Xiangyang Liuji Airport

Xiangyang Airport (XGF) sits about 18 kilometres northeast of downtown Xiangyang, a prefecture-level city in northwestern Hubei Province. The airport is small by Chinese standards, handling a modest number of domestic flights to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Despite its size, the terminal covers the basics efficiently – short walking distances, courteous staff, and all essential facilities within arm's reach. This guide covers everything a passenger needs to know, from getting there to what happens inside the terminal, plus why Xiangyang itself is a destination worth exploring.

Getting There

Xiangyang Airport is connected to the city centre primarily by taxi and bus. The drive takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic, following the G55 expressway east then the S303 highway south. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall; the fare to the city centre is around 80–100 RMB (roughly $11–14 USD). For a cheaper option, take airport bus line K1, which runs every 30 minutes from 7:00 to 20:00, stopping at Xiangyang Railway Station and the central bus station. The bus fare is 15 RMB, and the journey takes about 50 minutes. Rideshare apps like Didi also operate, though drivers may be less familiar with the airport pickup area – follow the signs for ride-hailing waiting zones. If you are driving, the airport car park is free for the first hour and charges 3 RMB per hour thereafter, with a daily cap of 30 RMB. For passengers with disabilities, the airport provides a wheelchair-accessible car park with dedicated spaces near the terminal entrance.

Inside the Terminal

Xiangyang Airport’s terminal is a single, two-storey building. Check-in desks and security are on the ground floor; departures and arrivals are separated on the same level, with arrival gates at one end. The atmosphere is calm – rarely crowded, with a maximum wait time at security of 10 minutes during peak hours. The busiest periods are Monday 11am, Tuesday 8am, Wednesday 4am, and Thursday 10pm local time, but even then queues are manageable. The airport has one restaurant, located near the security entrance, serving Chinese staples such as noodles, dumplings, and rice dishes at moderate prices (around 20–40 RMB per meal). Several small convenience stores sell snacks, drinks, and basic travel necessities. A book store offers magazines, newspapers, and local reading material. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal – connect by scanning a QR code and entering your phone number for a one-time password. There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible toilet on both floors. A notable limitation: once you pass through security, there is no designated smoking area. Smokers should plan accordingly – finish before check-in or use the outdoor smoking area near the terminal entrance (outside before security). Departure gates are all within a short walk from the central waiting area, so no long distances to cover. Arrivals are straightforward – baggage claim has one belt, and the luggage service desk is staffed during all flight arrivals. The terminal is clean and air-conditioned, with seating areas that are adequate for the number of passengers.

Xiangyang Airport and Xiangyang

Xiangyang, historically known as Xiangyang, has been a strategic crossroads for centuries. It sits on the south bank of the Han River, a tributary of the Yangtze, and served as a key defensive stronghold during the Three Kingdoms period. The city’s ancient city wall, much of which survives today, dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, offering views over the river and surrounding plains. The wall is about 7 kilometres long, and visitors can walk or cycle along its ramparts. Inside the old city, the Xiangyang Museum houses artifacts from the Warring States period through the Han dynasty, including pottery, bronze vessels, and a replica of the famous “Jasmine” bronze chime bell from the Marquis Yi of Zeng (though the original is in Hubei Provincial Museum). For nature lovers, the nearby Longzhong Scenic Area (about 12 km from the city) is the purported site where the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang lived in seclusion; the area features traditional Chinese gardens, temples, and a statue of the sage. The modern city has grown rapidly in recent decades, with new high-rise developments and a bustling commercial centre around Guyi Bridge. Weekend tourists often come for the local cuisine – Xiangyang is known for its spicy hot-dry noodles (reganmian), steamed buns stuffed with pork, and the famous “Xiangyang fish” from the Han River. The airport itself is a product of this growth: opened in 2005, it originally served only smaller aircraft but now handles Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 flights on its 2600-metre runway. Annual passenger traffic is around 1.5 million (as of pre-2020 data), making it one of Hubei’s smaller regional airports but a vital link for business travellers and tourists. For international visitors, note that the airport only handles domestic flights; arriving foreign passengers must have entered China through another international port. A handful of hotels are within walking distance of the airport, including a 3-star Jinjiang Inn, if you have an early departure. In short, Xiangyang Airport is a no-fuss gateway to a city with deep historical roots, a lively food scene, and a slower pace than China’s megacities.

Practical Information

Open daily from 06:00 to 22:00 (last flight departs by 21:30). Phone: +86 710 323 6737. The airport does not have a dedicated website, but flight information is available through Chinese travel apps such as Ctrip or Flight Manager. Cash is still widely used; most shops and the restaurant accept WeChat Pay or Alipay, but it is wise to carry small bills for taxis. Wheelchair assistance is available on request – call the airport two hours before your flight or ask at the check-in counter. One practical tip: because there is no smoking area once you pass security, use the designated outdoor smoking zone outside the terminal before you check in. If you have a long wait and need a smoke, plan to stay landside until your flight is called, or bring nicotine gum. The airport is small enough that you can still make it to your gate within 10 minutes of boarding. For first-time visitors, download a translation app or have your destination written in Chinese – most staff speak basic Mandarin but limited English. Finally, remember that Xiangyang is about 1.5 hours from Wuhan by high-speed train – a useful alternative if your flight is delayed or cancelled.