Nestled on the southern shore of the Qiantang River in Zhejiang province, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) serves as the primary aviation gateway to one of China’s most picturesque and economically vibrant regions. Located just 27 kilometers east of downtown Hangzhou, this modern facility has rapidly evolved from a regional airport to a major international hub, connecting the historic capital of Zhejiang province to destinations across the globe.
The History of Hangzhou Airport
The story of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport began in July 1997 when construction of Phase I commenced on a 7,260-acre plot of land. The airport officially opened for traffic on December 30, 2000, replacing the older Hangzhou Jianqiao Airport, which had served as a dual-use civil and military airfield. This transition marked a significant upgrade for the region’s aviation capabilities.
In March 2004, the airport received official international status after the completion of immigration and customs facilities, enabling it to handle international flights. This development significantly expanded Hangzhou’s global connectivity.
Phase Two of the airport’s expansion began on November 8, 2007, and included the construction of an International Terminal (Terminal 2), a second Domestic Terminal (Terminal 3), and a new runway. The International Terminal was completed on June 3, 2010, featuring eight air bridges, including one capable of accommodating the Airbus A380.
A significant milestone in the airport’s international development came on May 8, 2010, when KLM launched the first intercontinental route from Hangzhou to Amsterdam, connecting the city directly to Europe.
Phase Three of the expansion project, completed in 2022, was designed as a supporting infrastructure project for the 19th Asian Games hosted in Hangzhou. This phase included the opening of Terminal 4 on September 8, 2022, which significantly increased the airport’s capacity and cemented its position as the second-largest aviation hub in East China.
HGH Quick Facts
- IATA Code: HGH
- ICAO Code: ZSHC
- Location: Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Distance from downtown: 27 km (17 miles) east of central Hangzhou
- Elevation: 6 meters (20 feet) above sea level
- Airport size: Approximately 10 square kilometers
- Runways: Two runways (the main runway is 3,600 meters long)
- Terminals: Four passenger terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T4)
- Operating hours: 24/7
- Owner/Operator: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Company (subsidiary of Zhejiang Airport Group)
- Nickname: Often called the “Garden Airport” due to its verdant setting and floral gardens
By the Numbers
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport has experienced remarkable growth over the years, establishing itself as one of China’s major aviation hubs:
- Annual Passengers: Over 40 million passengers (2019 data), with capacity for 50 million following the opening of Terminal 4
- Historic Growth: Surpassed 10 million passengers in 2007, 20 million in 2013, and 30 million in 2016
- National Ranking: Generally ranks around 8th-10th busiest airport in China by passenger volume
- Global Standing: Ranks among the top 100 airports globally for passenger traffic
- Cargo Volume: Approximately 600,000 tonnes annually, ranking it 6th in China for cargo operations
- Aircraft Movements: Around 270,000 takeoffs and landings annually (pre-pandemic)
- Busiest Domestic Routes: Connections to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu
- International Reach: Direct service to over 43 international destinations across Asia, Europe, and beyond
- Airlines Served: Over 60 airlines including 31 domestic, 6 regional, and 25 international carriers
- Destinations: Approximately 160 destinations, including 113 mainland sites, 6 regional sites, and 43 international locations
Terminal Facilities
The airport’s four terminals offer a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to enhance the travel experience:
Terminal 1 (Domestic) handles domestic flights and forms part of Terminal Building B alongside Terminal 3. With a floor area of approximately 100,000 square meters, it can accommodate 8 million passengers annually. The terminal features numerous dining options, shopping outlets, and service facilities, with check-in islands arranged alphabetically for easy navigation.
Terminal 2 (International) serves international flights, including those to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. This terminal features currency exchange services, duty-free shopping, and international brand outlets. Dining options include both Chinese and Western cuisine, with restaurants like KFC and several café options. The terminal includes dedicated prayer rooms and specialized services for international travelers.
Terminal 3 (Domestic) is the newer and larger domestic terminal, operating alongside Terminal 1 as part of Terminal Building B. It features expanded retail options, including luxury brand stores and local specialty shops. Dining choices range from fast food to full-service restaurants, with options including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and several Chinese dining establishments.
Terminal 4 is the newest and most modern terminal, opened in 2022 with a total floor area of 720,000 square meters. It handles both international flights and selected domestic services. Inspired by West Lake’s lotus imagery, the terminal’s interior design features lotus themes throughout. This state-of-the-art facility includes advanced biometric processing, expanded retail and dining options, and enhanced passenger amenities.
Airport-wide facilities include:
- Free WiFi coverage throughout all terminals
- Currency exchange services and ATMs from major Chinese banks
- Children’s play areas
- Smoking rooms at designated locations
- Medical services and first aid stations
- Lost and found services
- Information desks in prominent locations
- Luggage storage facilities
- Prayer rooms and meditation spaces
- VIP lounges for premium travelers
- Charging stations for electronic devices
Unique to Chinese airports, Hangzhou Xiaoshan features extensive gardens and green spaces that have earned it the nickname “Garden Airport,” providing a refreshing atmosphere for travelers.
Flight Patterns and Connectivity
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport serves as a crucial aviation gateway, connecting Eastern China to over 160 destinations across the globe. While not serving as a traditional hub for any single carrier, the airport functions as a focus city for several major airlines.
Domestic Network Strength The airport’s domestic route network is among the most comprehensive in China, with nonstop service to virtually every major metropolitan area in the country. Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines all use Hangzhou as a focus city, while local carrier Loong Airlines is headquartered at the airport. Over 80% of the airport’s traffic is domestic, reflecting the strong internal connectivity within China’s aviation network.
International Reach The international footprint of HGH has expanded dramatically in recent years, with direct service across Asia and to several European destinations. East and Southeast Asian destinations are particularly well-served, with multiple daily flights to major hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore. European connections include Amsterdam, Frankfurt and seasonal service to several other European cities.
Route Development Strategy The airport has actively worked to position itself as an alternative international gateway to the Yangtze River Delta region, complementing the established hubs of Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao. This strategy has been particularly effective in attracting tourists to Hangzhou, famous for its scenic West Lake and as the headquarters of technology giant Alibaba.
Focus on Business Travel With Hangzhou’s emergence as a technology and e-commerce powerhouse, the airport has enhanced its business-focused services, including expedited processing, premium lounges, and improved connectivity to the city’s business districts and neighboring commercial centers.
Ground Transportation
As a major transportation hub for Eastern China, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport offers comprehensive ground transportation options:
Metro Connection: The Hangzhou Metro provides the most convenient public transportation option. Line 1 connects the airport directly to downtown Hangzhou, including Wulin Square in the city center, with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes. Line 7 and Line 19 also serve the airport, providing connections to other parts of the metropolitan area. The Xiaoshan International Airport Station is located beneath the terminal complex, with clear signage guiding passengers from the arrival areas.
Airport Shuttle Buses: An extensive network of airport shuttle buses connects the airport to various parts of Hangzhou and surrounding cities. The main shuttle route runs between the airport and Wulinmen in downtown Hangzhou, operating from early morning until late at night with departures every 15-30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Additional shuttle services operate to Hangzhou East Railway Station, Hangzhou Railway Station, and numerous other destinations throughout Zhejiang province and beyond.
Taxis and Ride-hailing: Taxi stands are located outside Gate 5 of the Arrival Hall on the first floor. The fare to downtown Hangzhou is approximately 120 yuan and takes 40-50 minutes depending on traffic conditions. All taxis use meters, with a flag-down rate of 10 yuan for the first 4 kilometers. Ride-hailing services are also widely available through smartphone apps, with designated pickup areas at the terminal.
Long-distance Coaches: The airport serves as a regional transportation hub with direct coach services to major cities throughout Zhejiang province and neighboring regions. These include Shaoxing, Yiwu, Jinhua, Suzhou, Huzhou, Jiaxing (including Wuzhen water town), Taizhou, Zhoushan, Lishui, Quzhou, and many others. The coach terminal is located between Terminals 3 and 4, with ticket offices and clear destination signage.
Car Rental and Private Transfers: Major international and domestic car rental companies operate at the airport, with service counters located in the arrival areas of the terminals. The airport is connected to downtown Hangzhou via the Airport Expressway, which links to the Xixing Bridge crossing the Qiantang River. The drive to the city center takes approximately 40 minutes in normal traffic conditions.
Airport Hotels with Shuttle Services: Several hotels near the airport provide complimentary shuttle services for guests. These include the ZTG Grand Hotel Airport Hangzhou, Hyatt Place Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, and Zhejiang Travel Hotel, all offering convenient 5-10 minute transfers between the hotel and terminal buildings.
The Future of Hangzhou Airport
As Hangzhou continues to gain prominence as a technology hub and tourist destination, its airport is well-positioned for continued growth and development:
Capacity Expansion: With the completion of Phase III and the opening of Terminal 4, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport now has the infrastructure to handle up to 90 million passengers annually across its four terminals, with a combined terminal area of 990,000 square meters. This capacity positions the airport for substantial growth as China’s aviation market continues to expand.
Enhanced International Connectivity: The airport has outlined plans to further develop its international route network, with a particular focus on expanding connections to North America, Australia, and additional European destinations. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on transfers through larger hubs like Shanghai and Beijing for international travelers visiting the Yangtze River Delta region.
Smart Airport Technologies: As a showcase for China’s technological capabilities, Hangzhou Airport is implementing cutting-edge smart airport solutions, including facial recognition for seamless passenger processing, automated baggage handling systems, and real-time flight information delivered through multiple channels. These innovations align with Hangzhou’s reputation as a technology center.
Intermodal Transportation Integration: Future development plans emphasize better integration with China’s high-speed rail network, potentially including direct high-speed rail access to the airport. This would further cement Hangzhou Airport’s role as a transportation hub for the entire Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone.
Sustainability Initiatives: In line with China’s carbon neutrality goals, the airport has implemented a series of environmentally friendly measures, including extensive use of natural lighting, energy-efficient design in Terminal 4, and plans for increased use of renewable energy sources. These initiatives will be expanded in future development phases.
Regional Aviation Ecosystem: Hangzhou Airport is working to develop a comprehensive aviation ecosystem, including expanded maintenance facilities, air cargo operations, and aviation-related businesses in the airport economic zone. This strategy aims to diversify revenue streams and create a more resilient business model.
Enhanced Passenger Experience: Future plans include continued improvements to the passenger experience through upgraded lounges, expanded retail and dining options, and cultural elements that showcase Hangzhou’s rich heritage and natural beauty, particularly its association with West Lake and traditional Chinese gardens.
As Hangzhou continues to grow in importance as an economic center and tourist destination, Xiaoshan International Airport is positioned to play a pivotal role in connecting this dynamic Chinese city with the world, while serving as a showcase for the country’s aviation development.
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