China's First Airport Just Closed After....

Source: CNN

As Beijing's new, multibillion-dollar airport opened with great fanfare last Wednesday, a piece of China's history quietly closed its doors on the other side of the city.

The country's very first airport, Nanyuan Airport, shut its doors for good on September 25, the same date that Beijing's new $11.5 billion Daxing Airport was opened.

The last flight, China United Airlines KN5830, left at just after 10 p.m., state media said. By Saturday, its doors were firmly shut and the car park mostly deserted.

The few remaining dusty cars had a polite notice taped to their side window. "Hello! This airport has officially moved to Daxing International Airport on September 25 ... I want to thank you again for putting your trust in Nanyuan Airport," said the notice.

Nanyuan first opened in 1910, 109 years ago, when China was still ruled by the Qing Dynasty.

According to state-run China Daily, Nanyuan will become an aviation museum, while its practical functions will all be transferred to Daxing Airport.

Nevertheless, even days after its closure, Beijing citizens were still flocking to the old terminal to pay their tributes to a slice of the city's history.

"The Chinese dream took off from here," said one visitor.

"We have feelings for this place," said another. "It's sad that Nanyuan is gone ... I brought my 1-year-old son here. He probably won't understand what I say to him about it, but he will have the memories."

"I will miss this airport very much. I used to see aircraft flying around here before, but now I won't be able to anymore," as stated by one visitor.

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