Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG)
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport serves Beijing and the surrounding region. 7.5M (2024). Located 28 km south of Lijiang city centre, it handles domestic and international flights with 1 terminal. China Eastern, Sichuan Airlines, Kunming Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines
Live FX rates fetched at build time from open.er-api.com.
Terminal layout
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport has 1 terminal opened in 1995, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in the shape of a sea star (starfish) with 5 concourses (A–E). The terminal covers modern passenger facilities and handles all domestic and international flights. It is one of the world's most technologically advanced airports, designed to serve over significant passengers per year at full capacity.
The terminal has 7 floors (B2, B1, 1F, 2F, 3F, 4F, 5F) with clearly marked colour-coded signage. All concourses are connected airside — maximum walking time between any two gates is 8 minutes. A free automated people mover (APM) runs between concourses every 3 minutes.
Single terminal — simple navigation
All airlines operate from the same terminal. Follow colour-coded signage: blue/green for departures, yellow for arrivals. Walking distance to any gate never exceeds 600 metres.
Check-in deadlines
Domestic flights: check-in closes 45 minutes before departure. International flights: 50 minutes before departure. Do not leave it to the last minute.
Terminal floor guide
The terminal has 7 levels. Each floor serves a specific function — here's what you need to know.
| Floor | Function | What passengers need |
|---|---|---|
| 2F | Departures | Check-in, security, gates, lounges, dining |
| 1F | Arrivals | Baggage claim, ground transport, customs |
Concourse connections
All concourses (A–E) are connected airside. You can walk between them (max 8 min) or take the free automated people mover every 3 minutes. International-to-domestic transfers: follow purple "Transfer" signs on 2F, re-clear security.
Getting to & from the airport
Transport options connecting Lijiang Sanyi International Airport to Lijiang and surrounding areas. Prices and durations are approximate — check current fares before travel.
| Mode | Details | Duration | Price (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lijiang Sanyi Express | Metro to Caoqiao (interchange to Lines 10 and 14) | 19 min | CNY 35 | Fastest Trains every 10 min. Tickets via machines on B1 (AliPay/WeChat accepted). Operates 06:00–22:30. |
| Intercity Railway | To Beijing West Station, Tianjin, Xiong'an New Area | 28 min | CNY 30–50 | High-speed rail from B1. Best for connections to other cities. |
| Airport Bus | Lines to Lijiang Railway Station, Xidan, CBD, Zhongguancun | 60–90 min | CNY 40 | Bus stop on 1F, section 20. Budget option but slow during traffic. |
| Taxi | Official taxi queue on 1F | 60–90 min | CNY 200+ | Use official queue. Fixed rates may apply at night. |
| Didi (rideshare) | App-based pickup at P1/P2 parking | 60–75 min | CNY 180+ | Cheaper than taxi Book in app for best price. Pickup zone on 1F. |
Planning your journey
Rush-hour traffic can significantly extend travel times. For early morning flights, pre-book a taxi or rideshare. Public transport may have reduced service late at night and on weekends — check schedules in advance.
Emergency Numbers
24/7 emergency services in China
Customs & Duty-Free
Arrival regulations for China
Mobile Connectivity
Local operators & SIM cards in China
China Unicom
Facilities and services
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport provides a comprehensive range of passenger facilities. Here are the key services every traveller should know about.
SIM cards
Location: 1F international arrivals hall (China Mobile counter). Price: CNY 80 for 10 GB / 7 days. Passport required for purchase. Foreign SIMs work but roaming data is expensive. WeChat is essential for payments and transport in China. eSIM support is very limited.
Sleep capsules
Location: Near gate C60. Price: CNY 60/hour. Book via "ZZZ Sleep" app. Perfect for long layovers or delayed flights. Shower access included for capsule guests.
Showers
Location: Near gate B30 (inside lounges). Price: Free for lounge guests; CNY 100 for walk-in guests. Towels and toiletries provided. Open 24 hours.
Water refill
Free drinking water fountains near gates A15 and B32. Bring a reusable bottle — airport security allows empty bottles through checkpoints.
Luggage wrapping & delivery
Wrapping: B1 and east/west sides of departure halls, 5:00 am–last flight. Delivery: Inside airport or to Lijiang-Tianjin-Hebei district. Tel: 4008855100 (5:00 am–11:00 pm). Tracking: Via Lijiang Sanyi app or SMS.
Lost & Found
Location: 2F west side of terminal. Hours: 24/7. Tel: +86 10 0109 6158. Temporary flight certificates are available if you lose your ID or passport — ask at the information desk.
Need assistance?
Airport Ambassadors (information desks) are on every floor. Staff speak English and Chinese. Lost property, accessibility requests, and general enquiries handled 24/7. Special needs passengers get free wheelchairs, escort, and baggage transport — book via the Help Desk or phone.
Connection times
Lijiang Sanyi is designed for fast transfers. The starfish layout means every gate is within an 8-minute walk (max 600 m) from the central terminal area.
Transfer tips
All concourses are connected airside. For domestic-to-international transfers, follow purple "Transfer" signs on 2F and re-clear security. International-to-domestic: transfer desk on 2F → security → new boarding pass.
Traditional Chinese Gardens
Five themed gardens are located at the end of each departure corridor, offering a peaceful retreat inspired by Chinese history and culture.
Airport hotel: Aerotel Beijing
Located inside the terminal, Aerotel Beijing offers rooms for short stays, layovers, and early departures. No need to leave the airport.
Hotel details
Location: Inside Lijiang Sanyi terminal
Phone: +86 10 8921 0666
Ideal for: Overnight layovers, early morning flights, flight delays
Other nearby options
Several hotels are located within 10–15 minutes of the airport with free shuttle services. For long layovers, the airport offers transit tours from 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Lounges
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport has several premium lounges airside. Access is available through business-class tickets, elite status, Priority Pass, or pay-per-use entry.
Airline check-in guide
Different airlines and alliances check in on different floors and concourses at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport.
| Airline / Alliance | Check-in floor | Concourse | Key airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese carriers (domestic) | 3F | A, B | China Southern (A), China Eastern (B), Air China (A), Xiamen Air (B) |
| Star Alliance | 4F | C, D | Air China, LOT Polish, Singapore Airlines |
| SkyTeam | 4F | C, E | China Eastern, Air France, KLM (moved from PEK) |
| oneworld | 4F | D | British Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas |
| Other international | 4F | E | Air Macau, Royal Brunei, Himalaya Airlines |
Transfer between concourses
Domestic to international: follow purple "Transfer" signs on 2F, re-clear security. International to domestic: transfer desk on 2F → security → new boarding pass.
Passenger tips by type
Practical advice tailored to different traveller profiles passing through Lijiang Sanyi International Airport.
First-time visitors
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic and 3 hours before international flights.
- Download the airline app for real-time gate and boarding updates.
- Keep your boarding pass and ID accessible — you'll need them at security and the gate.
Transit & connections
- Check if your connection requires terminal transfer — allow extra time.
- Stay airside if possible to avoid re-clearing security.
- Look for flight connection desks if your incoming flight is delayed.
Families with children
- Family lanes are usually available at security — look for signs.
- Baby changing facilities are located throughout the terminal.
- Bring snacks and entertainment for children during waits.
Business travellers
- Priority security lanes may be available with business-class tickets or elite status.
- Lounge access included with many premium tickets — check your boarding pass.
- Power outlets and USB charging are available at most gates and seating areas.
Airlines & routes
LJG carriers
International destinations
- Asia: Major Asian destinations
- Europe: Select European destinations
- North America: Select North American destinations
- Domestic: Major Chinese cities
Frequently asked questions
For international flights, arrive at least 2–3 hours before departure. Domestic flights typically require 1–2 hours. Allow extra time during peak travel periods and holidays. Check-in closes 45 minutes (domestic) / 50 minutes (international) before departure.
The Lijiang Sanyi Express is the fastest option — 19 minutes to Caoqiao station (CNY 35), where you can transfer to Metro Lines 10 and 14. For late-night arrivals, taxi or Didi is the only option (CNY 180–200+, 60–90 min). See our transport table for all options.
All concourses (A–E) are connected airside. You can walk between any two gates in a maximum of 8 minutes, or take the free automated people mover (APM) that runs every 3 minutes. Follow the colour-coded signage throughout the terminal.
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. You will need to authenticate via SMS (Chinese number) or use your passport/ID at a terminal kiosk. The connection is free and available throughout all floors of the terminal.
Yes. China Mobile and China Unicom counters are available at the airport. A typical tourist package costs CNY 80 for 10 GB / 7 days. You must show your passport to purchase. WeChat is essential for payments and transport in China.
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport operates a single terminal with 5 concourses (A–E). All domestic and international flights use the same building. The terminal covers modern passenger facilities and is designed to handle over significant passengers per year at full capacity.
Domestic flights check in on 3F (concourses A and B). International flights check in on 4F (concourses C, D, E). Your airline's alliance determines the exact concourse — see our airline check-in guide above for details.
Yes. Nearby hotels offer accommodation for layovers. Book via the "ZZZ Sleep" app. Lounges also offer comfortable seating for long layovers. Showers are free for lounge guests or CNY 100 for walk-in guests near gate B30.