Bozhou Airport (under construction)

Bazhong Enyang Airport (BZJ) sits in a valley about 10 kilometers northeast of downtown Bazhong, in the northeastern corner of Sichuan Province. Opened in 2019, this single-terminal airport serves a region that was previously difficult to reach by air, with flights now connecting Bazhong to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. The airport is small but modern, handling a modest number of passengers daily, and its staff have a reputation for being particularly helpful — especially to travelers who do not speak Mandarin.

Getting There

Bazhong Enyang Airport is located roughly 10 kilometers from the city center, about a 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic. By taxi, the fare from downtown Bazhong to the airport typically runs between 30 and 50 yuan. Ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing are widely used and offer another convenient option. There are also dedicated airport shuttle buses that run in coordination with flight schedules, departing from the main bus station in Bazhong. The shuttle is inexpensive (around 10 yuan) and drops passengers directly at the terminal entrance. For those driving, the airport is accessible via the G85 Expressway and local roads, and the parking lot offers both short-term and long-term spaces, including designated spots for wheelchair users. Road signs are bilingual in Chinese and English, making navigation straightforward for international visitors.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Bazhong Enyang Airport is a single, two-story building designed for efficiency. Arrivals and departures are separated on different levels — departures on the upper floor, arrivals on the ground floor. The check-in area is compact, with about six counters, and security screening is organized and fast. Because the airport is small and uncrowded, passengers can expect to move from check-in to gate in under 15 minutes. Boarding is via airbridge or bus depending on the flight.

Facilities include clean and modern toilets, wheelchair-accessible toilets, a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and a wheelchair-accessible car park. There are no extensive shopping or dining options — a small convenience store and a snack kiosk are available, but most passengers prefer to eat in the city before arriving. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. The airport's staff are known for their proactive assistance: if you cannot find a taxi or have trouble communicating, any staff member can help arrange transportation to your destination. The overall atmosphere is calm and orderly, a welcome contrast to larger Chinese hubs.

Bazhong Enyang Airport and Bazhong

Bazhong is a prefecture-level city in the northeastern part of Sichuan Province, historically significant as part of the Sichuan-Shaanxi Soviet area during the Chinese Civil War. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, lush forests, and karst landscapes. The most famous attraction is the Guangwu Mountain, part of the Micangshan range, which offers spectacular autumn foliage and hiking trails. Another highlight is the Enyang Old Town, a well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty town near the airport, featuring cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and local snacks.

Bazhong's cuisine is distinctly Sichuan: spicy hot pot, tofu dishes, and local specialties like "Bazhong beef" and "mountain herb chicken." The city is also known for its production of high-quality tea, particularly the "Bazhong Yunwu" green tea. For history enthusiasts, the Sichuan-Shaanxi Soviet Revolutionary Site Museum provides insight into the region's role in the Chinese Communist revolution.

Why do people travel to Bazhong? Some come for the natural scenery, especially the Red Leaf Festival in autumn. Others visit for cultural tourism, exploring the old towns and historical sites. The airport's arrival opened up the region to more domestic tourists and made it accessible for business travelers. The airport itself is a point of pride for locals — a modern facility that reflects Bazhong's growing connectivity. Despite its small size, it efficiently handles the flow of passengers, and its staff's willingness to go the extra mile — such as arranging taxis for stranded foreigners — leaves a lasting positive impression.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily from around 6:30 AM until the last flight departs, typically by 10 PM. It is not open 24 hours. Busiest times based on flight schedules: Monday at 5 AM, Tuesday at 8 PM, Wednesday and Thursday at 1 PM. Check your flight's specific schedule as times can vary seasonally.

For inquiries, the airport's official phone number is +86 827 577 3777. There is no official English-language website, but the Chinese site (bazhongairport.com) provides flight information. Note that English is not widely spoken in Bazhong, so having a translation app or a printed address of your destination is advisable.

One concrete piece of advice: If you arrive late and cannot get a taxi or a ride from a ride-hailing app, walk to the staff information counter in the arrivals hall — they can call a taxi for you, negotiate the fare, and make sure you get to your hotel without stress.