Planning a trip to China? Whether you’re dreaming of walking the Great Wall, meeting pandas in Chengdu, or exploring high-speed Shanghai, your journey begins in the skies. Booking for the right flight can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time travelers or families. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before booking your flight to China: the best airports to fly into, top airlines, when to book for the best fares, family travel tips, and important entry requirements. Aim to help you take off with confidence.

Best Time to Book Flights to China

For international travelers, the best time to book flights to China is 2 to 4 months in advance. Please avoid peak travel periods such as Chinese New Year (Jan or Feb), Golden Week (First week of Oct), Mid-Autumn Festival (Late Sep or early Oct), and Summer Break (Late June to August).

Major Entry Cities and Airports in China

When flying to China, choosing the right airport can help you start your trip smoothly and get you closer to your desired destinations. Here are the main international gateways to consider.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) & Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Beijing is China’s capital with two major airports. PEK Airport is older and the busiest transfer hub, while PKX Airport opened more recently and is expanding international flights. It’s a great starting point for exploring northern China.

PEK Airport: The airport is located about 25 km northeast of downtown Beijing. You can find the Airport Express Line connects Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 with Dongzhimen Station in central Beijing. From Dongzhimen, you can transfer to Beijing’s subway lines. The ride takes about 20–25 minutes and costs around ¥25 (~$4).

PKX Airport: The airport is located about 46 km south of the city center. There is a Daxing Airport Express subway line that connects PKX to Caoqiao Station on Line 10 of the Beijing Subway, taking about 20 minutes. From Caoqiao, you can transfer to other subway lines to reach central Beijing. The fare is approximately ¥25.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) & Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

PVG Airport is the main international gateway to China’s largest city and financial hub. It is a great base for exploring eastern China or continuing on to nearby water towns. SHA airport is closer to the city center and has more flights for domestic travel.

PVG Airport: There are two ways to get to the city center. You can either take the Maglev Train plus Metro Transfer or just take the Metro Line 2 directly. The Maglev Train takes you only 7 minutes to Longyang Road Station, with a round trip costing ¥80. It will save you around 30 minutes. If you take Metro Line 2, it will take you around 60–70 minutes with the cost of ¥7.

SHA Airport: You can take either Metro Line 2 or Line 10. Line 10 will led you to major stops like South Shaanxi Road, Xintiandi, and People Square around 30  minutes (¥5). Line 2 will take you to places like Jing’an, People’s Square, and Lujiazui around 30  minutes (¥5).

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Major hub for Cathay Pacific and gateway to China, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Excellent transfer options to China, including direct ferries, high-speed trains, and flights. Ideal entry point for travelers exploring Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, or Guangzhou. The Airport Express Train takes you about 24 minutes to Hong Kong Station (Central).

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Guangzhou’s Baiyun Airport serves as a major gateway to Guangdong Province and the Pearl River Delta. It’s a key hub for trade and cultural exchange. Suitable for travelers interested in southern China, Cantonese culture, and quick access to Hong Kong and Macau. Metro Line 3 North Extension takes you about 45–50 minutes to Tianhe or Yuexiu districts.

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)

Chengdu’s new Tianfu Airport is growing as a major international gateway for western China. Perfect for wildlife lovers and foodies, as well as a gateway to scenic southwestern provinces. You can take either the Line 18 express (35 min) or the regular metro (40–50 min) to Chengdu South Railway Station. Transfer to Line 1 (10–20 min) to reach downtown, such as Tianfu Square.

Airlines That Fly to China

Chinese Flagship Carriers

These are the main full-service airlines based in China, offering extensive domestic and international networks.

Air China (CA): Its hubs are located in Beijing Capital and Chengdu. Known for wide international coverage, especially to Europe and North America.

China Eastern Airlines (MU): The main hub is in Shanghai. It has more competitive fares, solid service to Asia-Pacific and the US West Coast.

China Southern Airlines (CZ): Guangzhou and Beijing Daxing is the main hubs. Excellent connectivity in southern China and Southeast Asia.

International Full-Service Airlines

These global carriers are popular for high-quality service, efficient layovers, and comfort.

Cathay Pacific (CX): This Hong Kong Airlines is well known among the global airline companies. Connecting to southern China or a luxury experience with Asian hospitality

Singapore Airlines (SQ): The hub is located in Singapore. Superb in-flight service and smooth transfers to major Chinese cities.

Emirates (EK): Middle East and Europe connections, premium onboard comfort.

Lufthansa (LH): Efficient routes from Europe with reliable service and a business travel focus.

Travel Tips for Long-Haul Flights to China

Whether you’re flying from North America, Europe, or Oceania. A long-haul flight to China typically means 10–15 hours in the air. Here’s how to stay comfortable, healthy, and ready to explore when you land.

• Upgrade to premium economy or business class if comfort is a priority.
• Cabin air is dry; therefore, drink water often. Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol.
• Do simple in-seat stretches to improve circulation and reduce fatigue. Wear loose, breathable clothing and slip-on shoes.
• Try to sleep on the plane based on your arrival time in China and avoid heavy meals or screens right before sleeping.
• If you are traveling with kinds, you may consider flights with shorter layovers and family-friendly airlines (e.g., Singapore Airlines, China Southern).

Visa & Entry Requirements

Before you book your flight, it’s essential to understand China’s visa and entry regulations to ensure a smooth arrival.

• Most international travelers require a visa to enter China.
• Exceptions include citizens from countries with visa-free transit policies or those visiting Hong Kong, Macau, or certain regions like Hainan under special arrangements.
• Tourist visas (L visa) are the most common for family and leisure trips.
• Please check the following to see if you can arrive in China without a visa.  China’s visa-free policy to 38 countries & China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy.
• How Long Does It Take to Get a Chinese Visa? Processing Time & Tips (2025 Guide)

Flying to China is the first exciting step in your journey through this vast country. With the right flight and a little preparation, your arrival will be smooth and stress-free. Need help planning your itinerary after you land? Or need help booking the flight tickets? Contact our travel specialists for tailor-made tours, family packages, and expert guidance!