How to find cheap flights to China
Lock in a better price on a flight to China by taking off from Ben Gurion Intl, often the most budget-friendly departure option.
Then touch down at Shanghai Pudong to keep your total fare lower.
Keep the month of November free. It's often the cheapest time to visit China.
The lowest price for a one-way flight is $371. A round-trip ticket starts from $533.
Open to choosing your arrival city based on the lowest fares? Compare the cheapest places to fly into by adding your departure airport, then entering 'China' in the 'To' field.
If you have a destination in mind, select 'Add nearby airports' at the start of your search. This will display flight prices for all nearby arrival airports and could unlock real savings.
Never miss out on a deal by setting a Price Alert. We'll stay on top of it for you, sending notifications when fares go down.
Book ahead of time. You're more likely to find a bargain and a better range of flight options.
The best time to go to China
If you're flexible with your dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the cheapest month or day to fly.
February is one of the busiest months to fly. High season means more happening, but it's rarely the cheapest time to go.
The quietest time to travel is December. Book your plane tickets to China then and enjoy sightseeing at a slower pace.
The weather can influence everything from sightseeing to packing, so choose your season wisely. Maximum temperatures average 28ºC (82ºF) in July, making it one of the warmest months in China.
Conditions are often coolest around January, with average lows of -9ºC (16ºF).
Rainy days are more common in August, while March is typically drier.
Depending on where and when you go, also take into account weather risks like monsoon season and times of extreme heat.
Getting to China
When you're ready to book flights to China, you've got no shortage of arrival airports to choose from. These are some of the busiest:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in Guangzhou
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) in Shanghai
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in Beijing
Here's a summary of the airlines providing the most services to this destination, alongside rough monthly flight figures:
China Eastern — 5,000
China Southern — 4,700
Cathay Pacific — 4,500
Major international hubs including Seoul, Bangkok and Tokyo are common stopover points on flights to China. Your connection (if any) will depend on your airline and departure city, which you can check as you search.
Places to visit in China
Beijing
This city with a population of roughly 12 million belongs at the top of the list of must-visit places.
Make time for classic stops like Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square, among other landmarks.
You'll find plenty of flight deals to China touching down at Beijing's main airport, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) adds more options when searching for lower prices.
Browse the selection of hotels in Beijing and round out your trip with a stay that fits your style and budget.
Shanghai
Take your travels in a new direction in this popular city of around 22 million people.
Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower and The Bund Sightseeing Avenue are the perfect introduction to the highlights.
When deciding where to land, your main options are Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Browse hotels in Shanghai and lock in a stay that fits your travel plans.
Chengdu
Home to about 7.4 million people in Sichuan, this city easily ranks among the best places to visit in China.
Chengdu Contemporary Art Museum, Chengdu New Century Global Center and A Thousand Plateaus Art Space are standout sights to swing by while you're here.
You can arrive through Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), depending on what fits your route best.
Whether you're planning a quick stay or a longer break, hotels in Chengdu offer options for every type of trip.
Good to know
Make sure you're across the entry rules before you fly. Rules can vary depending on your passport and reason for travel. Always check with official sources like your airline, the local embassy or your travel agent.
You'll be using the Chinese yuan (CNY) for everyday spending. Debit and credit cards are only accepted in large businesses, so it's a good idea to have another payment method.
ATMs (automatic teller machines) are commonly found in cities of every size, from smaller areas to larger population centers.
You won't need to leave a tip in China. Tipping isn't the norm as part of regular service.
With low Wi-Fi availability, getting online can be difficult while traveling around. Download what you need (like booking confirmations, maps and key details) when you do have access.
China has a population of roughly 1.4 billion. The capital city is Beijing.
Traveling through this destination can involve crossing into different time zones. Depending on where you are, standard local time ranges from UTC+6 to UTC+8.
China is located in Asia within the Eastern Asia subregion.
Some of the most well-known events on the local calendar include Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival. Line up your flight to China around occasions like these for an experience that moves beyond the must-see list.
Complete your trip with hotels and a car rental
With your cheap ticket to China booked, it's now time to plan the rest of your travels. Discover amazing prices and places to suit every budget across hotels in China. You can also browse car rental options in China and compare offers from trusted companies in seconds.
