There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Zhongwei into a quick city adventure. From ZHY, the Taxi can get you into town in around 60 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into Zhongwei, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for China vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Zhongwei is roughly 60 minutes from ZHY via Taxi. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in CNY. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Getting from ZHY to Zhongwei
From ZHY, the Taxi gets you to Zhongwei in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 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 offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Zhongwei might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$8 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$23 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Bag Storage Near ZHY
Dedicated luggage storage at ZHY may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Zhongwei’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
How to Spend Your Time in Zhongwei
If you head into Zhongwei, here are two things worth checking out:
Shapotou Tourist Area is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Zhongwei.
Gao Miao Temple (High Temple) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ZHY, you can spend time at Airport Viewing Area or try Zhongwei Souvenir Shop. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
In Zhongwei
If you make it into town, Hengshan Lamb Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Laoma Handmade Noodles.
Inside ZHY
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Noodle Bar is your main option. Airport Fast Food & Snacks works too if you want something quick.
Sleep & Lounge Options at ZHY
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at ZHY.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and ZHY is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Zhongwei 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.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Zhongwei count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave ZHY. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.