Guiyang Airport: What Travelers Should Know Before Landing?

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.

✨ 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.

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.

👉🏻 Read more

• How to use Alipay?
• How to use Didi in China?
• How to take high-speed train in China?

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.