Meishan Pengshan Air Base
Overview
Meishan Pengshan Air Base (眉山彭山空军基地) is a prominent People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) air base located in southwestern China. Situated about 1 kilometer east of Gongyi Town in Pengshan County, Sichuan Province, the base has a rich history that spans military aviation from World War II to the present day.
Key Information:
- Location: Gongyi Town, Pengshan County, Sichuan Province, China
- Type: People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Base
- Current Use: PLAAF training and operational air base
Historical Significance:
Meishan Pengshan Air Base has been a key site for both Chinese and American military aviation during the mid-20th century. Initially constructed during World War II, the base played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater and continued to serve as a vital airfield for the PLAAF in the decades following the war.
History
World War II: American Use of Pengshan Airfield
Meishan Pengshan Air Base, originally known as Pengshan Airfield (A-7) during the war, was constructed by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in the midst of World War II. The base was strategically located to support long-range bombing missions against Japan from bases in India.
- 1944: The airfield was used by the 468th Bombardment Group of the USAAF’s XX Bomber Command. It played a critical role in the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombing campaign targeting Japan.
On June 15, 1944, the 468th Bombardment Group participated in the first USAAF attack on the Japanese Home Islands since the famous Doolittle Raid in 1942. The bombing missions from Pengshan were part of a larger offensive targeting transportation centers, naval installations, iron works, and aircraft plants in Burma, Thailand, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Formosa (Taiwan).
The 468th BG was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for its daring mission on August 20, 1944, when it bombed the iron and steel works at Yawata, Japan.
- February 1945: As the B-29 bombers moved to newly captured bases in the Mariana Islands, Pengshan Airfield’s role in the Pacific bombing campaign ended. The Americans turned the airfield over to the Chinese government on June 30, 1945.
Post-War: Transition to PLAAF
After World War II, Pengshan Airfield was handed over to the Chinese government and repurposed as a military airfield. Starting in 1949, it became part of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and was integrated into the PLAAF Second Aviation School.
The base played an important role in training pilots for the PLAAF, as well as providing support for the development of China’s air defense capabilities. In the 1980s, the Third Training Regiment stationed at Pengshan had a variety of aircraft, including 16 B-5 bombers and 32 BT-5 training aircraft (Chinese-manufactured versions of the Ilyushin Il-28 bomber).
Throughout the years, the base remained an essential part of China’s air force infrastructure, training military personnel and providing logistical support for air operations.
Current Use
Today, Meishan Pengshan Air Base continues to serve as a PLAAF training base and operational airfield. While it may no longer be in the spotlight of large-scale combat operations, it remains a key component of the PLAAF’s training apparatus in Sichuan Province.
The base’s historical significance as an airfield used by both the US during World War II and the PLAAF today reflects its important role in China’s aviation and military history.
How to Get There
By Air:
- The nearest major airport to Meishan Pengshan Air Base is Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (成都双流国际机场), located approximately 100 kilometers away from Meishan. From Chengdu, visitors can take a bus or taxi to reach Pengshan County.
By Train:
- The Meishan Railway Station offers convenient rail access to Meishan from Chengdu and other cities in Sichuan Province. Once you arrive at Meishan, you can take a local taxi to reach Pengshan Air Base.
By Road:
- Meishan is well-connected by road to major cities in Sichuan, including Chengdu. The base is located 1 km east of Gongyi Town, which can be accessed by taxi or bus.
Travel Tips
- Security: As a military facility, access to the base is restricted. Make sure to seek permission or inquire with local authorities if you plan to visit the area near the base.
- Best Time to Visit: The spring and autumn months offer mild weather and clear skies, making it an ideal time for travel to Meishan and Pengshan.
- Nearby Attractions: Visitors to Meishan can explore local historical sites and natural attractions, including the Jiajiang Ancient Town and Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located nearby.
