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Booking Flights to China
The major entry airports are Beijing (PEK or PKX), Shanghai (PVG for international), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU), and Shenzhen (SZX). All are well-connected from Europe, North America, and Australia.
Disclosure: some links below are affiliate links — if you book through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I'd use myself.
Google Flights — Best for finding cheap fares
Use Google Flights to search and compare prices across airlines. Once you find the best deal, book directly with the airline or through Trip.com.
💡 Use the "Explore" map feature to find cheapest dates — flexible dates save 20–40% on China routes.
Direct with Chinese airlines — Often safest
Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern all have English websites and accept international cards. Their direct routes are often cheaper than booking through aggregators.
⚠️ Tip: Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have lower fares on China routes. Avoid Golden Week holidays (Oct 1–7) — prices triple.
💡 Kat's Money-Saving Tip
Flying into a secondary hub like Chengdu, Kunming, or Xi'an sometimes is 30–50% cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai. These cities are just as magical and make great starting points for exploring China. Worth considering if budget matters.
⚠️ Don't Book Non-Refundable Flights Before Your Visa
If your country needs a visa, wait for approval before booking non-refundable tickets. Even "guaranteed" processing can take longer than expected (I have been there when flying to other countries).
