Flights to China: Routes, Airlines, Fares, and What You Need to Know
A practical guide to booking flights to China — airports in Beijing, Shanghai, and beyond, which airlines fly there, typical fares, visa requirements, and booking tips.
China has one of the world’s largest aviation markets, with massive airports, dozens of domestic carriers, and growing international connectivity. But booking flights to China involves some unique considerations — from choosing between Beijing’s two airports to navigating visa requirements and understanding which carriers offer the best value.
Major airports in China
Beijing Capital International (PEK)
Beijing’s original international airport. One of the busiest in the world. Hub for Air China. Three terminals (T3 is the international terminal). Most legacy international carriers still operate from PEK.
Beijing Daxing International (PKX)
Beijing’s newer airport, opened in 2019. Located 46 km south of the city center. Hub for China Southern and China Eastern’s Beijing operations. Some international carriers have moved here. Star-shaped terminal designed by Zaha Hadid.
Important: Check which Beijing airport your flight uses. PEK and PKX are 70+ km apart — a mistake means missing your flight.
Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)
Shanghai’s primary international airport. Hub for China Eastern. Handles virtually all long-haul international flights to Shanghai. Two terminals with a third under construction.
Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA)
Shanghai’s domestic and regional airport. Closer to the city center than Pudong. Primarily domestic flights plus some short-haul Asian routes (Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei).
Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN)
Hub for China Southern Airlines. Gateway to South China. Growing international route network, particularly to Southeast Asia, Australia, and Africa.
Other major airports
- Chengdu Tianfu (TFU): New mega-airport for western China
- Shenzhen (SZX): Gateway to the Pearl River Delta tech hub
- Hong Kong (HKG): Technically a Special Administrative Region; separate visa rules apply
Airlines and routes to China
From the US
| Route | Airlines | Typical economy fare |
|---|---|---|
| JFK → PEK | Air China | $500-1,100 |
| LAX → PVG | China Eastern, China Southern, United | $450-1,000 |
| SFO → PEK | Air China, United | $500-1,100 |
| SFO → PVG | China Eastern, United | $450-1,000 |
| ORD → PEK | Air China, United | $500-1,100 |
| SEA → PVG | Delta | $500-1,000 |
Nonstop flights: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and United are the primary operators of nonstop US-China flights. The route network has fluctuated in recent years — check current schedules as airlines frequently adjust frequencies.
Connecting options: Korean Air (via Seoul Incheon), ANA/JAL (via Tokyo), Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), and EVA Air (via Taipei) offer competitive connecting fares that are often cheaper than nonstop options.
From Europe
| Route | Airlines | Typical economy fare |
|---|---|---|
| LHR → PEK | Air China, British Airways | €400-900 |
| CDG → PVG | China Eastern, Air France | €400-900 |
| FRA → PEK | Air China, Lufthansa | €400-850 |
| AMS → PVG | China Eastern, KLM | €400-850 |
From Asia
Massive route networks connect China to the rest of Asia. Domestic Chinese carriers and regional airlines operate hundreds of daily flights between China and Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and India.
When flights to China are cheapest
Cheapest months: March-April and September-November (excluding Golden Week in early October). Fares from the US West Coast can drop to $450-600 round trip.
Most expensive: Chinese New Year (January/February — dates shift annually), summer (July-August), Golden Week (first week of October). Fares can spike to $1,200-1,800+.
Chinese New Year is the most expensive period. It’s the world’s largest annual human migration. Book 4-6 months ahead if you must travel during this period.
Golden Week (Oct 1-7) is the second major spike. Domestic travel within China explodes, and international fares increase as outbound Chinese tourism peaks.
Tips for booking flights to China
Korean and Japanese carriers offer great value as connecting options. Korean Air via Incheon or ANA/JAL via Tokyo often price $100-300 below nonstop options and the connection adds only 3-5 hours to total travel time. The hub airports are excellent.
Check both Beijing airports. Fares into PKX can differ significantly from PEK on the same dates.
Shanghai Pudong vs. Beijing — choose based on your itinerary. Don’t default to Beijing if your trip is focused on eastern or southern China. Shanghai may be a better gateway with cheaper domestic connections.
Hong Kong as a gateway. Flying into Hong Kong (separate visa-free entry for many nationalities) and connecting to mainland China can sometimes be cheaper and logistically simpler, especially for first-time visitors.
Book domestic Chinese flights separately. Internal China flights on carriers like Air China, China Eastern, and Hainan Airlines are very affordable ($50-150 one-way). Book these separately rather than as part of your international itinerary for better prices.
Visa requirements
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter mainland China. The process varies by nationality:
- US citizens: Must apply for a visa at a Chinese consulate or visa center. Transit without visa (TWOV) is available for up to 144 hours in certain cities if you’re transiting to a third country.
- UK/EU citizens: Similar visa requirements. Some nationalities have been granted trial visa-free entry — check current policies.
- Hong Kong and Macau: Separate entry rules. US, UK, and many other nationalities can enter visa-free for 7-90 days depending on nationality.
Visa policies for China change frequently. Always verify current requirements before booking.
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