Dachuan Airport

Dazhou Heshi Airport (DAX) sits about 12 kilometres southeast of Dazhou city centre in Sichuan Province, serving as the region's primary air link since its opening in 2006. The airport operates a single 2,600-metre runway and a compact terminal that handles domestic flights to and from major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. With passenger numbers still modest compared to provincial hubs like Chengdu, Dazhou Heshi offers a stress-free alternative for travellers heading to eastern Sichuan — provided they plan around its limited schedule and basic facilities.

Getting There

The airport is located in Heshi Town, Dazhou's Dachuan District. The most common way to reach the terminal from Dazhou city centre is by taxi, a journey of roughly 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Metered fares typically range from 60 to 80 yuan (as of 2025). Ride-hailing apps such as Didi Chuxing also operate in Dazhou and can be booked to or from the airport. For budget travellers, public bus route 102 runs between the city's South Bus Station and the airport, departing every 30–40 minutes during daylight hours. The bus trip takes about 40 minutes and costs 5 yuan. If driving yourself, the airport is accessible via the Dazhou–Liangping Expressway (G5012). Parking is available in a lot directly opposite the terminal; the fee is 5 yuan per hour, with a daily cap of 30 yuan.

Inside the Terminal

Dazhou Heshi Airport's terminal is a single-storey building with a straightforward layout. Upon arrival, passengers exit through a small baggage claim area that typically handles one or two flights at a time. For departures, the check-in counters are located on the left side of the entrance, with a few self-service kiosks available for airlines like Air China and China Eastern. Security screening is efficient — queues are rare except during the brief peak period around 07:00–08:00 and 14:00–15:00. The departure lounge contains a modest snack shop selling instant noodles, drinks, and packaged pastries; there is also a small waiting area with about 50 seats. Toilets are clean but basic. The airport does not have a VIP lounge, restaurant, or duty-free shop. Passengers should bring their own food if they have a long wait or specific dietary needs. Wi-Fi is available via a Chinese mobile number verification system. Overall, the atmosphere is calm and functional — nothing flashy, but perfectly adequate for a short domestic connection.

Dazhou Heshi Airport and Dazhou

Dazhou itself is often overlooked by international travellers, yet it offers a genuine slice of Sichuanese life far from the tourist crowds. Situated at the intersection of the Daba Mountains and the Qu River valley, the city has been a transportation and trade hub for centuries. For visitors, the main draws are its natural scenery and historical sites. The Daba Mountain range, just north of the city, provides hiking opportunities through forests and limestone karst formations; the Mount Daba National Forest Park is a popular weekend escape for locals. Within the city, the Lianhu Lake area features a large park with walking paths and a temple. History enthusiasts can explore the ancient town of Shifang (a short drive west), which preserves Qing-dynasty architecture and narrow alleyways. Dazhou is also known for its spicy cuisine: local specialities include Dazhou-style hotpot (less oily but fierier than Chengdu's version), and “waitou” (a steamed bun stuffed with pork and pickled vegetables). The city's role as a railway and highway junction means it's a convenient base for exploring northeastern Sichuan, including the Langzhong Ancient City (a UNESCO tentative site) and the Huaying Mountain Grand Canyon. While not a major tourist destination, Dazhou rewards those who take time to explore its markets, eat at roadside stalls, and interact with its friendly residents. The airport, for its part, reflects the city's character: unpretentious, functional, and welcoming within its limited means.

Practical Information

• Address: Dazhou Heshi Airport, Heshi Town, Dachuan District, Dazhou, Sichuan, China.
• Opening Hours: The terminal opens approximately 90 minutes before the first scheduled departure and closes after the last arrival. It is not open 24 hours. Check flight schedules in advance — days with no flights may result in a locked terminal.
• Contact: No official airport website is widely available; passengers can contact their airline for specific queries or check local travel apps like Ctrip (Trip.com) for updates.
• Airlines: Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Hainan Airlines operate from this airport. Destinations include Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX), Chengdu (TFU), and Kunming (KMG).
• Tips: Bring snacks and water — the terminal shop is limited. If your flight is early morning, arrange a taxi the night before, as ride-hailing options at dawn can be scarce. The airport does not have a currency exchange or ATM; withdraw cash in the city. Finally, always double-check your flight status: Dazhou Heshi occasionally cancels or reschedules flights due to weather, especially during summer thunderstorms.

One concrete piece of advice: Arrive at the terminal at least 90 minutes before departure — even though it is small, the check-in and security processes can stall unexpectedly, and there are no amenities to make a long wait comfortable.