Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW)

Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW) is a major aviation hub in Northwest China, serving as the primary gateway to Gansu Province. As of March 2025, the airport has transitioned all flight operations to its state-of-the-art Terminal 3 (T3), a massive 400,000-square-meter facility designed to handle up to 38 million passengers annually. This new terminal consolidates all domestic and international arrivals and departures, replacing the older Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 structures to provide a more streamlined and modern travel experience. The T3 facility is equipped with advanced smart services, including 5G-Advanced network coverage, AI-driven trajectory tracking, and intelligent verification counters. The terminal's layout features four distinct piers with 87 boarding gates, ensuring a high capacity for both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. Inside, passengers have access to a wide array of amenities, including extensive duty-free shopping, diverse dining options serving regional Gansu specialties, and professional business lounges. The terminal is seamlessly integrated with a new Comprehensive Transportation Center (GTC), providing direct indoor access to various ground transit modes. Ground transportation to and from the airport is highly efficient, with the Zhongchuan Airport Railway East Station located directly at the T3 complex. Intercity high-speed trains connect the airport to Lanzhou West Railway Station and the main Lanzhou Railway Station in approximately 38 to 50 minutes. Additionally, multiple airport shuttle bus lines and taxis provide convenient access to downtown Lanzhou, which is situated about 70 kilometers southeast of the facility. As a focus city for major carriers including China Eastern, Hainan Airlines, and Spring Airlines, LHW provides critical links across China and to several international destinations. Travelers are encouraged to arrive at least two to three hours before departure to navigate this expansive new facility.