Russian media marvels: China is building future airports that leave us only envious!

China has completely redefined airports, earning international acclaim—“beautiful like AI.”

Russian media outlet "Today China" published an article on April 22.

In recent years, China has completely redefined what an airport can be.

No longer just a simple “arrival-departure” facility, it has become a massive, high-tech hub—every detail meticulously designed, from security screening speed to walking distance to boarding gates.

The most astonishing aspect? Many of these airports were built from scratch.

Take Russia as an example: modernizing airports often takes decades, whereas China can construct entirely new airports in just a few years—and these new airports immediately rank among the world’s most advanced.

This has drawn worldwide admiration and envy toward China.

Hong Kong International Airport has recently been awarded the 2026 World Travel Awards’ “World’s Best Airport” title.

Beijing Daxing International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world. Its star-shaped design (ensuring minimal walking distance for passengers) is projected to handle up to 100 million passengers annually in the future.

Let’s compare: Berlin Brandenburg Airport was originally planned to be completed in 5–6 years, but ended up taking 14 years instead.

London Heathrow’s expansion project has lasted over 10 years (and is still not finished): simply constructing a new terminal (not a brand-new airport) took five years each time.

New York LaGuardia Airport’s terminal modernization has dragged on for more than eight years—with no end in sight.

China does not suffer from the bureaucratic inertia seen in Germany and the U.S.: projects are consistently completed on schedule.

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is yet another prime example.

What makes it special? It features three runways initially (with room to expand to six).

By the way, Heathrow is still discussing plans for a third runway—but construction hasn’t even begun yet.

Chengdu Tianfu Airport is designed in the shape of a mythical flying bird, with an initial annual passenger capacity of 60 million, and long-term planning reaching up to 160 million passengers.

Notably, Chengdu has become China’s third city to have two international airports.

Even further ahead, Xi’an Xianyang International Airport has introduced a fully functional museum within its newly opened terminal (launched in 2024)—featuring authentic artifacts unearthed during construction.

In other words, the airport is no longer just a transportation hub—it has transformed into a cultural space.

In addition, robot-assisted security checks are deployed here, along with one of the most advanced baggage handling systems in the world.

So what’s the secret? Why is China outpacing the West?

China’s newly built airports are designed with capacities targeting 50 million to 100 million passengers from the outset.

Not merely “meeting current needs”—but firmly “looking ahead to the future.”

All new airports default to including biometric identification, self-service check-in, and smart security systems.

All terminals are seamlessly integrated with other transport modes: including subway and high-speed rail (in some cases, the train station is located directly beneath the terminal, as seen at Daxing Airport).

Spaces for shopping, leisure, and exhibitions are also available.

Chinese aviation planning experts emphasize: airports are part of the economy—not just infrastructure.

Experts point out that modern airports are evolving into “regional growth hubs,” driving development across surrounding areas.

Overall, while in the past everyone looked to Europe and America as benchmarks, today more and more people are turning their attention to China and asking:

“Why can’t we do it this way?”

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863119689347145/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.