Passing through Changbaishan Airport? A layover in Baishan is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 70 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave NBS:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for China. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Baishan takes about 70 minutes by Airport Shuttle Bus / Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is CNY. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Baishan, two standouts are:
- Changbai Mountain International Resort Walk — It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
- Erdaobaihe Town Exploration — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside NBS — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Changbaishan Airport VIP Lounge
- Local Specialty Product Shops
How to Get Into Baishan
From NBS, the Airport Shuttle Bus / Taxi gets you to Baishan in around 70 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 90 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Airport Shuttle Bus / Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Han Ting Yuan Korean BBQ and Lao Dongbei Ren Jia (Old Northeast Home) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Baishan.
- At the airport: Airport Snack Bar & Cafe and Changbaishan Noodle House will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
What to Budget for Your Baishan Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Baishan layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$10 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$25 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Baishan, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and NBS is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Baishan and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at NBS can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Baishan for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at NBS include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in China also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Baishan with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Baishan may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.