How to find cheap flights to China
Lock in a better price on a flight to China by taking off from Delhi Indira Gandhi International, often the most budget-friendly departure option.
Then touch down at Shanghai Pudong to keep your total fare lower.
Keep the month of August free. It's often the cheapest time to visit China.
The lowest price for a one-way flight is ₹ 13,094. A round-trip ticket starts from ₹ 24,904.
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 in July, making it one of the warmest months in China.
Conditions are often coolest around January, with average lows of -9ºC.
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 Centre 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 know the entry rules before you head to the airport. Rules can vary depending on your passport, length of stay and reason for travel. Always check with official sources like your airline or embassy websites.
You'll be using the Chinese yuan (CNY) for your daily spending. Credit and debit cards are only accepted at larger businesses, so having another payment method helps.
Finding an ATM (automatic teller machine) won't be a problem. They're readily available whenever you need to grab some cash.
In China, tipping is not part of standard service culture. The listed price is the final amount.
Plan for moderate Wi-Fi coverage during your trip. You'll be able to get online in many cafes and hotels, but access becomes less reliable beyond main areas.
China has a population of around 1.4 billion. The capital city is Beijing.
Standard time zones in this destination vary, from UTC+6 to UTC+8.
China sits 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. Time your flight to China around occasions like these to experience something beyond the everyday.
Complete your trip with hotels and a car hire
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 hire options in China and compare offers from trusted companies in seconds.
