Xiangxi Biancheng Airport (DXJ)

Xiangxi Biancheng Airport (IATA: DXJ, ICAO: ZGXX) is a domestic airport serving the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in China's Hunan province. Its primary role is to facilitate tourism and economic growth by providing direct air access to one of the country's most culturally and scenically rich regions, including the renowned Fenghuang Ancient Town. Opened to the public on August 18, 2023, the airport is a modern infrastructure project designed to reduce travel times significantly. Its name, "Biancheng," translates to "Border Town," a direct homage to the famous novel by Shen Congwen, which is set in the area, underscoring the airport's connection to local heritage.

Located in Huayuan County, the airport is strategically positioned to serve key destinations within the prefecture. It sits approximately 50 kilometers from Fenghuang Ancient Town and about 35 kilometers from Jishou, the prefectural capital. Travelers can reach the airport via airport shuttle buses, which connect to both Jishou and Fenghuang, or by taxi. The facility is also well-connected to the regional road network, situated near the G65 Baomao and G56 Hangrui expressways, making it accessible for those traveling by private vehicle.

As a 4C-class regional airport, Xiangxi Biancheng exclusively handles domestic flights. Operations are steadily growing, with major Chinese carriers like Air China and China Southern offering routes to and from key hubs such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Chengdu. The airport features a single runway and a modern terminal building designed to handle developing passenger traffic. The terminal provides essential amenities for travelers, including check-in counters, security screening, comfortable waiting lounges, and a small selection of retail shops and food and beverage outlets offering light meals and refreshments.

For those traveling through Xiangxi Biancheng Airport, arriving 90 minutes before a domestic departure is generally sufficient. It is highly recommended to check the schedule for airport shuttle buses in advance, as services may be infrequent, especially later in the evening. Taxis are available, but pre-arranging transport can provide added certainty. The airport functions as a point-to-point destination rather than a transfer hub, so travelers should plan their ground transportation directly from the airport to their final destination. While signage is bilingual in Chinese and English, having key addresses written in Chinese can be helpful for communicating with transport providers.