Hohhot Shengle International Airport Soars to New Heights with Flawless Calibration Landing – Inner Mongolia’s 4F-Class Hub Ready to Revolutionize Regional Aviation

Published on December 13, 2025

Hohhot Shengle International Airport has just reached a major milestone, cementing its position as Inner Mongolia’s premier 4F-class aviation hub. The flawless calibration landing of the aircraft marks a crucial step in the airport’s final preparations before its official opening. This achievement not only highlights the advanced capabilities of the airport but also underscores its strategic importance in connecting China’s northern regions to global destinations. As a 4F-class facility, capable of accommodating the world’s largest aircraft, Hohhot Shengle is set to revolutionize regional aviation by boosting economic exchange and fostering cultural connections across China and beyond.

the calibration aircraft made a flawless landing, signaling the successful completion of the on-site verification test flight at Hohhot Shengle International Airport. This significant achievement marks the transition of Inner Mongolia’s first 4F-class airport from the construction phase to the final stages of readiness ahead of its official opening.

Inner Mongolia’s first 4F-class airport, the highest classification for civil aviation, is designed to handle the world’s most sophisticated commercial aircraft. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a pivotal regional aviation hub and a primary backup landing site within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei airport network. As a Class I international aviation port, it plays a crucial role in facilitating both domestic and international air travel. Additionally, the airport is an integral part of China’s “Belt and Road Initiative,” connecting key domestic and global destinations while bridging the eastern and western regions of the country.

“Where heaven and earth meet, all things communicate.” Thanks to its unique geographic location, Hohhot has long served as a vital transportation center. During the Northern Wei Dynasty, Shengle, the capital city, controlled the critical passage between the Central Plains, the grasslands, and the desert, fostering thriving commerce and travel. In the Tang Dynasty, Shengle also served as a major commercial route extending north from Baidouchuan to present-day Erenhot, Manzhouli, and further into Russia and Mongolia. During the Qing Dynasty, Guisui City was a key node on the Grassland Silk Road. From the late 17th to early 20th century, the 13,000-kilometer Tea Road began at Wuyi Mountain in Fujian Province in the south, passed through Hohhot in Inner Mongolia, continued north to Mongolia, and ultimately reached Russia. In modern times, Hohhot has emerged as a crucial transportation hub under the “Belt and Road Initiative,” linking the mainland of China with Russia, Mongolia, and the heart of Europe. For centuries, merchants from home and abroad have gathered here, fostering vibrant trade and rich cultural exchanges.

The legacy of an ancient trade route is being brought back to life in a new, impactful way. Once alive with the movement of camel caravans and traders, the historic path is now being rejuvenated for the modern age. Shengle International Airport is positioned to become a pivotal hub on the revitalized “Air Silk Road,” playing a central role in connecting North China with the broader Eurasian landscape. This ambitious project is set to honor the route’s rich heritage while paving the way for new connections.

Architecturally, the airport’s design is a nod to its past. From above, its terminal takes the shape of a meticulously crafted saddle, a symbol of the horse-riding cultures that once dominated the region. The terminal’s grand 600-meter-long eave is inspired by the flowing khata scarf, symbolizing the warmth and hospitality extended to travelers from across the globe. The use of skylights, adorned with spindle columns, cables, and inflatable membranes, evokes the feel of a traditional Mongolian yurt. As passengers look up, they are greeted by expansive views of the vast grassland skies and drifting clouds, a tribute to Inner Mongolia’s deep-rooted cultural legacy, offering a glimpse into the beauty of the grassland.

Beyond its striking exterior, the airport’s interior is designed to connect the world seamlessly. Shengle International Airport is more than just a transit point—it is a critical link on the “Belt and Road” initiative and serves as the northern gateway for the China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor. This state-of-the-art infrastructure propels Hohhot into a global network, solidifying its role in international trade and travel.

In the coming years, the airport is poised for tremendous growth. By 2030, it is projected to handle 28 million passengers annually, with a capacity to manage 320,000 tons of cargo and mail, along with 244,000 aircraft movements. Looking ahead to 2050, these figures are set to skyrocket, with passenger traffic expected to reach 65 million, cargo and mail volume climbing to 800,000 tons, and aircraft movements rising to 511,000.

To further elevate the passenger experience, Shengle International has already upgraded its communication infrastructure to meet the needs of international travelers. With the successful completion of civil communication facilities, the airport has introduced a “seamless access” plan to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. A shared network among the three major telecom operators guarantees passengers continuous connectivity, from the moment they arrive to the time they board their flights.

As Shengle International continues its expansion, it plans to broaden its international network, establishing key partnerships with Xi’an and Qingdao airports by 2025. These collaborations will open up new connections to Japan, South Korea, and Central Asia through seamless transfer services, solidifying Hohhot’s role as a major international hub for global travel and commerce.

Hohhot’s strategic position, nestled between Russia and Mongolia, and serving as a vital link between Northeast and Northwest China, is set to become even more significant. New transfer services will be introduced from Xi’an and Qingdao, passing through Hohhot and extending to various regional cities, as well as to Russia and Mongolia. These services are poised to establish vital aerial connections, fostering both economic and cultural exchanges between the regions.

Hohhot Shengle International Airport has achieved a significant milestone with a flawless calibration landing, marking the final stages of its readiness. As Inner Mongolia’s first 4F-class airport, it is set to transform regional aviation by handling the world’s largest aircraft. This advanced hub will enhance connectivity, boost economic exchange, and strengthen cultural ties between China and global destinations.

As the first light of day illuminates the northern plains, Shengle International Airport emerges as a beacon of progress. This newly established airport is not just Hohhot’s primary access point, but a key node connecting China to the wider world. With this gateway, Inner Mongolia’s development is expected to gain fresh momentum, while China’s northern frontier opens new doors for international cooperation and engagement.