Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Manzhouli gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from NZH to the city takes roughly 50 minutes by Taxi / Airport Shuttle Bus, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of NZH:
- Can you legally enter China? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 50-minute journey each way by Taxi / Airport Shuttle Bus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CNY. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From NZH, the Taxi / Airport Shuttle Bus gets you to Manzhouli in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Airport Shuttle Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Manzhouli:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $9 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $24 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Manzhouli, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Manzhouli, here are two things worth checking out:
Matryoshka Square (å¥å¨å¹¿åº) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Manzhouli National Gate Scenic Area (满洲éå½é¨æ¯åº) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Manzhouli.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside NZH, you can spend time at Airport Relaxation Area or try Local Products & Souvenir Shop. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Manzhouli: Luoma Western Restaurant (ç½é©¬è¥¿é¤å) and Manzhouli Hotel Restaurant (满洲éé¥åº). Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Terminal Restaurant or Noodle Bar & Light Meals. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at NZH 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 Manzhouli for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at NZH, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Manzhouli itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for China that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, NZH has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Manzhouli with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Manzhouli 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.