Recently, Xiangxi Biancheng Airport marked its third anniversary of operation. Situated in the birthplace of China's targeted poverty alleviation initiative, the airport has operated safely and smoothly over the past three years, with an expanding air route network and a distinctive focus on cultural and tourism integration. With cumulative passenger throughput reaching 740,000, the airport has become a vital air gateway for Xiangxi's opening-up and tourism development.

On August 18, 2023, the first aircraft pierced through the clouds like a silver eagle and landed steadily at Xiangxi Biancheng Airport. Over the past three years, the airport has expanded its air route network at a steady pace. It currently operates six routes connecting 10 major domestic cities including Beijing, Chengdu, Shenyang, Xi'an, and Kunming. Based on the aviation system linking east and west, north and south, as well as the "dedicated intercity routes + scenic area shuttle" model, an efficient, convenient, multi-dimensional transportation network has taken shape.

As the first regional airport in central and southern China to handle mixed flows of arrivals and departures, Xiangxi Biancheng Airport has maintained strict safety standards since its opening, recording zero safety incidents in flight and zero ground accidents for three consecutive years.

Thanks to its well-developed air route network, the airport has seen leapfrog growth in passenger throughput year by year: from 20,400 in 2023, to 157,500 in 2024, 361,000 in 2025, and over 210,000 so far in 2026. The growth rate consistently ranks first among regional airports across the province.

Xiangxi Biancheng Airport has innovated a joint operation model, working with local travel agencies to establish a regular mechanism where the airport connects with airlines and local partners bring in tour groups. Intangible cultural heritage products such as tiger-head hats from Shibadong Village, Miao embroidery, and Tujia brocade have flown from the terminal to markets across the country. The airport has also rolled out a "year-round cultural tourism benefits with one air ticket" campaign to boost the high-quality development of Xiangxi's cultural tourism industry.

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Pang Yuehui

Chinese source: Hunan Daily