Ji Zhongxing, 34, reportedly paralysed in a beating by police, set off an explosive device made from materials used in firecrackers.
He detonated the device after he was stopped from handing out leaflets to draw attention to his complaints.
Ji was wounded, but suffered no life-threatening injuries and is currently being treated in hospital, state-run media said.
Pictures of Ji on Sina Weibo microblogging site - showing him throwing up his arms with a white object in his hand - went viral soon after the explosion at 6.24 pm local time.
Ji, hailing from north eastern Shandong province, fell off the wheelchair and sustained injuries.
Reports said Ji set off the explosion to highlight the violent treatment allegedly meted out to him by police that resulted in his paralysis.
He reportedly set off the low-intensity device at the arrival terminal, where there are fewer security checks, to highlight his plight.
His identification scotched rumours that the blast was a terrorist attack.
The police cordon at the arrivals terminal exit was later removed and the airport resumed normal services, Xinhua reported.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
