China’s 'big three' airports - Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai - may be exhibiting a strong rebound in demand, but some truly breathtaking activity is occurring at China’s second tier airports. Growth rates of 25% and above are commonplace, as are extensive upgrade and expansion projects to keep up with galloping demand. A battle is meanwhile unfolding between airports in Western China for the mantle of that region’s pre-eminent hub, while airlines are adjusting their strategies for serving China’s burgeoning second-tier airport network in the face of rising competition from high speed rail.