Peering through the gates, the silent runways of Nanyuan Air Base evoke echoes of China’s aviation dawn. This seemingly quiet place was once a stage for daring feats and pivotal moments. I am excited to share the story of this historic air base.
Nanyuan Air Base, also known as Beijing Nanyuan Airport, first opened in 1910. It holds the distinction of being China’s oldest airport. It is located in the Fengtai District. This is only 3 km south of the 4th Ring Road. Tiananmen Square is about 13 km away. For many years, it served as a crucial military and commercial aviation hub.
Imagine Nanyuan in 1913. The French advisers suggested to Yuan Shikai to establish China’s first official flying academy here. It was named Nanyuan Flying Academy. Ten French Caudron trainer aircraft were purchased for 300,000 silver dollars. Over 100 pilots trained here across four terms. They played important roles in China’s aviation history.
Now, picture 1917. During the Manchu Restoration, Premier Duan Qirui ordered an aircraft from Nanyuan to bomb the Forbidden City. The mission was carried out by Pan Shizhong and Du Yuyuan. They dropped three bombs. One bomb killed a eunuch. Minor damage was caused.
During the Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese Army expanded Nanyuan Airport. They upgraded air traffic control facilities. It was renamed Nanyuan military camp. After Japan’s surrender in 1945, it became vital for the Nationalist government. Chiang Kai-shek’s private planes took off from here. Important military and government personnel boarded flights from Nanyuan.
In December 1948, the People’s Liberation Army gained control of Nanyuan Air Base. In August 1949, the first flying brigade of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force was formed here. They participated in the People’s Republic of China Founding Ceremony’s flying missions. Nanyuan has supported air and ground force training for National Day events.
In 1986, China United Airlines was established. It was a military-owned civil airline. It was authorized to use military airports. Nanyuan became its main hub. Even after privatization in 2004, it remained here.
In 2008, Nanyuan Airport experienced rapid growth. Passenger numbers increased by 80.1%. Total freight increased by 65.6%. Traffic movements grew by 72.2%.
In September 2013, Nanyuan Airport opened a new terminal. It was designed to handle 6 million passengers. The previous terminal handled 2.8 million passengers in 2011.
Nanyuan Airport ceased civil operations on September 25, 2019. All commercial passenger flights moved to Beijing Daxing International Airport. It remained a People’s Liberation Army Air Force base until late September 2019. Then, Beijing Nanjiao Airport opened.
Today, as we stand before this historic site, remember its legacy. Nanyuan Air Base witnessed the birth of Chinese aviation. It played a crucial role in military and civil aviation history. Its story is etched in the skies above Beijing.