Cheap flights to China from $549

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.