simplest options, such as boiled rice with vegetables. Prices at the airport are typically higher than in the city, and the opening hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule, closing late in the evening.

When planning a trip through Zunyi Xinzhou Airport, it is important to consider a few tips that will make your journey across China or beyond as comfortable as possible. It is standard practice to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to pass all pre-flight formalities, check in luggage, and find your boarding gate without rushing.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such a service. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters. When passing security control, be prepared in advance to remove laptops, tablets, and other large electronic devices from your hand luggage, as well as liquids packed according to the rules.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Seats by the window will give you the opportunity to enjoy the views during takeoff and landing. Seats by the aisle ensure more freedom of movement around the cabin. If a quick exit upon arrival is important to you, choose seats in the front part of the aircraft.

Pay close attention to hand luggage rules. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and explosive substances are prohibited. Remember that portable chargers (power banks) must be carried only in hand luggage.

Passengers with transfers should clarify in advance whether their luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight or if it needs to be collected and checked in again in Zunyi. At the airport, follow the "Transfer" / "Transit" signs. When passing customs control, keep your passport and other necessary documents ready.

To save money, take an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it with water at drinking fountains after passing security control. Also, consider booking a transfer from the airport online — this is often more cost-effective than taking a taxi on the spot.

If your flight is delayed, remain calm. First, contact your airline's counter or check information on the online display to find out the flight status and your next steps. Depending on the duration of the delay, the airline is obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, and in case of a long wait — hotel accommodation.