Ulanhot Yilelite Airport (HLH)

Ulanhot Yilelite Airport (IATA: HLH, ICAO: ZBUL) serves as the primary aviation gateway to Ulanhot, the administrative center of the Hinggan League in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It plays a crucial role in connecting this relatively remote area with the rest of the country, supporting both regional tourism and economic development. The current airport is a modern facility that officially commenced operations on July 31, 2017, replacing an older, smaller airfield and significantly enhancing the region's transportation infrastructure. Its development was a key step in improving accessibility to the scenic grasslands and historical sites of the Hinggan League.

Located approximately 17 kilometers northeast of Ulanhot's urban center, the airport is conveniently situated for travelers. The journey to or from the city typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes by car. The most common methods for accessing the airport are licensed taxis, which are readily available outside the arrivals hall, and a dedicated airport shuttle bus that provides an economical link to several key downtown locations. For those driving, the airport is connected to the city by well-maintained roads.

As a regional airport, Ulanhot Yilelite exclusively handles domestic flights. It provides direct connections to major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, as well as important regional hubs like Hohhot. Key airlines operating routes to and from HLH include Air China, Tianjin Airlines, and China Express Airlines. The airport operates from a single, modern terminal building designed to handle the region's growing air traffic, serving over 500,000 passengers in a typical year.

Inside the terminal, facilities are clean, functional, and scaled to the airport's size. Travelers will find essential amenities, including check-in counters, a security screening area, and boarding gates. Post-security, there are limited but adequate options for food and drink, such as a small café and snack vendors. A few retail outlets offer travel necessities, local souvenirs, and convenience items. While extensive lounges or duty-free shopping are not available, the terminal provides comfortable seating and a straightforward layout for a stress-free departure experience.

For a smooth journey, it is advisable for passengers to arrive 90 minutes to two hours before their scheduled flight departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures. Taxis are the most direct transport option, and having your destination address written in Chinese can be helpful for communication. Since Ulanhot is not a transfer hub, travelers planning onward journeys should book connecting flights through larger airports like Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), ensuring ample layover time between flights.