A second terminal designed for Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport is given the shape of a seabird, has observation decks for Airshow China, and provides vistas of the sea to the east and mountains between it and Sanzao Town.

Experts and department officials are assessing and evaluating the proposal, which was jointly presented on March 15 by the Architectural Design & Research Institute of Guangdong Province and Strategic Planning Services Inc.

A signing ceremony was held at Zhuhai Aviation City & Airport Group in Jinwan District. Now begins the detailed design process of Terminal II as well as of the airport's Integrated Service Center. Construction is expected to commence this year and be completed by the end of 2021.

Zhuhai Airport with two terminals

Terminal II, to be shaped like a seabird spreading its wings, will have a concourse connection to Terminal I. Its arched main building and concourse will have an architectural style matching the earlier terminal. Images of seabirds, shells, waves, and whorls are illustrated. Some adjustments will be made to current facilities.

Designers also picture an observation platform on the third and fourth floors, taking advantage of the airport’s geographic location facing the sea and backed by mountains. The viewing stations will augment the city's renowned air shows. The Zhuhai Airshow Center, about 2.6 km (1.6 miles) away, buzzes with excitement every two years during the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.

Current airport wing

The Integrated Service Center will allow seamless transfers between air, urban rail, bus, and private transportation modes. Inside the hall will be check-in and baggage machines, security checks, and other functions.

The vision is that after completing exit formalities departing passengers will enter the waiting hall through a concourse, reducing walking distance. Arriving travelers would directly enter the transfer area from the first floor of the terminal building.

Terminal II conceptual design

A project feasibility report has been drafted and other preparations are being made for project approval. The preliminary cost estimate is 3.6 billion yuan ($536 million).

Zhuhai Airport opened in June 1995. The original passenger throughput target of 12 million will soon be reached. Last year, the airport processed more than 10 million passenger arrivals and departures for the first time. It is looking to serve up to 25 million travelers with constant improvements.

"Flying seabird" [Photos courtesy Zhuhai Daily]