National port management authorities have greenlit the Shiyan Wudangshan Airport in Hubei province for a temporary international opening from October 14 to December 14, 2026, allowing scheduled international passenger services to operate during this period. This marks the third consecutive approval for the facility since its initial temporary opening authorization in 2024, with the operating window extended once again to a record sixty days.
The decision to reopen the airport temporarily is primarily aimed at facilitating major international cultural, sporting, and trade events, including the Ninth World Taijiquan Health Conference and the China Commercial Vehicle Parts Trade Fair. The move is expected to significantly boost foreign trade, economic exchanges, and international tourism accessibility across northwestern Hubei, creating an "air bridge" for global cultural exchange and supporting the region's ambition to establish Shiyan as China's commercial vehicle hub.
The Wudangshan Airport has already secured preliminary cooperation agreements with carriers such as Beibu Gulf Airlines and China Express Airlines. During the temporary opening, plans call for launching routes linking Shiyan with Hong Kong, Southeast Asian nations, and Japan and South Korea, with an initial frequency of two to three international round trips per week.
As the autumn semester approaches, many students are embarking on their academic journeys, whether departing from Wudangshan Airport to campuses across the country or arriving in Shiyan via inbound flights. Airlines are rolling out exclusive back-to-school offers as detailed below.
Passengers flying with Air China can take advantage of dedicated student benefits. Meanwhile, China Eastern Airlines has structured its promotions around two distinct participant groups: "2026 Gaokao test-takers" and "current university students," each with separate eligibility terms.
For 2026 Gaokao test-takers aged 16 to 25 inclusive, registration as a member and completion of student identity verification (via uploading exam admission slips or score reports) is required. Bookings through the China Eastern mini-program or app with the "Gaokao Student Special" label offer up to 8% off economy class and 10% off business class on domestic flights operated by China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines, valid for purchases and travel through September 15, 2026. For international and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan routes, select fare classes receive up to 8% off, with purchase and travel validity extended to December 31, 2026; North America and Japan routes are excluded, with blackout dates spanning September 23 to October 10 and December 18 to December 25.
For current university students who have completed student identity verification as "Eastern Miles" members, bookings under the "Student Discount" label on China Eastern platforms apply to domestic one-way and round-trip flights operated by China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines, excluding Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and the Shanghai-Guangzhou/Shenzhen/Beijing corridors. Promotion one, valid for sales and travel through August 31, offers up to 4% off; promotion two, with sales through September 20 and travel from September 1 to 20, provides up to 6% off.
China Southern Airlines is also offering student benefits with domestic travel perks valid through September 15, 2026. After registering for tasks and booking tickets marked with the "Student Exclusive" tag, passengers receive corresponding travel packages; registration must precede booking to qualify. The purchase and travel period runs through September 30, 2026. Additionally, members aged 12 to 17, whether traveling with parents or independently, enjoy exclusive fares with travel possible through late September, provided at least one passenger falls within this age range. For students aged 16 to 26, China Southern offers limited-time fare deals spanning over 1,000 routes, with the exclusive benefit applicable to travelers in that age group.
The above represents only a partial overview; for complete details, passengers should refer to official airline announcements.