Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW)

Lanzhou (Yongdeng), CN 🇨🇳 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

ZLLL

IATA

LHW

Elevation

6388 ft

Region

CN-62

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: ZLLL

Local Code: Not available

Location: 36.515202° N, 103.620003° E

Continent: AS

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: ZGC Datong Air Base 兰州中川国际机场

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW) generally presents a mixed but improving traveler experience, with recent reviews and updates highlighting its growing passenger traffic and modern infrastructure. While some older reviews pointed out challenges, the completion of new facilities and improved transportation links contribute to a more positive sentiment, though some amenities still fall short of full international airport expectations.

What Travelers Love
  • Modern and Spacious Terminal 2: The Terminal 2, opened in 2015, is described as light and airy, offering a significant improvement over the older Terminal 1. It features a multitude of check-in counters and improved food and shopping options both airside and landside.
  • Efficient High-Speed Rail Connection: The high-speed railway to Lanzhou West railway station is a major highlight, offering a convenient 40-minute journey for approximately ¥22 (first class). This is widely preferred over slower airport buses and more expensive taxi options.
  • Available Facilities and Services: The airport provides a range of facilities including parking areas, ATMs, diverse restaurants, clinics & pharmacies, and nursery rooms.
  • VIP Lounge Access: Travelers can access VIP lounges that offer a peaceful retreat with high-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary refreshments, and comfortable seating, enhancing the pre-flight experience.
  • Helpful Staff (older reviews): Some older reviews noted staff were "fantastic" and willing to assist, even offering personal phones during delays.
Common Complaints
  • Long Walks to Gates (older reviews): Passengers, particularly those whose gates were in the older Terminal 1 connected to Terminal 2, reported very long walks with no travelators available.
  • Security Screening Process (older reviews): Security checks were noted as typical for China, but with limited space for passengers to remove items (laptops, metallic objects), potentially leading to congestion.
  • Lack of Full International Amenities: Despite being a modern facility, Skytrax, which rates LHW as a 3-Star Regional Airport, indicates it is lacking some amenities and service features expected in an international airport.
  • Distance from City Center: The airport is located 67-75 km from Lanzhou city center, making the commute time-consuming, though the high-speed rail has significantly improved this.

Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport has made significant strides in improving its infrastructure, particularly with the new terminal and high-speed rail connection, leading to an overall improved traveler experience. While some aspects like internal terminal navigation and the breadth of international-level amenities could still see enhancement, the airport is efficiently handling growing passenger traffic and provides essential services for both domestic and international travelers.

Generated 6 days ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
23 124 23 Nov 1, 2025
23 110 23 Aug 17, 2025
7 29 7 Aug 17, 2025
8 20 8 Aug 17, 2025
Air China
CCA / CA
5 18 5 Aug 17, 2025
5 13 5 Aug 17, 2025
5 6 5 Aug 14, 2025
SF Airlines
CSS / O3
2 5 2 Aug 14, 2025
2 5 2 Aug 10, 2025
1 4 1 Aug 14, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
18R/36L 11811 ft 148 ft ASPH Active Lighted
01/19 13123 ft 148 ft ASPH Active Lighted
18L/36R 13123 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
TWR LANZHOU TWR 118.1 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
DJC Wangjiachuan VOR-DME 115200 kHz
DNC Lanzhou VOR-DME 114300 kHz
DZH Zhonghe VOR 116000 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official taxis are available at a designated stand outside the arrivals hall. The journey to downtown Lanzhou is long (approx. 70 km) and takes about 60-90 minutes, costing roughly 150-200 RMB. Ensure the driver uses the meter and stick to the official taxi queue to avoid scams.

Rental Cars

Car rental counters for companies like China Auto Rental (神州租车) and eHi Car Services (一嗨租车) are located in the terminal. Renters must have a valid People's Republic of China driver's license, as an International Driving Permit (IDP) is typically not accepted on its own. Booking in advance is advisable.

Public Transportation

The airport has excellent public transit links.

- Intercity High-Speed Rail: The Zhongchuan Airport Railway Station (中川机场站) is integrated with the terminal. High-speed C-trains provide the fastest connection to Lanzhou West and Lanzhou Railway Stations in approximately 30-40 minutes.

- Airport Shuttle Bus: Multiple shuttle bus lines connect the airport to various key destinations across Lanzhou city, including the main train station and major hotels. The trip takes about 70-90 minutes and is a cost-effective option.

Nearby Airports

Xining Caojiabao International Airport
XNN • ZLXN
Haidong (Huzhu Tu Autonomous County), CN
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~142 km away
Lanzhou Air Base
CN-0123
Lanzhou (Yuzhong), CN
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~85 km away
Lintao Air Base
CN-0125
Dingxi (Lintao), CN
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~135 km away
Xining Caojiabao International Airport
XNN • ZLXN
Haidong (Huzhu Tu Autonomous County), CN
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~142 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.