Wenshan Puzhehei Airport (WNH)

Wenshan Puzhehei Airport (IATA: WNH, ICAO: ZPWS) is a small regional airport serving the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in China's Yunnan province. Its primary role is to provide essential air connectivity for local residents and to facilitate tourism to the region, most notably to the famed Puzhehei Scenic Area, from which it derives part of its name. As a small-scale facility, it connects this relatively remote part of Yunnan with major provincial and national transportation hubs, functioning as a crucial gateway for economic development and visitor access.

Opened on September 1, 2004, the airport was established to improve the transportation infrastructure of southeastern Yunnan. Its construction and operation have been significant in reducing travel times to and from the prefecture, which was previously accessible primarily through long-distance road travel. The airport is located in Yanshan County, approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Wenshan's city center, a journey that typically takes about 40 minutes by car. Travelers heading to the Puzhehei Scenic Area in Qiubei County should note that the airport is about 90 kilometers away, requiring a further road trip of around 90 minutes. Access to and from the airport is primarily handled by taxis and pre-arranged private transfers, with airport shuttle bus services also available to key destinations.

Operations at Wenshan Puzhehei Airport are exclusively domestic. It handles a limited number of daily flights, primarily serving as a feeder airport to larger hubs. Major routes connect Wenshan with Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), the provincial capital, with airlines such as China Eastern and Lucky Air operating the short flight. Other less frequent connections may be available to cities like Chongqing and Guangzhou. Given its small size, passenger volume is modest, typically handling a few hundred thousand passengers annually, reflecting its status as a regional facility.

The airport consists of a single, compact terminal building designed for efficiency. Facilities for travelers are basic but functional, including check-in counters, a security screening area, and a main departure lounge with seating. Amenities are limited; passengers can find a small selection of snack bars or convenience stores for basic refreshments and travel essentials, but extensive shopping and dining options are not available. There are no dedicated airline lounges.

For travelers using Wenshan Puzhehei Airport, it is advisable to arrive approximately 90 minutes before a scheduled domestic departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures. Due to the limited flight schedule, it is crucial to confirm flight times in advance. Arranging onward transportation, such as a taxi or private car, before arrival is recommended, especially for those traveling to the Puzhehei Scenic Area. English-language services may be limited, so having destination addresses written in Chinese can be helpful.