Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
Guilin (Lingui), China
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
Gateway to Guilin's iconic karst landscapes and Li River.
- ›Guilin is one of China's most visited tourist cities, making KWL a heavily trafficked leisure-oriented airport.
- ›The airport is situated in Lingui District, about 28 km northwest of downtown Guilin.
- ›International routes primarily serve destinations in East and Southeast Asia.
- ›The airport underwent expansion to add capacity for the growing number of tourists visiting the Li River and karst scenery.
- ›Guilin Liangjiang International Airport handles tens of millions of passengers annually at peak tourism periods.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, designated by the IATA code KWL, serves the renowned tourist city of Guilin in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Opened in 1996 and located in Lingui District approximately 28 kilometres from the city centre, it handles millions of visitors drawn to the region's iconic karst scenery and the Li River. The airport plays a critical role as the primary air gateway to one of China's most visited natural heritage destinations.
- Terminal 1 — The original domestic terminal handling a significant share of Chinese mainland routes with standard check-in and retail facilities.
- Terminal 2 — A newer, larger terminal accommodating expanded domestic and international flights with improved passenger amenities and capacity.
- Airport shuttle buses to central Guilin and key districts
- Taxi services available at designated ranks outside arrivals
- Ride-hailing via Didi Chuxing app widely used
- Car rental desks from major Chinese providers in the arrivals hall
- Private hotel transfers pre-arranged through accommodation
- Guilin Liangjiang Airport Hotel
- Wanda Realm Guilin
- Sheraton Guilin Hotel
- Shangri-La Guilin
- Guilin Park Hotel
Inside the terminals, travellers will find a mix of Chinese fast food outlets, noodle and rice dish counters, and basic café-style coffee shops reflecting local Guangxi cuisine influences. The airport's food offerings are functional rather than extensive, so hungry travellers with time to spare may prefer eating in Guilin city before heading to the airport. Outside the terminal area, a handful of small eateries and convenience stores cater to staff and waiting passengers.
- Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures, as security queues can be lengthy during peak tourist season.
- Download the Didi Chuxing app before arriving in China — it is far more reliable and cost-effective than hailing an unmetered taxi.
- Exchange currency or withdraw RMB before leaving the city centre, as airport exchange rates are less favourable.
- Confirm whether your flight departs from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, as they are separate buildings with different access points.
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Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is an international airport serving the city of Guilin in South Central China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is located in Liangjiang Town, about 28 km (17 mi) southwest of the city center.
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