Cheap flights to China from $464

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 4/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
ATL — SHA
Apr 1 — Apr 81

Flights to China in 2024

Find the latest flights to China in 2024, with up-to-date prices and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 3,238,496 searches and data was last updated on March 27, 2024.

Popular in

June

Cheapest in

September

Average price

$1,904

Round-trip from

$1,199

One-way from

$519
High demand for flights, 14% potential price rise
Best time to find cheap flights, 2% potential price drop
Average for round-trip flights in March 2024
From New York to Guangzhou Baiyun
One-way flight from New York to China

Find flights to China

Browse one-way and round-trip flights deals to China on Cheapflights. Flight deals are based on user searches and were last updated on March 27, 2024
Explore China

Cheap flights to China in March & April 2024

Search the best deals to popular China cities recently found by Cheapflights users
The deals listed below are some of the cheapest flights available to China in March and April 2024. Prices refresh often so be sure to come back soon for more deals.
Cheap flights to Guangzhou
Thu 4/1111:00 amSEA - CAN
1 stop20h 50mHainan Airlines
Thu 4/187:50 amCAN - SEA
1 stop16h 10mHainan Airlines
Deal found 3/26$882
Sat 4/1311:00 amSEA - CAN
1 stop20h 50mHainan Airlines
Sat 4/207:50 amCAN - SEA
1 stop16h 10mHainan Airlines
Deal found 3/25$887
Thu 4/2511:00 amSEA - CAN
1 stop20h 50mHainan Airlines
Mon 5/139:15 pmCAN - SEA
1 stop26h 45mHainan Airlines
Deal found 3/27$889
Thu 4/1811:00 amSEA - CAN
1 stop20h 50mHainan Airlines
Sat 5/47:50 amCAN - SEA
1 stop16h 10mHainan Airlines
Deal found 3/26$891
Tue 4/1611:00 amSEA - CAN
1 stop20h 50mHainan Airlines
Mon 5/69:15 pmCAN - SEA
1 stop26h 45mHainan Airlines
Deal found 3/26$892
Sat 4/1311:00 amSEA - CAN
1 stop20h 50mHainan Airlines
Tue 5/147:50 amCAN - SEA
1 stop16h 10mHainan Airlines
Deal found 3/27$893
Thu 4/1811:00 amSEA - CAN
1 stop20h 50mHainan Airlines
Fri 5/39:15 pmCAN - SEA
1 stop26h 45mHainan Airlines
Deal found 3/26$896
Wed 4/174:25 pmLAX - CAN
1 stop32h 50mChina Airlines
Tue 5/215:30 pmCAN - LAX
1 stop18h 15mChina Airlines
Deal found 3/25$972
Mon 4/811:25 pmLAX - CAN
1 stop20h 00mAir China
Thu 5/304:40 pmCAN - LAX
1 stop18h 30mAir China
Deal found 3/25$975
Cheap flights to Shanghai
Mon 4/811:25 pmLAX - PVG
1 stop19h 50mAir China
Mon 5/204:20 pmPVG - LAX
1 stop18h 50mAir China
Deal found 3/26$831
Wed 4/1012:15 amLAX - SHA
1 stop23h 30mXiamenAir
Fri 4/192:10 pmSHA - LAX
1 stop20h 30mXiamenAir
Deal found 3/26$831
Wed 4/1012:15 amLAX - PVG
2 stops33h 30mMultiple Airlines
Wed 4/179:45 amPVG - LAX
2 stops24h 55mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/27$833
Tue 4/911:15 pmLAX - PVG
1 stop23h 35mSichuan Airlines
Thu 4/187:20 pmPVG - LAX
1 stop40h 55mSichuan Airlines
Deal found 3/26$843
Fri 4/1211:15 pmLAX - PVG
1 stop23h 35mSichuan Airlines
Fri 4/191:10 pmPVG - LAX
1 stop23h 05mSichuan Airlines
Deal found 3/26$844
Sun 4/1412:15 amLAX - SHA
1 stop21h 35mXiamenAir
Thu 5/29:00 pmSHA - LAX
1 stop37h 40mXiamenAir
Deal found 3/26$850
Wed 4/1712:15 amLAX - SHA
1 stop25h 45mXiamenAir
Thu 5/212:10 pmSHA - LAX
1 stop22h 30mXiamenAir
Deal found 3/26$851
Mon 4/811:25 pmLAX - PVG
2 stops28h 40mAir China
Sun 4/148:50 pmPVG - LAX
2 stops38h 20mAir China
Deal found 3/26$855
Sun 4/711:15 pmLAX - PVG
1 stop23h 35mSichuan Airlines
Sun 4/141:10 pmPVG - LAX
1 stop23h 05mSichuan Airlines
Deal found 3/27$859
Cheap flights to Beijing
Wed 4/1012:15 amLAX - PKX
1 stop28h 45mXiamenAir
Tue 4/239:05 pmPKX - LAX
1 stop37h 35mXiamenAir
Deal found 3/26$845
Wed 4/1012:15 amLAX - PKX
1 stop28h 45mXiamenAir
Mon 4/159:05 pmPKX - LAX
1 stop37h 35mXiamenAir
Deal found 3/26$853
Sun 4/2111:50 pmLAX - PKX
1 stop23h 25mChina Southern
Sun 5/191:30 pmPKX - LAX
1 stop21h 10mChina Southern
Deal found 3/27$902
Sun 4/1411:50 pmLAX - PKX
1 stop31h 15mChina Southern
Sun 4/281:30 pmPKX - LAX
1 stop21h 10mChina Southern
Deal found 3/26$904
Wed 4/1012:15 amLAX - PKX
1 stop20h 45mXiamenAir
Mon 4/153:55 pmPKX - LAX
2 stops42h 45mXiamenAir
Deal found 3/26$905
Wed 4/1012:15 amLAX - PKX
1 stop26h 35mXiamenAir
Tue 4/239:25 pmPKX - LAX
2 stops37h 15mXiamenAir
Deal found 3/26$918
Sun 4/1412:15 amLAX - PKX
1 stop28h 45mXiamenAir
Mon 4/229:05 pmPKX - LAX
1 stop37h 35mXiamenAir
Deal found 3/27$922
Wed 4/1712:15 amLAX - PKX
1 stop28h 45mXiamenAir
Thu 5/29:05 pmPKX - LAX
1 stop37h 35mXiamenAir
Deal found 3/25$967
Thu 4/1112:30 pmLAX - PKX
1 stop31h 50mChina Eastern
Mon 4/151:00 pmPKX - LAX
2 stops36h 05mChina Eastern
Deal found 3/26$970

China 2024 flight deals

Explore flight deals for China in 2024, offering the best prices and options to suit your preferences. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 3,238,496 searches and data were last updated on March 27, 2024.
These are some of the most attractive deals on flights to China in 2024. Check back soon for alternative fares.
Mon 4/811:25 pmLAX - PVG
1 stop19h 50mAir China
Mon 5/204:20 pmPVG - LAX
1 stop18h 50mAir China
Deal found 3/26$831
Wed 4/1012:15 amLAX - SHA
1 stop23h 30mXiamenAir
Fri 4/192:10 pmSHA - LAX
1 stop20h 30mXiamenAir
Deal found 3/26$831
Wed 4/1012:15 amLAX - PVG
2 stops33h 30mMultiple Airlines
Wed 4/179:45 amPVG - LAX
2 stops24h 55mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/27$833
Tue 4/911:15 pmLAX - PVG
1 stop23h 35mSichuan Airlines
Thu 4/187:20 pmPVG - LAX
1 stop40h 55mSichuan Airlines
Deal found 3/26$843
Tue 9/310:50 pmLAX - PVG
1 stop29h 15mAir China
Tue 10/1512:00 pmPVG - LAX
1 stop23h 30mAir China
Deal found 3/26$844
Tue 9/310:50 pmLAX - SHA
1 stop24h 40mAir China
Tue 10/153:45 pmSHA - LAX
1 stop19h 45mAir China
Deal found 3/27$844

One-way flights to China

Explore one-way flight options to China for greater flexibility in your travel plans. Find up-to-date pricing and availability for one-way flights. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 3,238,496 searches and data was last updated on March 27, 2024.
Choose from one of these one-way flights departing to China. Those seeking round-trip flights to China should utilize the search form at the the top of the page.
Tue 4/911:00 amSEA - CAN
1 stop21h 55mHainan Airlines
Deal found 3/26$505
Tue 4/911:15 pmLAX - PVG
1 stop23h 35mSichuan Airlines
Deal found 3/26$464
Fri 4/511:15 pmLAX - PEK
1 stop24h 00mSichuan Airlines
Deal found 3/27$473

Direct flights to China

Tue 4/1612:30 pmLAX - PVG
Nonstop13h 40mChina Eastern
Thu 6/131:05 pmPVG - LAX
Nonstop12h 00mChina Eastern
Deal found 3/26$1,342
Thu 4/412:30 pmLAX - PVG
Nonstop13h 40mChina Eastern
Wed 4/171:05 pmPVG - LAX
Nonstop12h 00mChina Eastern
Deal found 3/26$1,343
Thu 4/412:30 pmLAX - PVG
Nonstop13h 40mChina Eastern
Wed 4/171:05 pmPVG - LAX
Nonstop12h 00mChina Eastern
Deal found 3/26$1,344
Tue 4/3012:30 pmLAX - PVG
Nonstop13h 40mChina Eastern
Mon 5/201:05 pmPVG - LAX
Nonstop12h 00mChina Eastern
Deal found 3/26$1,346
Thu 4/1812:30 pmLAX - PVG
Nonstop13h 40mChina Eastern
Thu 5/21:05 pmPVG - LAX
Nonstop12h 00mChina Eastern
Deal found 3/26$1,358
Tue 4/912:30 pmLAX - PVG
Nonstop13h 40mChina Eastern
Fri 4/191:05 pmPVG - LAX
Nonstop12h 00mChina Eastern
Deal found 3/26$1,365
Tue 4/912:30 pmLAX - PVG
Nonstop13h 40mChina Eastern
Tue 4/231:05 pmPVG - LAX
Nonstop12h 00mChina Eastern
Deal found 3/27$1,368
Thu 4/1812:30 pmLAX - PVG
Nonstop13h 40mChina Eastern
Thu 5/21:05 pmPVG - LAX
Nonstop12h 00mChina Eastern
Deal found 3/27$1,371
Tue 4/1612:30 pmLAX - PVG
Nonstop13h 40mChina Eastern
Tue 5/71:05 pmPVG - LAX
Nonstop12h 00mChina Eastern
Deal found 3/26$1,377

Find flights to China within your budget

Locate flights to China that fit your budget, with regularly updated fares and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 3,238,496 searches and data was last updated on March 27, 2024.

Fly from

Any airport

Budget

$831 - $902

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Los AngelesShanghai Pu Dong

LAX - PVG

LAXPVG

Los Angeles

Mon 4/8

1 stop19h 50m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Mon 5/20

1 stop18h 50m

$831

Los AngelesShanghai Hongqiao Intl

LAX - SHA

LAXSHA

Los Angeles

Wed 4/10

1 stop23h 30m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Fri 4/19

1 stop20h 30m

$831

Los AngelesShanghai Pu Dong

LAX - PVG

LAXPVG

Los Angeles

Tue 4/9

1 stop23h 35m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Thu 4/18

1 stop40h 55m

$843

Seattle/Tacoma IntlShanghai Pu Dong

SEA - PVG

SEAPVG

Seattle/Tacoma Intl

Sun 9/22

1 stop18h 40m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Tue 10/15

1 stop14h 40m

$867

Los AngelesShanghai Pu Dong

LAX - PVG

LAXPVG

Los Angeles

Wed 4/10

2 stops33h 30m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Fri 4/19

1 stop21h 05m

$896

Seattle/Tacoma IntlShanghai Pu Dong

SEA - PVG

SEAPVG

Seattle/Tacoma Intl

Sat 4/20

1 stop31h 50m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Fri 5/3

1 stop36h 55m

$896

Los AngelesShanghai Pu Dong

LAX - PVG

LAXPVG

Los Angeles

Sun 4/28

1 stop22h 10m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Sun 5/26

1 stop27h 45m

$902

Flights are sorted by cheapest first

Deals found on 3/26

Average price of flights to China by month

Plan your trip to China by taking into account the cheapest months to travel. The average price of a one-way flight to China is currently $481 while a round-trip flight costs $867. Price data was last updated on March 24, 2024.

Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to China (average of $1,220). Flying to China in June will prove the most costly (average of $2,041). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

January

$1,259

February

$1,220

March

$1,238

April

$1,414

May

$1,643

June

$2,041

July

$2,030

August

$1,694

September

$1,426

October

$1,566

November

$1,547

December

$1,752

Peak Season:

The peak domestic travel seasons, when the Chinese travel, include Chinese New Year, Labor Day, and National Day. The New Year occurs in January/February. The Labor Day and National Day dates vary, but are around May 1 and October 1. Hong Kong’s high season is October through December. Despite the heat and humidity, summer is the peak season to book flights to China for a tour of Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Off Season:

Hong Kong’s off seasons are summer and winter. Conventions and trade fairs, however, book the best hotels, particularly in March and April. Winter in Beijing and Shanghai is the off season, and hotels offer substantial discounts. The best time to visit is autumn when the weather is gorgeous and there are few tourists.

Temperature and rainfall in China by month

Plan your trip to China by taking into account the average temperature and rainfall totals by month.

CAN

Temperature

57.2 - 82.4 °F

If weather is an important factor for your trip to China, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 82.4 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 57.2 F).

When is the best time to book a flight to China?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight to China. Price data was last updated on January 28, 2024.

You’ll find the best time to book flights to China vary quite a bit, depending where you plan to visit. Wherever the destination, you should aim to secure your flight tickets at least 3 to 4 months in advance (or even earlier if you can). If you’re on a budget then definitely avoid special events and festivals as these will see the price of your flight tickets increase dramatically. Autumn is a great time to visit and you’ll find cheap flights to China are easier to come by, especially if you do some planning in advance. Flexibility is the key to finding the cheapest flights to China, so if you can pick and choose virtually any major destination on almost any date, you should be able to find some great deals.

Search Deals

Reviews of airlines servicing China

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to China. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to China. Reviews last updated March 27, 2024.
Read through reviews of airlines servicing China, such as Japan Airlines, XiamenAir and Air China. Reviews also offer insight into each airline's entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
8.5
Very good
1,240 reviews

Food

8.2

Comfort

8.3

Crew

8.8

Overall

8.5

Boarding

8.6

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 10

I went to airport at 8;30 pm really to check in but they didn’t let me go they said my ticket had problems …I confused asked them check out to office help me please but they said they can’t ! beg them help😭They told me if want to fly now need buy another ticket $ 3585 or want go tomorrow $1889 OMG it’s terrible I cried and asked them could you help me find another ticket cheaper I need to go back home on time he stand up said NO if you want cheap go buy another plane ✈️ I did ! I bought ticket of American Airlines is $980 ! I came home now ! Please 🙏 check out about my problems it’s terrible for travelers! I am so tired and very disappointed ! Own business in USA 🇺🇸 I understand how to take care of customer services it’s very important ! Please 🙏 check out on them be fair for customer satisfaction ! By that time I spoke with them Vietnamese language and English too but they try to making money 💴 from me it’s very poor! So sad 😭 for vacation! Please 🙏

8.5
Very good
1,240 reviews
8.5
Very good
1,240 reviews

Food

8.2

Comfort

8.3

Crew

8.8

Overall

8.5

Boarding

8.6

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 10

I went to airport at 8;30 pm really to check in but they didn’t let me go they said my ticket had problems …I confused asked them check out to office help me please but they said they can’t ! beg them help😭They told me if want to fly now need buy another ticket $ 3585 or want go tomorrow $1889 OMG it’s terrible I cried and asked them could you help me find another ticket cheaper I need to go back home on time he stand up said NO if you want cheap go buy another plane ✈️ I did ! I bought ticket of American Airlines is $980 ! I came home now ! Please 🙏 check out about my problems it’s terrible for travelers! I am so tired and very disappointed ! Own business in USA 🇺🇸 I understand how to take care of customer services it’s very important ! Please 🙏 check out on them be fair for customer satisfaction ! By that time I spoke with them Vietnamese language and English too but they try to making money 💴 from me it’s very poor! So sad 😭 for vacation! Please 🙏

8.5
Very good
986 reviews
8.5
Very good
1,240 reviews

Food

8.2

Comfort

8.3

Crew

8.8

Overall

8.5

Boarding

8.6

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 10

I went to airport at 8;30 pm really to check in but they didn’t let me go they said my ticket had problems …I confused asked them check out to office help me please but they said they can’t ! beg them help😭They told me if want to fly now need buy another ticket $ 3585 or want go tomorrow $1889 OMG it’s terrible I cried and asked them could you help me find another ticket cheaper I need to go back home on time he stand up said NO if you want cheap go buy another plane ✈️ I did ! I bought ticket of American Airlines is $980 ! I came home now ! Please 🙏 check out about my problems it’s terrible for travelers! I am so tired and very disappointed ! Own business in USA 🇺🇸 I understand how to take care of customer services it’s very important ! Please 🙏 check out on them be fair for customer satisfaction ! By that time I spoke with them Vietnamese language and English too but they try to making money 💴 from me it’s very poor! So sad 😭 for vacation! Please 🙏

8.4
Very good
1,617 reviews
8.5
Very good
1,240 reviews

Food

8.2

Comfort

8.3

Crew

8.8

Overall

8.5

Boarding

8.6

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 10

I went to airport at 8;30 pm really to check in but they didn’t let me go they said my ticket had problems …I confused asked them check out to office help me please but they said they can’t ! beg them help😭They told me if want to fly now need buy another ticket $ 3585 or want go tomorrow $1889 OMG it’s terrible I cried and asked them could you help me find another ticket cheaper I need to go back home on time he stand up said NO if you want cheap go buy another plane ✈️ I did ! I bought ticket of American Airlines is $980 ! I came home now ! Please 🙏 check out about my problems it’s terrible for travelers! I am so tired and very disappointed ! Own business in USA 🇺🇸 I understand how to take care of customer services it’s very important ! Please 🙏 check out on them be fair for customer satisfaction ! By that time I spoke with them Vietnamese language and English too but they try to making money 💴 from me it’s very poor! So sad 😭 for vacation! Please 🙏

8.3
Very good
1,467 reviews
8.5
Very good
1,240 reviews

Food

8.2

Comfort

8.3

Crew

8.8

Overall

8.5

Boarding

8.6

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 10

I went to airport at 8;30 pm really to check in but they didn’t let me go they said my ticket had problems …I confused asked them check out to office help me please but they said they can’t ! beg them help😭They told me if want to fly now need buy another ticket $ 3585 or want go tomorrow $1889 OMG it’s terrible I cried and asked them could you help me find another ticket cheaper I need to go back home on time he stand up said NO if you want cheap go buy another plane ✈️ I did ! I bought ticket of American Airlines is $980 ! I came home now ! Please 🙏 check out about my problems it’s terrible for travelers! I am so tired and very disappointed ! Own business in USA 🇺🇸 I understand how to take care of customer services it’s very important ! Please 🙏 check out on them be fair for customer satisfaction ! By that time I spoke with them Vietnamese language and English too but they try to making money 💴 from me it’s very poor! So sad 😭 for vacation! Please 🙏

8.3
Very good
1,007 reviews
8.5
Very good
1,240 reviews

Food

8.2

Comfort

8.3

Crew

8.8

Overall

8.5

Boarding

8.6

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 10

I went to airport at 8;30 pm really to check in but they didn’t let me go they said my ticket had problems …I confused asked them check out to office help me please but they said they can’t ! beg them help😭They told me if want to fly now need buy another ticket $ 3585 or want go tomorrow $1889 OMG it’s terrible I cried and asked them could you help me find another ticket cheaper I need to go back home on time he stand up said NO if you want cheap go buy another plane ✈️ I did ! I bought ticket of American Airlines is $980 ! I came home now ! Please 🙏 check out about my problems it’s terrible for travelers! I am so tired and very disappointed ! Own business in USA 🇺🇸 I understand how to take care of customer services it’s very important ! Please 🙏 check out on them be fair for customer satisfaction ! By that time I spoke with them Vietnamese language and English too but they try to making money 💴 from me it’s very poor! So sad 😭 for vacation! Please 🙏

Where are the most popular flight destinations in China?

Shanghai is the most popular flight destination in China. Other popular destinations include Beijing, Guangzhou, Fuzhou and Chengdu.

China Travel Guide

China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a recorded history dating back 5,000 years. It’s most famous national treasures are almost as old. The Great Wall was first built in the 7th century, the Terra-Cotta Warriors were buried in 210BC, and Suzhou, China’s Venice, is 2,500 years old. In recent years, China has been modernizing at breakneck speed, and more and more airlines have been offering airline tickets to China for both business and leisure travelers.

China’s neon-bathed cities—Beijing and Shanghai in particular, but Hong Kong too—are the destinations to seek for the best in new design, restaurants, bars, shops, galleries and hotels.

Outside the cities, nature reserves and national parks show China’s diversity of landscapes. From plateaus and mountains in the west to lower lands in the east and huge rivers, the landscapes provide habitats for its animals, most famously the Wolong Nature Preserve—China’s largest panda reserve.

China boasts a mouthwatering variety of food; in the south rice and prawns, in the west spicy lamb, and in the north, duck. More than a country, China is a feast for the senses.

Find a cheap flight to China and start exploring one of the most unique countries in the world. Some of the greatest thinkers and philosophers of our time originated from China, and many of their ancient beliefs are still practiced around the world today. Still, the country is modernizing at a faster-than-usual pace. It’s likely on your plane ride to China that most of the items keeping travelers occupied during the flight were produced and manufactured there.

In 1949 the Communist Party took control of China, which then became the People’s Republic of China. Today, the country boasts more of everything than one can possibly imagine. First time travelers booking airline tickets to China will revel in China’s imperial landscape, including: The Great Wall, the Yangtze River, the Silk Road, Tiananmen Square, and 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Step off your flight to China and step into a world where anything is possible. Thanks to the millions of travelers who book trips to China every year, whether for business or pleasure, China remains one of the world’s greatest travel destinations.

Getting to and around China

Hong-Kong:

The Airport Express is the quickest and easiest method of transport to get you to the city from the airport, taking around 25 minutes and running as often as every 10 minutes. The only other way would be to hail a taxi outside the airport, but these can get very expensive—especially if you have a lot of baggage—as the price increases with each bag you have.

Shanghai:

The airport is about 19 miles away from downtown and there are a variety of different transport options from which to choose. First is the bus service. There are around 10 different airport buses that provide routes to the city; however buses in Shanghai can be very crowded and often difficult to understand without prior experience. Another option is the train which operates most of the day and only takes 8 minutes. It’s fast and hassle-free once you’ve got your bearings about where to disembark. Don’t get this confused with Subway Line 2, which also goes to the city but requires you to change over to a different shuttle during the journey.

Taxis are another option and are relatively popular for traveling throughout Shanghai, however, you might find it easier to take a train to and from the airport, and then rely on taxis for any transportation throughout the city.

Flying is the best way to cover large distances in China. With more than 470 airports and international and regional carriers, China flights are frequent and reduced fares are available.

Buses sometimes provide faster service than trains. Trains range in service from express with all the services to slower and no-frills options.

Foreign visitors are allowed to drive only within the city limits of Beijing and Shanghai and in Hong Kong. But few visitors feel renting a car is worth the hassle and headache of driving in Chinese traffic; not to mention trying to park.

Major cities have an abundance of taxis and public transportation systems. Taxis tend to be inexpensive and popular with visitors. Hong Kong’s public transportation is excellent and includes ferries, the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), Light Rail Transit, and double-decker buses. Shanghai’s and Beijing’s subways provide fast transport around town and are crowded during rush hour.

Bicycling is popular in Beijing and Shanghai, but watch out for traffic! In Hong Kong and Xi’an cycling is considered suicidal in the more heavily trafficked areas.

Tips for your stay in China

  • China’s official currency is the yuan, which is divided into 10 chaio or jiao or 100 fen. You can only exchange yuan within China’s borders, so make sure you change all your money back before leaving. You can change money and traveler’s checks (preferably in US dollars) at the Bank of China, which is closed on weekends. Major credit cards are usually accepted in large cities, but outside the cities acceptance is limited. ATMs are hard to find outside of a major city. Friendship Stores accept most western currencies.
  • Americans need a passport and visa to enter China.
  • China has hundreds of local dialects, but the country’s official language is Mandarin Chinese.
  • A capitalist enclave in Communist China, Hong Kongis an Asian financial center and a mix of Western and Asian cultures. Hong Kong Island is action-central for finance, luxury shopping, and nightlife; with beaches just a bus ride away. Kowloon has a whirlwind of shopping choices and most of the historic sights. The New Territories boast lush parks, walks, and gardens.
  • An intriguing mix of new and old, Beijingis a modern capital city. Many travelers use their Beijing hotel as a starting point for their travels. Here you can visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and sections of the Great Wall of China. The nightlife is diverse with offerings ranging from opera to acrobatics, clubs, and karaoke.
  • The largest city in the world, Shanghai, is best known for bustling commercial activity, but there is a lot to explore. Be sure to visit the Shanghai Museum, Bund (waterfront promenade), YuYuan Garden, and colonial neighborhoods. A shopper’s and a gourmet’s delight, Shanghai has shops everywhere and restaurants with all styles of Chinese food and international cuisines. The nightlife is alive again with performances, nightclubs, and bars, and you’ll only be a stumble away from your Shanghai hotel.
  • Once the only city foreigners were allowed to visit in China, Guangzhouis the economic center of the Pearl River Delta. A modern city, Guangzhou has over 150 historical sites including the Nanyue King Mausoleum, Chen family temple, Guangzhou Bowuguan, Six Banyan Temple, and Shamian Island, and plenty of Guangzhou hotels within walking distance to top attractions. The city is also famous for embroidery, local opera, and food.
  • An imperial capital for 2,000 years, Xi’anhas a fascinating history, elements of which can be seen in the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, Banpo Site, Goose Pagodas, Bell and Drum towers, Ming city walls, Da Qingzhensi and ancient architecture. Shopping the outdoor antiques market is also a popular activity. A prosperous city with a large student population, Xi’an has a lively nightlife.
  • What’s the weather like in China?

    China is a very large country, with climates ranging from tropical and subtropical in the south to subarctic in the north and the Himalayan mountain range. The southern coast has heavy rains, with lighter rains in the west. The monsoon season lasts from July through September and affects the southern coasts. The north has warm, dry days and cool evenings while the south has cooler but more humid days.

  • How long is the flight to China?

    China has quite a few popular cities, and flight time depends exactly where you’re going. On a flight landing at Beijing Capital International Airport, the busiest in the country, you’re looking at a flight time of about 12 hours from Los Angeles, 14 hours from Chicago and just over 16 hours from New York.

  • Which airlines fly to China?

    It’s easy to find flights to China, as American, Delta and United Airlines all fly there directly. Other airlines with direct flights from the United States to China are Hawaiian Airlines and Air China. Looking for flights from an international location? Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Swiss are a few of your many options.

  • What should you pack for a flight to China?

    Your destination in China and the time of year play a large role in what you bring clothing-wise, because the climate can vary quite a bit. Comfortable shoes are a must, and t-shirts, slacks, jeans and jackets are versatile choices. For colder times of year, make sure you have a heavy sweater or coat, especially if you’re visiting northern China. Don’t forget a power convertor to charge your electronic devices, as China has a 220-volt electrical system.

  • What are some things to do in China?

    You don’t need to worry about running out of things to see in China, as the country has so many amazing attractions that it’s impossible to visit them all in a single trip. The Great Wall has stood for thousands of years and may be China’s most legendary landmark, so it’s worth your time to check it out and experience a significant piece of Chinese history. If you’re in the Henan Province, pay a visit to the Shaolin Monastery, where you’re greeted by an enormous statue of a Shaolin monk. You have the option of a guided tour or exploring the temple on your own. Don’t miss one of the exciting kung fu shows to see dazzling martial arts feats. Right at the center of Beijing lies the Forbidden City, which is an imperial palace that was in use for almost 500 years. It’s closed on Mondays, but on any other day you can take a tour, check out historic items and see where China’s royal families once lived. Animal lovers should make sure to visit Chengdu, one of the largest cities in China. While it has a lively downtown area, the must-see attraction there is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. You don’t just get to see giant pandas – you can cuddle with one of the babies. It’s as adorable as it sounds, and the best time to go is weekday mornings. There’s less of a crowd, and pandas tend to be active in the morning before napping in the afternoon.

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