Air:
China’s principal international airports are in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Xi’an and Kunming. There are direct flights between these cities and major European departure points such as Paris, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome, Madrid, and Athens.
| Paris | London | Frankfurt | Amsterdam | Rome | Madrid | Athens | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Shanghai | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Guangzhou | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | |
| Hong Kong | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | |
| Chengdu | √ | √ | √ | √ | |||
| Xi’an | √ | √ | √ | √ | |||
| Kunming | √ |
Some major airlines flying to China:
- Air France www.airfrance.com
- British Airways www.britishairways.com
- KLM www.klm.nl
- Iberia Airlines www.iberia.com
- Air China www.airchina.com.cn
- China Eastern Airlines www.ceair.com
China has an extensive domestic flight network with direct connections between the main tourist cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guilin and Guangzhou. Other regions including Xinjiang, Gansu, Yunnan and Guizhou also have flights to major transportation hubs such as Beijing and Shanghai.
For medium- and long-distance travel in China (i.e. where the distance between the two places exceeds 1,000 km), tourists are recommended to travel by plane, which is comfortable and fast. Tickets can be booked on the airlines’ websites. Some major domestic airlines include:
- Air China www.airchina.com.cn/en-US
- China Eastern Airlines www.ceair.com/
- China Southern Airlines www.csair.com/en/index.shtml
- Hainan Airlines www.hainanairlines.com/US/US/Home
Tips:
- In general, each passenger on a domestic flight enjoys a free checked baggage allowance of 20 kg in economy class, 30 kg in business class, and 40 kg in first class.
- Some cities have two airports, and each airport normally operates both domestic and international flights. Pay attention to which airport you will be using when purchasing tickets.
Beijing: Beijing Capital International Airport http://en.bcia.com.cn/
Beijing Daxing International Airport https://www.bdia.com.cn/#/
Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport https://www.shanghaiairport.com/index_enhqjc.html
Shanghai Pudong International Airport https://www.shanghaiairport.com/index_enpdjc.html
Chengdu: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport http://www.cdairport.com/en/
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport https://www.sctfia.com/EN/
High-speed train:
China’s high-speed trains, also known as bullet trains, are popular for their punctuality, comfort and safety. High speed train is one of the most convenient ways to travel around China.
High Speed Train
Types of High-speed Trains in China:
| Type of Train | In Chinese | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| C/G class | 城际/高铁 | 350km/h |
| D class | 动车 | 250km/h |
Popular Train Routes in China:
| Route | Distance(km) | Type(class) | Duration(hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing-Shanghai | 1,318 | G | 4.5-6 |
| Beijing-Xi’an | 1,075 | G | 4.5-6 |
| Xi’an-Chengdu | 700 | G | 3-4 |
| Shanghai-Hangzhou | 169 | G | 1-1.5 |
| Guangzhou-Hong Kong | 142 | G | 1 |
Seat Classes:
Business Class: Business class is the most luxurious class on high-speed trains in China, and as you would expect, it costs the most. Each row has three seats (2+1), all of which can recline to a horizontal position.
- First Class: With four seats in a row (2+2), first class seats are more spacious and comfortable than second class, but the price is higher.
- Second Class: Second class seats are the most affordable seats on high-speed trains. Each row has 5 seats (2+3) and there is less leg room.
Tips:
- Train tickets should normally be booked 15 days in advance. Passengers can purchase tickets through the official China railway website 12306.cn (in English: https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html). It is recommended to take the train rather than fly for most journeys under 1,000 km.
- Baggage allowance for high-speed trains: The maximum carry-on baggage allowance for each passenger is 20 kg, and the total dimensions (length + width + height) of each item must not exceed 130 cm. Carry-on baggage in excess of the limit is subject to an excess baggage fee and must be checked in.
Ordinary trains:
Ordinary trains have a much longer history in China than high-speed trains. As a result, the facilities are more basic, and the tickets are cheaper. These trains are suitable for budget travellers, especially those who would like to save on the cost of accommodation by taking an overnight sleeper train.
Types of Ordinary Trains in China:
| Type of Train | In Chinese | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Z class(express) | 直达 | 160km/h |
| T class | 特快 | 140km/h |
| K class | 快速 | 120km/h |
Popular Overnight Train Routes in China:
| Route | Distance(km) | Type(class) | Duration(hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing-Xi’an | 1,075 | Z | 12 |
| Beijing-Shanghai | 1,318 | Z | 14.5 |
| D | 12.5 | ||
| Beijing-Guangzhou | 2,300 | Z | 21.5 |
| D | 10.5 | ||
| Xining-Lhass | 1,960 | Z | 21 |
Seat Classes:
Soft sleepers and deluxe soft sleepers are recommended for overnight trains.
- Soft Sleeper: Each soft sleeper compartment has 4 berths (two on each side). Soft sleeper class is comfortable and prices are reasonable.
- Deluxe Soft Sleeper: This is the highest-class sleeper train ticket and it comes at the highest price. Each enclosed compartment contains two berths and a private seating area.
Tips:
- Baggage allowance for ordinary trains: The maximum carry-on baggage allowance for each passenger is 20 kg, and the total dimensions (length + width + height) of each item must not exceed 160 cm. Carry-on baggage in excess of the limit is subject to an excess baggage fee and must be checked in.
- Most cities in China have more than one train station and each station normally has both ordinary trains and high-speed trains. Please pay attention to the specific name of the train station on your ticket and make sure you are going to the right one before setting out. Some of the main stations in major cities are listed below:
Beijing: Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing South Railway Station, Beijing North Railway Station
Xi’an: Xi’an Railway Station, Xi’an North Railway Station
Shanghai: Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Hangzhou: Hangzhou Railway Station, Hangzhou East Railway Station
Chengdu: Chengdu Railway Station, Chengdu East Railway Station
Guangzhou: Guangzhou Railway Station, Guangzhou South Railway Station
Hong Kong: Hung Hom Railway Station, West Kowloon Railway Station
Yangtze River Cruise:
A Yangtze River cruise between Chongqing and Yichang is a popular way to discover China and travel at a slower, more relaxed pace. International-standard cruises offer English-speaking guides and all cabins are equipped with private balconies that allow guests to enjoy the breath-taking river scenery. A variety of cultural activities are offered during the trip, such as morning tai-chi and onshore excursions such as the Three Gorges Dam tour.
- Cruise Highlights: The natural scenery of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges Dam
Xiling Gorge
Three Gorges Dam
- Duration: 4 days for the downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang, 5 days for the upstream cruise from Yichang to Chongqing
- Best time: April to October
Exterior of President Cruise
Rooms of President Cruise
Restaurants of President Cruise
