An epic country on an epic scale, China is a vast landmass brimming with history, culture, and adventure for anyone willing to immerse themselves in a completely different way of life.
Spread out over such a large area, there’s plenty to see and do across China, whether it’s the towering peaks of Tibet, also known as the ‘Roof of the World’, or the bustling streets of the many metropolises such as Shanghai and Hong Kong.
The majority of visitors to China begin their journey in the capital, Beijing, which was showcased on the world stage with the 2008 Olympics.
The city is home to not just some amazing history, such as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, but it’s also extremely modern, with glistening skyscrapers and some of the best street food in the world.
Outside of the main cities, the adventure really kicks off, with beautiful scenery such as the Yellow Mountains and the West Lake and sights such as the Liuhe Pagoda and Lingyin Temple.
And, of course, one of the most famous sights in China is the Great Wall, one of the Wonders of the World.
So, for a truly unforgettable trip of a lifetime, check out our cheap flights to China below, including business class and first class flights too.
5 Things to Know About China
If you’re heading to China, here are five basic things to know before you set off:
Time Difference: UTC+8 hours
Currency: Yuan (¥)
Native Language: Standard Chinese
Weather: Average temperature ranges widely across the country, with a temperature of 81°F during the warmest month (July) and 25°F in the coldest (January) in Beijing, compared to 70°F in the summer and -60°F in the winter of Inner Mongolia.
Sales Tax: 17%, with some lower rates on certain goods.
Flying to China from the US
Here’s everything you’ll need to know when flying to China from the US, including flight times and entry requirements.
Flight Times
With both China and the US being such huge countries, the flight duration can vary widely depending on where you’re flying from and to.
For example, direct flights to Beijing will take around 12-14 hours depending on if you’re flying from the East or West Coast, while Shanghai is 14-16 hours away.
Although you may prefer a quicker flight time, you can save quite a bit of money by option for connecting flights. Feel free to get in touch with one of our travel experts to discuss what will be best for your plans.
Entry Requirements
US citizens travelling to China need to obtain a visa prior to arrival and have a passport with at least six months’ validity remaining.
You can find out more about the type of visa you need and apply for one at the Chinese Embassy website.
Visitors should also note that the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) requires special permits for tourist travel, which can usually be obtained through a Chinese travel agent.
Also important to note is that on arrival in China you must register with the police within 24 hours and you should have your US passport and Chinese visa on you at all times.
Bear in mind that these entry requirements are strictly enforced and could result in heavy fines and/or deportation should they be ignored.
Airlines That Fly to China
The following airlines currently offer direct flights from the USA to China:
- Air China
- American Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines
- China Southern Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Hainan Airlines
- Sichuan Airlines
- United Airlines
- XiamenAir
10 China Must-Dos
There’s so much to see and do in this huge country that you’ll never be able to cram everything in, but here are ten of our must-dos.
- Forbidden City
- Summer Palace
- Terracotta Warriors
- Potala Palace
- Tiananmen Square
- The Bund
- Oriental Pearl Tower
- Great Wall of China
- Temple of Heaven
- Stone Forest
Book Cheap Flights to China with Globehunters
So, to experience the trip of a lifetime and immerse yourself in a completely different culture, check out our cheap flights to China below.
We also have offers on business class and first class flights to China too.