Jiujiang Lushan Airport

Lushan Airport (also known as Jiujiang Lushan Airport, IATA: JIU) is a small domestic airport located in Ma'anshan Town, Lianxi District, about 30 kilometres southeast of Jiujiang city centre in Jiangxi Province. It sits at the base of the Lushan mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws the majority of its passengers. The airport originally opened in 1996, underwent a major renovation, and resumed operations in 2015 with a single runway and a compact terminal. Currently it handles flights to a handful of major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, operated by airlines such as China Eastern, Air China, and Shenzhen Airlines. The airport is not open 24 hours; flight schedules typically run from early morning to late evening, and the terminal closes after the last arrival. With a modest passenger volume, Lushan Airport offers a straightforward, no-frills experience—efficient but with limited amenities. Its proximity to one of China's most celebrated mountains makes it a critical entry point for travellers heading to Lushan National Park and the wider Jiujiang region.

Getting There

The most common way to reach Lushan Airport from Jiujiang city centre is by taxi. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes via the Fuyin Expressway or local roads, with fares typically ranging from 100 to 150 RMB depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available at the taxi stand outside the arrivals hall, but during off-peak hours or late evening flights, availability can be limited—consider booking a ride through a smartphone app or arranging a pickup with your hotel. An airport shuttle bus operates between the airport and key points in Jiujiang, including the Jiujiang Railway Station and the long-distance bus station. The bus runs in coordination with flight schedules, leaving about two hours before each departure and departing from the airport after arrivals. The fare is around 15-20 RMB. For those driving, the airport has a small car park (wheelchair-accessible) directly in front of the terminal, with free parking for short stays and hourly charges for longer periods. The airport is accessible via the S215 provincial road, which connects to the G70 Fuzhou-Yinchuan Expressway. There is no direct public bus from the city to the airport, so the shuttle and taxis remain the only practical options for most travellers.

Inside the Terminal

Lushan Airport's terminal is a single building with two levels: departures on the upper floor, arrivals on the lower. The design is simple and functional. Check-in counters are arranged in a row opposite the entrance, with around six positions. Security screening is adjacent, and queues are rarely long except during the busiest periods—the data indicates peak times on Monday (5 pm), Tuesday (1 pm), Wednesday (1 am), and Thursday (12 am). Notably, the 1 am Wednesday peak is unusual for a non-24-hour airport, suggesting possible late-night cargo or charter operations, but regular passenger flights typically operate during daytime hours. After security, the departure lounge offers basic seating, a small retail shop selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, and a vending machine. There is no full-service restaurant; a self-service water dispenser is available. The airport confirmed wheelchair-accessible entrances, a wheelchair-accessible car park, and wheelchair-accessible toilets. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried—the airport handles a few hundred passengers per day, and most flights use regional jets. Boarding is by bus gate or aerobridge, depending on the aircraft. On arrival, luggage claim has one carousel, and the process is quick. It is wise to bring your own food and drink if you have a long wait, as options are scarce.

Lushan Airport and Jiujiang

Jiujiang is a prefecture-level city of about 4.5 million people, situated on the south bank of the Yangtze River at the junction of the Yangtze and the Poyang Lake basin. It has been a strategic port and trading centre for over two millennia, known historically as a “gateway to the north and south” due to its position along the Yangtze waterway. The city itself offers several cultural landmarks, including the Suojiang Tower, the Nengren Temple, and the Jiujiang Yangtze River Bridge—a double-deck road-rail bridge completed in 1992 that spans one of China's most important rivers. However, the overwhelming reason people fly into Lushan Airport is to visit Mount Lushan (Lushan National Park), a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 40 kilometres from the airport. Lushan is one of China’s most celebrated scenic areas, known for its dramatic granite peaks, cascading waterfalls (such as Sandie Spring), and cloud-shrouded valleys that have inspired poets like Li Bai and Bai Juyi. The mountain is dotted with temples, villas, and historical sites, including the former summer retreat of Chiang Kai-shek (the Meilu Villa) and the central Lushan Conference site that played a role in 20th-century Chinese politics. In addition, Poyang Lake—China's largest freshwater lake—lies east of Jiujiang, serving as a critical wetland for migratory birds, including the endangered Siberian crane. The region attracts nature lovers, hikers, and those interested in classical Chinese culture. For business travellers, Jiujiang is an industrial hub for petrochemicals, textiles, and shipping, and the airport provides a direct link to the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The airport itself, though modest, remains essential for connecting this culturally rich area to the national air network.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily, but not 24 hours—operating hours generally align with flight schedules, typically from around 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. For current flight times and any schedule changes, contact the airport directly at +86 792 843 1811. The airport's website (if any) is not widely accessible in English, so the phone number is the most reliable source. Because the terminal is small and lacks extensive amenities, passengers should aim to arrive at least 1.5 hours before domestic departures. For those with mobility needs, the airport is fully accessible with wheelchair-accessible entrances, car park, and toilets. One concrete piece of advice: If you are flying out of Lushan Airport, buy any food or water you might need before you reach the terminal, as options inside are limited.