If you have already fallen in love with Guiyang, a mountainous city in southwestern China, this guide is perfect for your next journey.
Guiyang Airport (KWE) is where you'll land, located about 11km from downtown. From there, you can easily take the metro, take a taxi, or use ride-hailing like DiDi.
In this guide, you'll also learn about visa-free transit, the amenities, and high-speed rail info. Here’s what I wish someone had told me before landing at Guiyang Airport for the first time.
Guiyang Airport Basics
Let’s start with the basics you might want to know.
Item | Details |
|---|---|
Airport Name | Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport |
IATA Code | KWE |
Distance from Downtown | ~11 km (7 miles) |
Typical Travel Time to City | 25–40 minutes |
Opened | 1997 |
Passenger Traffic | 20+ million annually |
✨ Guiyang Airport has three terminals, but most travelers use Terminal 3. It’s the main hub for domestic and international flights, with modern facilities, clear signage, restaurants, shops, and airport lounges.
Grab a flight coupon before you book!
How Can U.S. Travelers Use the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit?
Travel Guiyang at ease | Source from Guiyang Government
Travelers from the United States (and other qualifying countries) arriving via Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE) can stay in Guizhou province for up to 10 days without a pre-obtained visa.
- Requirement: You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (e.g., Flying from the U.S. → Guiyang → Hong Kong/Singapore) to qualify for this transit exemption.
- Scope: The exemption allows you to explore the entirety of Guizhou province.
To learn the accurate and the latest info, check out the official site, Guiyang Government.
Major Airlines Operating Flights at Guiyang Airport (KWE)
Wondering your next trip from Guiyang? There are some good choices.
Fly with China Southern Airlines from KWE, if you want a journey further to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, or Beijing.
Guiyang Airport | Source from Skytrax
👍🏻 Other key operators include:
- Colorful Guizhou Airlines – A locally based airline connecting Guiyang with 21 cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai.
- Tianjin Airlines – Provides direct routes to 15 destinations, including Tianjin, Xi'an, and Kunming.
- China Express Airlines – Connects Guiyang to 13 cities such as Changsha, Wuhan, and Zunyi.
Other well-known carriers, including 9 Air and Hainan Airlines, also operate several direct routes to popular destinations like Haikou and Sanya.
385088 booked
Transport from Guiyang Airport
The cheapest way to reach the city center from Guiyang Airport | Source from Wikimedia
Metro
Metro Line 2 connects directly to the terminal basements. It is the cheapest way to reach the city center, costing approximately $0.70–$1.50 (¥5–¥10).
High-Speed Rail
The Longdongbao Railway Station is located at Level -2F. This is a "super-hub" feature allowing you to jump from a plane to a bullet train in under 15 minutes, reaching nearby cities like Anshun or Kaili in less than an hour.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Official taxi stands are located outside the arrival halls. For U.S. travelers, using Alipay's "Didi" mini-app is recommended for transparent pricing. A trip to downtown typically costs $6.00–$9.00.
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Food, Wi-Fi, and Services at Guiyang Airport
Guiyang Airport isn’t a luxury airport, but it has everything most travelers need.
Food options
Inside the terminal you’ll find:
- Chinese noodle restaurants
- local snack shops
- fast food chains
- coffee cafés
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. You may need to verify your passport at a kiosk to log in.
ATMs and money
International ATMs are available, which is often the easiest way to get Chinese yuan after arrival.
Notes
- Terminal 3 features premium lounges (Sky Pearl and First Class) offering hot local buffet items like "Beef Rice Noodles".
- Beyond duty-free, look for "Guizhou Gifts" shops featuring local batik textiles and high-end Maotai liquor.
Helpful Tips for Navigating Guiyang Airport
- Arrive Early: For international flights departing T3, arrive 3 hours prior. Security checks are rigorous.
- Language: Signage is bilingual (English/Chinese). Keep your hotel name and address saved in Chinese characters on your phone to show drivers.
- Transit Counters: If you are using the 240-hour visa-free policy, look for the dedicated "24/144/240-Hour Transit" desk before reaching regular immigration.
China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare
- 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can stay up to 240 hours in 54 Chinese cities without a China visa when transiting.
- China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
- Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use a China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!
Getting Around & Top Destinations in China
- China Metro Guides: Shanghai Metro | Beijing Metro | Guangzhou Metro | HK Metro
- China Airport Guides: Shanghai Airport | Beijing Airport | Guangzhou Airport | HK Airport Express
- China City Maps: Beijing Map | Guangzhou Map | Shanghai Map | HK Map
- Top Destinations in China: Shanghai Attractions (Disneyland, Bund) | Beijing Attractions (Forbidden City, Great Wall) | HK Attractions (HK Disneyland)
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Map App: I love to use Gaode Map (English supported) or Baidu Map (limited English) for real-time transit and traffic. Or you can still use Google Maps in China, but some data may be outdated.
- China Transport App: Use DiDi (China's Uber) for English address input and cashless payment. I recommend using the DiDi mini-program in Alipay for more convenience.
- China Payment App: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (link foreign cards before arrival).
- China Booking App: Trip.com for high-speed trains (China HSR Guide), China hotels/flights. Use Trip.com promo codes for USA users.
FAQs about Guiyang Airport
What is the airport code for Guiyang Airport?
The IATA code for Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport is KWE.How far is Guiyang Airport from downtown Guiyang?
Guiyang Airport is about 11 km (7 miles) from the city center, and the trip usually takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic and transportation.Are international credit cards accepted at the airport?
While major hotels and upscale duty-free shops accept Visa and Mastercard, most smaller vendors require Alipay or WeChat Pay. It is highly recommended to link your U.S. card to one of these apps before you land to ensure you can pay for snacks, taxis, or souvenirs.Which terminal should I use for international flights?
As of early 2026, most international operations have transitioned to the modern Terminal 3. However, some regional budget carriers may still use Terminal 2. Always check your digital boarding pass, as T1 is currently under renovation.Does the 240-hour visa-free transit apply here at Guiyang Airport?
Yes. U.S. passport holders transiting through KWE to a third country (e.g., U.S. → Guiyang → Hong Kong) can stay in Guizhou province for up to 10 days (240 hours) without a visa. You must present a confirmed onward ticket upon arrival.