Hohhot Baita International Airport

Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET) sits about 15 kilometres east of downtown Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia. It handles domestic flights to most major Chinese cities and a growing number of international routes, primarily to East Asia and Southeast Asia. The airport shares its name with the Baita (White Pagoda), a Liao dynasty pagoda that stands a few kilometres south of the runways. With a single terminal building that has been expanded several times since the 2000s, the airport manages around 10 million passengers per year — busy enough to feel active, but small enough that walking distances are manageable.

Getting There

From Hohhot city centre, the most efficient way to the airport is by taxi. The trip takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, and the fare is a fixed price of around 100–120 RMB (about 15–17 USD). Ride-hailing apps such as Didi also work reliably. A cheaper option is the Airport Express bus, which departs from several points in the city — including the Hohhot Railway Station and the Xinhua Street area. The bus costs 15 RMB and runs every 30 minutes from early morning until the last flight. Journey time on the bus is about 50 minutes because it makes stops along the way. For those driving, the airport is accessible from the G6 Beijing–Lhasa Expressway; take the Hohhot East exit and follow signs. Parking at the airport is straightforward — a multi-storey car park adjacent to the terminal charges 20 RMB for the first hour and 2 RMB per additional hour, with a daily cap of 50 RMB. The car park and entrance are both wheelchair-accessible, with designated spaces close to the terminal.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Baita is a single two-storey building. Check-in counters and departures are on the second floor; arrivals and baggage claim are on the ground floor. The terminal is clean and modern, with ample seating throughout. Luggage trolleys are available at the entrances and near baggage claim. Baggage storage is located near the domestic arrivals exit — useful for layovers — and charges 20 RMB per item per day. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are clearly marked on both floors. All public restrooms are well-maintained with toilet paper and hand dryers. The security checkpoint has five lanes and moves at a typical Chinese airport pace — be prepared to remove electronics and liquids from bags. During peak hours (Monday morning around 7 am, Tuesday around 10 am, Wednesday 4 pm, Thursday 3 pm), queues can stretch to 30 minutes. Arriving passengers will find a straightforward walk to baggage claim; customs for international flights is generally quick. The atmosphere is efficient and functional rather than luxurious, with a mix of business travellers and tourists. Free Wi-Fi is available after registering with a Chinese phone number. For anyone with mobility needs, the terminal is entirely wheelchair-accessible, including the entrance and all levels.

Hohhot Baita International Airport and Hohhot

Hohhot is the capital of Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region that stretches across northern China. The city itself blends Han Chinese and Mongolian cultures in a way that is visible in its architecture, food, and daily life. The most famous attraction is the nearby Gegentala Grassland, about a two-hour drive north, where visitors can stay in yurts and ride horses across open steppe. Closer to the city, the Dazhao Temple is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery dating to the Ming dynasty, with a silver Buddha statue and elaborate murals. The Five Pagoda Temple, built in 1732, is another historical site within walking distance of the city centre. For a taste of local cuisine, try shaomai (steamed dumplings) and lamb hotpot — both are staples. The city also serves as a base for trips to the Xilamuren Grassland and the Kubuqi Desert. Because Hohhot is a major transportation hub for the region, the airport sees significant traffic from business travellers visiting mining and energy operations, as well as tourists heading to the grasslands. The airport's location, close to the city and with good road connections, makes it a practical entry point. Anyone flying into Hohhot should consider spending at least a full day in the city to explore the temples and the Inner Mongolia Museum, which has excellent exhibits on the region's natural history and the Mongol Empire.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily, but it is not a 24-hour facility. The terminal opens approximately two hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. Check with your airline for exact hours if you have a very early or late flight. The contact phone number for general inquiries is +86 471 96777. Free Wi-Fi is available, but registration requires a Chinese mobile number; visitors without one can use a temporary pass from the information desk. There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, and currency exchange is available near the international arrivals area. Food options inside the security zone are limited to a few chain restaurants and convenience stores; prices are higher than in the city. If you have time before departure, grab a meal in the public area before passing security. One specific tip: if you are connecting through Hohhot on a domestic-to-international route, allow at least three hours between flights, because you may need to collect baggage and re-check at a different counter. The boarding gate numbers are announced about 40 minutes before departure, so keep an eye on the screens rather than wandering too far.