Chongqing Wushan Airport (originally Wushan Shennüfeng Airport) is a striking feat of engineering and design. Located in the mountainous northeastern part of Chongqing municipality, it officially opened on 16 August 2019.

The airport serves Wushan County (on the border with Fengjie County), and primarily supports tourism to the nearby Three Gorges region, one of the most dramatic and photographed scenic areas of China.

What Makes Wushan Airport Unique
  • Altitude & Location: The airport sits at about 1,680–1,770 meters above sea level, perched on a flattened mountain ridge. This high elevation gives it a “cloud-top” feel.
  • Runway & Classification: It has a single runway (06/24) that is 2,600 meters long, with a 4C rating (which means it can handle mid-size aircraft such as Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s).
  • Passenger & Cargo Capacity: Designed capacity is roughly 280,000 passengers per year and around 1,200 tons of cargo.
  • Terminal & Facilities: The terminal covers about 3,500 square meters. The airport also includes freighting and basic navigation and support systems.
  • Aesthetic & Design: The roof design is inspired by the local mountainous terrain. The visual identity blends with the landscape. There is also a sculpture named Fairy Maiden at the front of the terminal, which references local legend and integrates the name “Wu” in its form.

History & Challenges in Building
  • Building Wushan Airport required massive engineering work given the rugged terrain:
  • Construction began on 20 April 2015.
  • To make the site flat enough for runway and terminal, seven mountain tops were blasted away and six valleys filled in.
  • The cost, engineering constraints (weather, altitude, freezing conditions with fog, snow, ice) and remote access all presented unique challenges.
Travel & Tips
  • How to get there: The airport is roughly 15 km from Wushan County seat. To reach the site, visitors often approach from major cities like Chongqing. Direct flights (domestic) connect WSK to other Chinese cities.
  • Best times to visit: Autumn (especially during the red-leaf season) is popular; clear weather helps with views. Winter may have fog, ice, or visibility issues.
  • Views & Scenery: From the airport you can see lush mountain vistas, gorges, and when weather allows—spectacular ridgelines and river valleys (notably the Yangtze / Three Gorges) with dramatic light and cloud formations.