For first-time visitors to China, planning a trip to one of the world's most beautiful and ancient countries can be mind-boggling. Where to begin? Which cities to fly in and out of? Here is a guide to choosing yourarrival/departure citiesand how tochoose the right airline.
The Most Popular Entry and Exit Cities in China
Fly to and from China through the most important entry and exit cities.For international travelers,Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Chengduarethe most important entry and exit cities, taking over about 80 percent of the shares of the passengers to and from China. These five cities will most likely be your first and last contact with China on your visit.
The most popular entry/exit optionsin order are: (Entry City + Exit City)
- Beijing + Shanghai
- Beijing + Beijing
- Shanghai + Shanghai
- Beijing + Hong Kong
- Shanghai + Beijing
More Information about How to Choose Your Entry City: Hong Kong VS Shanghai
Many tourists hesitatebetween choosingHong KongandShanghaito be their entry city as they share a lot in common. Both of them are modern cities, gateways to China and shopping paradises.
It is generally known thatHong Kong is an important gatewayto China. There are many flights between Hong Kong and major cities of the US, Australia, and Europe. For tourists in the above regions, it is convenient to travel from Hong Kong to Chinese mainland.
But, is Hong Kong the best option?
Shanghai如果你没有一个特定的原因n to Hong Kong and want to see the face of modern China,Shanghai would be a great option.
The airfare from your city to Shanghai is sometimes higher than to Hong Kong, but youdon't need to pay for the airfare(always more than USD300 per ticket) from Hong Kong to Chinese mainland andsave some moneyon accommodation, car and guide.
Moreover, Shanghai is by faran easier place to get aroundon the Chinese mainland. Apart from tons of worthwhile places to visit within a short train from the city such asHangzhouandSuzhou, many famous tourism cities like Beijing,Xi'anandGuilinare easily accessible.
North America to China Flights
Withan increasing number of nonstop routesfrom major American and Canadian cities, like New York, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit, Seattle, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Vancouver, it isconvenient to travelfrom U.S. and Canada to China.
Most of our customers from the U.S. and Canadastart their trip inBeijingand end inShanghai. Direct flights between the U.S. / Canada and China take around11–14 hours.
Beijing – North America Flights
| Beijing Routes | Direct Flights Per Day Each way (Approx.) | Journey Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 4 | 13h 35m |
| Chicago | 3 | 13h 30m |
| Los Angeles | 3 | 12h 40m |
| Vancouver | 3 | 10h 50m |
| San Francisco | 2+ | 12h 5m |
| Seattle | 2 | 11h 40m |
| Toronto | 2 | 13h 20m |
| Washington, D.C. | 1+ | 13h 55m |
| Dallas | 1 | 13h 50m |
| Detroit | 1 | 13h 45m |
Shanghai – North America Flights
| Shanghai Routes | Direct Flights Per Day Each Way (Approx.) | Journey Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 5 | 12h 10m |
| Chicago | 3 | 13h 55m |
| Boston | 3 | 14h 10m |
| Vancouver | 3 | 10h 30m |
| New York | 2+ | 14h 45m |
| San Francisco | 2 | 11h 30m |
| Toronto | 2 | 14h |
| Seattle | 1+ | 11h 45m |
| Dallas | 1 | 13h 55m |
| Detroit | 1 | 13h 55m |
International Flights from Europe
Apart from Beijing and Shanghai,Hong Kong,Guangzhou, andChengduare also important gateway cities for passengers from European countries. Here are approximatedirect flight frequencies and durationsfrom major cities in Europe to China's major gateway cities.
| From/to | Beijing | Shanghai | Hong Kong | Guangzhou | Chengdu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | 4/day, 10h 5m | 4+/day, 11h 20m | 2+/day, 11h 45m | 4/day, 11h 40m | 4+/day, 11h 20m |
| London | 3+/day, 10h | 3+/day, 11h 20m | 8/day, 11h 50m | 1/day, 11h 35m | 5/week, 10h 15m |
| Frankfurt | 3/day, 9h 15m | 3/day, 10h 40m | 2/day, 11h 5m | N/A | 3/week, 9h 50m |
| Amsterdam | 2/day, 9h 20m | 2+/day, 10h 40m | 2/day, 11h 5m | 2/day, 11h 20m | 4/week, 9h 40m |
| Munich | 1+/day, 9h 40m | 1+/day, 11h | 1/day, 11h 5m | N/A | N/A |
International Flights from Australia
Passengers from Australia oftenfly from Sydneyto Beijing or Shanghai to start their trip; and then come back home through Hong Kong and Guangzhou in the south of China.
Direct flights between Sydney and Beijing are not available every day. Australia to China by direct flight takes9–12 hours.
| Sydney Routes | Direct Flights Per Day Each Way (Approx.) | Journey Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 5/week | 10h 40m |
| Shanghai | 2+/day | 11h 50m |
| Hong Kong | 6/day | 9h 10m |
| Guangzhou | 2/day | 9h 20m |
How to Choose the Right Airline for You?
Choose the right airline for you.There are a lot of airline options on the Internet. We have our own reasons for choosing an airline, such as price, safety, loyalty programs, or seating. Here are some things you shouldtake into considerationwhen choosing an airline which we haven't used before.
Check the Government Blacklists
Governments keep lists of airlines they consider unsafe. You can check these before booking a flight with a new airline.
Check Reviews on Credible Forums
Skytrax(www.airlinequality.com)是一个独立的customer forum and leading review site for airlines, airports, and associated air travel services. You can check airline and airport star ratings, and world airline and airport awards.
Check Airline Alliance Membership
Enjoy your trip with a good airline.The three major airline alliances areStar Alliance,Oneworld, andSky Team.
You can enjoybenefitssuch as more choices of flights and flexibility, seamless code share flights, sharing bonus points/miles, and lounge access across all members of the alliance.
Check the Airline's Safety Record
If you are concerned about the safety of an airline, you can scope out the airline's safety record onAirSafe.com(www.airsafe.com). It has been tracking air crashes and other safety-related incidents involving the major airlines of the world since 1970.
Compare Seats and In-Flight Amenities
If you care about the seats and in-flight amenities,SeatGuru.comis a good website to get aircraft seat maps, seat reviews, and in-flight amenities details for many popular airlines and aircraft.
Hainan Airlines — Our Recommendation
Hainan Airlines is the first airline in China to be rated as a5-star airline by Skytrax. It has been awarded this title for the 6thconsecutive year since 2011. The airline also won Best China Airline and Best China Airline Staff Service Award in 2016.
Hainan AirlinesIt has accumulated over 5 million hours of safe flights since its establishment in 1993. In February 2016, it was listed as one ofworld's top 5 safest airlinesby JACDEC (Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre).
- English name:Hainan Airlines
- Chinese name:海南航空
- Airline code:HU
- Website:www.hainanairlines.com
- Fleet composition:Boeing 737 and 787 series aircraft, and the Airbus 330.
Excellent Onboard Experience
2015年12月,海南航空公司被授予“磨破ld's Leading Airline — Business Class" and "World's Leading Excellence Inflight Service" by World Travel Awards. No matter if you're in business class or economy class, you will be provided withfriendly and comfortable servicethroughout your journey.
In First/Business Class:
Excellent service in first class- Spacious and comfortable lie-flat seats:180 degree lie-flat seats allow you to sleep comfortably high in the sky and reach your destination feeling fully refreshed.
- Bvlgari Amenity Kit:Apart from blanket, pillow and slippers, you will be provided with the classic and luxury Bvlgari Amenity Kit, including Bvlgari White Tea Moisturizing Series, eyeshade, earplugs, foot covers and toothbrush kit.
- Refined and delicious meals:Hainan Airlines chooses only fresh ingredients, which are prepared with care by top chefs. International award-winning beverages will enrich your experience.
- Varied in-flight entertainment:The latest international movies, TV shows and magazines are ready for you. Bose noise-cancelling headphone allows you to experience what it is like to have your own personal movie theater onboard.
In Economy Class:
Varied in-flight entertainment in economy class- Spacious and comfortable seats:席位在787年和330年之间的空间系列宽-body aircraft is 79–84 cm (31-33 in). The width between seats allows you to stretch out comfortably.
- Varied food and beverages:You will be offered various Chinese and Western flavors, along with a wide selection of wines, spirits, fruit juices, soft drinks, coffees, and teas. Passengers who have special dietary needs can reserve food in advance.
- Varied in-flight entertainment:The latest and most popular films, music and magazines bring you pleasure and entertainment on your journey.
- Comfortable appliances:A series of items will be well-prepared for you, including soft blankets and fluffy waist pillows.
Caring Ground Service
Caring ground serviceAt the airport, you will findexclusive check-in countersfor first and business class passengers. After check-in, a staff member will guide you to the boarding gate.
Hainan Airlines operatesVIP loungesin the airports in Beijing, Xi'an, Haikou, Guangzhou, Urumqi, and in the major airports in overseas focus cities, providing passengers with a five-star experience.
Besides offering more comfortable seating, these lounges are equipped withmodern and luxury amenities.
Taking the lounge in Beijing Capital International Airport as an example, the facilities include Chinese traditional tea display area, visual and audio entertainment, dining area, business and office facilities, showering facilities, massage center, Wi-Fi Internet access, and bag storage area.
Besides, Hainan Airlines now provideschauffeured car servicesto business class guests (C, D, and I class) who fly on routes between China and North America or Europe.
An Advocate of Green Flights
Enjoy excellent airline servicesHainan Airlines is an environmentally friendly airline, and, in 2015, becamethe first civil airline in Chinato receive third-party certification for ISO 50001 - Energy management.
Most of the fleet is running on bio fuel, with a goal to reduce the emissions created by the aviation industry. The program launched in 2008, and since more than 63 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced.
Major International Routes
With a flight network spreading all over China, covering Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Africa, Hainan Airlines has opened up almost 700 domestic and international flight routes, reaching almost100 destinations.
Flight Schedule for Reference:
| Area | Departure City – Arrival City | Departure | Arrival | Days (1=Mon.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | Beijing (PEK) –Toronto(YYZ) | 14:20 | 15:10+1 | 124567 |
| Toronto (YYZ) – Beijing (PEK) | 17:20 | 18:50+1 | 124567 | |
| Beijing (PEK) –Boston(BOS) | 13:50 | 15:10+1 | 1234567 | |
| Boston (BOS) – Beijing (PEK) | 17:10 | 19:05+1 | 1234567 | |
| Beijing (PEK) –Chicago(CHI) | 13:40 | 13:20+1 | 2467 | |
| Chicago (CHI) – Beijing (PEK) | 15:20 | 17:50+1 | 2467 | |
| Beijing (PEK) –Seattle(SEA) | 15:40 | 11:35+1 | 12467 | |
| Seattle (SEA) – Beijing (PEK) | 14:00 | 16:30+1 | 12467 | |
| Beijing (PEK) –San Jose(SJC) | 14:50 | 11:30+1 | 1356 | |
| San Jose (SJC) – Beijing (PEK) | 13:30 | 17:00+1 | 1356 | |
| Shanghai (PVG) –Seattle(SEA) | 13:20 | 9:35+1 | 357 | |
| Seattle (SEA) – Shanghai (PVG) | 12:00 | 15:35+1 | 357 | |
| Shanghai (PVG) –Boston(BOS) | 12:25 | 14:35+1 | 246 | |
| Boston (BOS) – Shanghai (PVG) | 16:35 | 上19:15 + 1 | 246 | |
| Europe | Beijing (PEK) –Berlin(BER) | 13:20 | 17:30+1 | 1357 |
| Berlin (BER) – Beijing (PEK) | 19:40 | 11:00+1 | 1357 | |
| Beijing (PEK) –Manchester(人) | 14:05 | 6:05+1 | 1356 | |
| Manchester (MAN) – Beijing (PEK) | 12:25 | 05:50+1 | 1356 | |
| Beijing (PEK) –Tel Aviv(TLV) | 1:55 | 8:10+1 | 247 | |
| Tel Aviv (TLV) – Beijing (PEK) | 14:35 | 00:50+1 | 247 | |
| Asia-Pacific | Xi'an (XIY) –Sydney(SYD) | 17:00 | 07:20+1 | 36 |
| Sydney (SYD) – Xi'an (XIY) | 8:20 | 17:55 | 36 | |
| Changsha (CSX) – Sydney (SYD) | 17:45 | 06:55+1 | 15 | |
| Sydney (SYD) – Changsha (CSX) | 8:20 | 16:30 | 26 | |
| Russia | Beijing (PEK) –Moscow(MOW) | 15:00 | 18:05+1 | 246 |
| Moscow (MOW) – Beijing (PEK) | 19:55 | 08:30+1 | 246 | |
| Beijing (PEK) –St. Petersburg(LED) | 14:50 | 18:30+1 | 34567 | |
| St. Petersburg (LED) – Beijing (PEK) | 20:10 | 08:50+1 | 34567 |
Check out the most up-to-date timetable on Hainan Airlines website.
Travel with China Highlights and Enjoy Excellent Airline Services
Travel with China HighlightsHainan Airlines, one of China Highlights strategic cooperators, offers itsbest value international flights packagesto our customers. For example, book a 7+-day China Tour with us, and get your round trip China flights from as little asUS$450 (tax included)per person.
Pleasecontact us对航班信息和帮助和中国travel. You can get some inspiration for your China tour at ourTop 10 China Tourspage.
Our most popular China tours:
- THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE— 8-Day Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai Tour —three major tourist citiesof China.
- CLASSIC WONDERS— 11-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Shanghai Tour — themost popular destinationsin China
