At Terminal 3 of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province, a beautifully arranged hall dedicated to intangible cultural heritage is attracting the attention of passing travelers. Inside, display cases present finely crafted heritage items, including Xiaoshan lace, along with clear descriptions that explain the craftsmanship and cultural stories behind each work.
Across China, airports are increasingly being redesigned as cultural spaces, allowing passengers to explore local traditions through exhibitions and temporary markets while they travel.
At Terminal 5 of Xianyang International Airport in Xi’an, in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, an on-site museum showcases more than 100 archaeological artifacts discovered during the airport’s construction. These exhibits give travelers the chance to view valuable cultural relics up close as they wait for their flights.
Meanwhile, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport in Shandong Province offers a festive atmosphere with a Chinese New Year market. Travelers can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts such as sugar painting and dough figurine making, and purchase local specialties, including the city’s famous Tsingtao beer, to take home.
Cultural creativity is also extending into the skies. At Beijing Daxing International Airport, a specially designed aircraft inspired by the National Museum of China recently completed its first flight to Shanghai. This initiative was created through a partnership between the museum and China Eastern Airlines.
The aircraft’s exterior features children’s artwork depicting well-known cultural relics, such as the Houmuwu ding and an elegant empress crown from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Inside the cabin, decorative elements on overhead bins and tray tables continue the museum-inspired theme.
Passenger Ms. Xu said she booked her ticket as soon as she heard about the inaugural flight. She described the experience as enjoyable and memorable, noting that passengers received specially designed souvenirs, including custom boarding passes, postcards, and refrigerator magnets. She added that the creative blend of culture and aviation left a strong impression.
Many airlines are now introducing themed aircraft with distinctive exterior designs, while others are offering special flight experiences linked to major sporting events and significant cultural occasions.
As civil aviation becomes more closely connected with culture and tourism, airports are evolving from simple transportation hubs into cultural destinations that reflect local life. At the same time, flights are being reimagined to offer travelers unique and memorable experiences.
Cultural tourism related to aviation continues to expand and diversify. In particular, educational tours focused on aerospace and aviation have become increasingly popular among students and families, providing immersive learning experiences alongside travel.
Visitors view cultural relics at Xianyang International Airport in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province
Several airports, including Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport in Jiangsu Province and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan Province, have launched aviation science programs aimed at helping young people gain a clearer understanding of the aviation industry.
Yang Honghao, director of the Industry Research Institute at the China Tourism Academy, has proposed wider use of technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse in future civil aviation–themed educational tours. He also suggested creating integrated tourism packages that combine regional aviation resources, low-altitude tourism, and educational activities, while expanding these programs to serve a broader range of age groups.
Low-altitude tourism is emerging as another important source of innovative travel experiences. At Beijing’s Badaling Great Wall, visitors can take helicopter rides to enjoy sweeping views from above, while drone shows and other low-altitude attractions are becoming increasingly popular.
This sector has developed a wide variety of offerings, including sightseeing flights, sports-related activities, and educational experiences. Industry experts point out that helicopter tours, skydiving, and hot air balloon rides currently dominate hands-on experiences, while applications involving unmanned aerial vehicles—such as drone performances—are becoming new engines of growth in the low-altitude tourism market.
As the winter travel season reaches its peak, major airlines and airports are introducing customized services to better serve travelers. China Eastern Airlines has expanded direct routes and increased flight frequency to popular winter destinations. It also offers free ski equipment check-in at airports in Shenyang, Harbin, Changchun, and Urumqi.
Meanwhile, China Southern Airlines provides hot drinks and anti-slip mats at Harbin Taiping International Airport to improve passenger comfort. Hohhot Baita International Airport in Inner Mongolia has partnered with airlines and local tourism authorities to offer scenic-area discounts with boarding passes, as well as combined “flight plus ski ticket” deals, giving travelers added convenience and value.
