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Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (IATA: HGH, ICAO: ZSHC) is the primary airport serving Hangzhou and the broader Zhejiang Province. Located 27km east of downtown Hangzhou in the Xiaoshan District, it handled over 40 million passengers in 2025, making it one of China’s top-10 busiest airports. Whether you are arriving for a West Lake holiday or transiting through the Yangtze River Delta, here is everything you need to navigate HGH confidently.
Airport Overview
Hangzhou Xiaoshan opened in 2000, replacing the old Jianqiao Airport. It has since expanded into a three-terminal complex serving domestic, regional, and long-haul international routes. Key facts at a glance:
- IATA code: HGH
- Distance to city center: 27km (about 35 minutes by taxi, 50 minutes by metro)
- Passenger volume: 40+ million annually (2025)
- Runways: 2 (a third is under construction, expected 2027)
- Hub for: XiamenAir, Loong Air, and a major focus city for China Eastern
The airport operates 24 hours, though most food and retail outlets close between 22:00 and 06:00. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals (2-hour sessions, re-connect as needed; SMS verification with a phone number is required).
Terminal Guide
HGH has three terminals arranged in a linear layout connected by covered walkways and shuttle buses:
Terminal 1 (T1) — Domestic
The original terminal, handling domestic flights on Air China, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Spring Airlines, and other domestic carriers. Check-in is on the 2nd floor, arrivals on the 1st floor. T1 has 16 jet bridges and handles roughly 40% of domestic traffic. Facilities are older but functional, with a food court on the 3rd floor and basic retail on the departure level.
Terminal 2 (T2) — International and Regional
Opened in 2012, T2 handles all international departures and arrivals, plus Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights. Airlines include Cathay Pacific, ANA, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, AirAsia, and KLM (seasonal). Immigration and customs are on the 1st floor (arrivals) and 2nd floor (departures). Duty-free shops are located airside on the 3rd floor, though the selection is modest compared with Beijing or Shanghai. International check-in counters close 45–60 minutes before departure — arrive early.
Terminal 3 (T3) — Domestic Premium
The newest terminal (opened 2018), T3 primarily serves XiamenAir and China Eastern domestic flights, plus some high-density routes. It is the most spacious and modern of the three, with better dining options, wider gates, and faster security lanes. If you have a choice of domestic flight, T3 offers the most comfortable experience.
Terminal Transfers
Walking between T1 and T2 takes about 5 minutes via the covered corridor on the departure level. T2 to T3 is about 8 minutes on foot. A free shuttle bus runs between all three terminals every 10 minutes from 06:00 to 22:00 (less frequent overnight). If you are connecting from a domestic to an international flight, allow at least 90 minutes between flights to clear security and walk between terminals.
Arrival Process
International Arrivals
After disembarking in T2, follow the signs to Immigration (1st floor). Have your passport and visa (or visa-free entry form) ready. During peak hours (morning arrivals from Southeast Asia, evening arrivals from Europe), immigration queues can take 30–60 minutes. E-gates are available for Chinese passport holders and some visa-free nationalities — look for the shorter e-gate lines if eligible.
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Carousels are clearly numbered and correspond to your flight. Trolleys are free and available at carousel entrances. Customs is straightforward: walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare. The red channel is for goods exceeding duty-free limits. China allows 2 liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes duty-free for most nationalities.
Domestic Arrivals
Domestic arrivals in T1 or T3 are simpler — no immigration or customs. Baggage claim is on the 1st floor. Head directly to the exit and transport options.
First Things After Exiting
Once you step out of arrivals, you will find: ATM machines to your left (Bank of China, ICBC, all accept international Visa/Mastercard); SIM card booths straight ahead; the metro station entrance via a short walkway from T1 arrivals; and the taxi rank outside each terminal’s exit. If you need a bathroom, the cleanest ones are inside the terminal — the ones near the taxi rank are less well-maintained.
Airport to City Center
Metro Line 7 (Recommended)
Price: ¥7 | Time: 45–55 minutes to city center | Hours: 06:00–22:30
Metro Line 7 is the newest and most convenient rail link, opened in 2022. The airport station is connected to T1 via a covered walkway (follow the metro signs from arrivals). Line 7 runs directly to Olympic Sports Center, where you can transfer to Line 6 for West Lake area. Alternatively, ride Line 7 to Citizen Center and transfer to Line 4. Trains run every 6–8 minutes during peak hours, every 10 minutes off-peak. The metro is clean, air-conditioned, and has English signage. Luggage racks are available at the ends of each car.
Metro Line 1
Price: ¥7 | Time: 50–60 minutes | Hours: 06:00–22:30
Line 1 also serves the airport and goes directly to central stops including Fengqi Road and Ding’an Road (both within walking distance of West Lake). Line 1 is older and can be more crowded, but it may be more direct depending on your hotel location.
Airport Bus
Price: ¥20 | Time: 50–70 minutes
Airport shuttle buses depart from outside T1 and T2 arrivals. Four main lines operate:
| Line | Destination | First Bus | Last Bus | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wulin Line | Wulin Square (downtown) | 07:30 | 21:00 | Every 30 min |
| Hubin Line | West Lake / Hubin area | 08:00 | 20:30 | Every 40 min |
| East Station Line | Hangzhou East Railway Station | 07:00 | 21:30 | Every 20 min |
| Xiaoshan Line | Xiaoshan District center | 07:30 | 19:00 | Every 40 min |
Buy tickets at the bus counter inside arrivals or from the machine at the bus stop. Luggage goes in the under-compartment. Buses are comfortable but subject to traffic delays on the expressway during rush hours (07:30–09:30 and 17:00–19:30).
Taxi / Didi
Price: ¥100–150 (plus ¥15 toll) | Time: 35–50 minutes
The official taxi rank is outside each terminal. Ignore touts who approach you inside the terminal — they are unlicensed and will overcharge. Legitimate taxis use the meter. There is a ¥15 expressway toll that is added to the meter fare. For Didi, the pickup point is on the departure level (2nd floor) of each terminal — the app will direct you to the correct door number. See our Didi guide for detailed airport pickup instructions.
Private Transfer
Price: ¥180–350 | Book via: Hotel concierge, Klook, or Viator
Private transfers are worth considering if you arrive late at night (after metro closes), travel with heavy luggage, or have 3+ people. The driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign. Book at least 24 hours in advance.
Airport Lounges
HGH has several lounges, though none are world-class. Access is via business class tickets, elite status, Priority Pass, or paid entry:
| Lounge | Location | Access | Price (walk-in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Eastern Lounge | T3, airside | Business class / SkyTeam Elite+ | N/A | Best domestic lounge, decent food |
| XiamenAir Lounge | T3, airside | Business class / SkyTeam Elite+ | N/A | Similar quality to China Eastern |
| International Lounge | T2, airside 3F | Business class / Priority Pass | ¥200–260 | Basic snacks, shower available |
| Bank Lounge (ICBC) | T1, airside | ICBC premium card holders | N/A | Small but quiet |
If you do not have access through any of the above, you can pay at the door of the International Lounge in T2 for about ¥200–260. It includes basic Chinese and Western snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and a shower. Not luxurious, but quiet and comfortable for a 2–3 hour wait.
Dining and Shopping
Arrivals Level (Landside)
Options are limited after you clear customs and exit. You will find a McDonald’s near T1 arrivals (open 06:00–23:00), a KFC in T2 arrivals, and a convenience store (FamilyMart) in each terminal. There is also a Starbucks in T2 arrivals. If you need a proper meal before heading into the city, the T3 arrivals area has a Zhejiang cuisine restaurant.
Departures Level (Airside)
After security, options improve. T1 has a food court on the 3rd floor with noodle shops, dumpling stands, and a Cantonese restaurant. T2 international departures has a smaller selection: a cafe, a Chinese restaurant, and a bar near the gates. T3 has the best dining: a full-service Zhejiang restaurant, a noodle bar, Starbucks, and a bakery. Prices are 20–40% higher than city-center equivalents, which is standard for Chinese airports.
Shopping
Duty-free in T2 international departures offers cosmetics, perfume, liquor, and tobacco. Brands include Estee Lauder, Lancome, and MAC — prices are competitive with other Chinese airports but not as cheap as Seoul or Tokyo. Domestic terminals have typical airport retail: local tea shops (Longjing tea makes a good souvenir), silk products, and packaged snacks. There is a bookstore in T3 with English-language magazines and travel guides.
ATM, SIM Card and eSIM
ATMs
Multiple ATMs are in the arrivals hall of each terminal. Bank of China and ICBC machines reliably accept international Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits are typically ¥2,000–3,000 per transaction. UnionPay is ubiquitous. American Express is rarely accepted at ATMs. Exchange rates from ATMs are generally better than the currency exchange counter.
SIM Cards
China Mobile and China Unicom both have booths in T1 and T2 arrivals. A 7-day data-only SIM costs ¥50–80 (5–10GB). A 30-day plan with data and calls costs ¥100–150. You need your passport to register — the booth staff will handle activation. China Unicom generally offers better compatibility with foreign phones. Avoid the reseller booths that charge double — go to the official carrier counters.
eSIM
If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone 14+, Pixel 7+, Samsung S24+), you can purchase a China eSIM before departure from providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Saily. Prices range from $5–15 for 3–10GB. The advantage: you activate before landing and have data immediately. Choose a plan that routes through Hong Kong (look for "HK & Global" or "APAC" plans) — these bypass the Great Firewall entirely, so Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram all work normally. Local Chinese SIMs and "China" eSIM plans go through the GFW, where blocked sites remain inaccessible.
Overnight at the Airport
HGH is not designed for overnight sleeping. There are no dedicated rest zones or sleep pods. Benches in the departure areas have armrests, making lying down difficult. The landside area (before security) closes around midnight and reopens at 05:00 — you cannot stay there overnight.
Nearby Hotels
- Hangzhou Airport Hotel — Connected to T1 via a covered walkway. From ¥400/night. Basic but convenient for early flights. Book in advance during holidays.
- Ibis Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport — 2km from the airport, free shuttle. From ¥250/night. Good budget option.
- Atour Hotel (Xiaoshan Airport) — 3km from airport, free shuttle. From ¥350/night. Mid-range, clean, with a decent breakfast.
If you arrive after midnight and the metro is closed, a taxi to a city-center hotel is often cheaper than an airport hotel for a short night. A taxi to the West Lake area costs about ¥120–150 at 01:00 and takes 30 minutes with no traffic.
Departure Tips
- Arrive 2.5 hours early for international flights — immigration and security can be slow, especially on weekend mornings and during Chinese holidays (Spring Festival, National Day Golden Week).
- Arrive 1.5–2 hours early for domestic flights — T3 security is faster than T1.
- Security screening is thorough: all electronics out of bags, shoes off sometimes, power banks inspected (power banks above 20,000mAh or without clear capacity labels may be confiscated).
- Duty-free is limited — do your souvenir shopping in the city, not at the airport.
- Weigh your carry-on — Chinese airlines enforce carry-on weight limits (typically 5–7kg) more strictly than Western carriers.
- Mobile boarding passes are accepted at T3 but not always at T1 or T2 international — print a paper boarding pass to be safe.
FAQ
How much is a taxi from the airport?
¥100–150 to the city center plus a ¥15 expressway toll. Use the meter and ignore touts.
Is there a metro from the airport?
Yes, Lines 1 and 7. ¥7 to the city center, about 50 minutes. Line 7 is newer and recommended.
Can I buy a SIM card at the airport?
Yes, China Mobile and China Unicom booths in arrivals sell tourist SIMs from ¥50. Bring your passport for registration.
What if I arrive after midnight?
The metro stops running around 22:30. Take a taxi (still operating, ¥120–150) or book a private transfer in advance. Airport buses also stop around 21:00–21:30.
Is there a left-luggage facility?
Yes, in T1 and T2 arrivals. Costs about ¥20–40 per day per bag depending on size. Useful if you have a late flight and want to explore the city luggage-free.