Overview
China rewards UK travellers with a vast sweep of experiences — the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, warriors at Xi'an and karst scenery around Guilin. Whether you're heading out for business, study, tourism or to visit family, comparing every fare in one place makes finding the right flight to China quick and simple.
Best time to fly to China
China is huge, so seasons vary by region, but spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are generally the most comfortable, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Summers are hot and humid in the south, while winters are cold in the north. Fares tend to climb around the busy Chinese New Year and the October Golden Week, so travelling either side of these stretches your budget further. Check the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates on your route.
Main gateway cities & airports
The principal gateways for UK travellers are Beijing Capital (PEK) and Beijing Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Guangzhou (CAN), with Chengdu (CTU) and Shenzhen (SZX) also well connected.
Airlines and routes
Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate direct services between London and cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, with a typical flying time of around 10–12 hours. Plenty of one-stop options via Gulf and Asian hubs — often better value — are also worth comparing for your exact dates.
Popular places to visit in China
- Beijing: the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven.
- Shanghai: the Bund waterfront and dazzling modern skyline.
- Xi'an: the world-famous Terracotta Army.
- Guilin & Yangshuo: dramatic karst peaks and river cruises.
- Chengdu: giant pandas and Sichuan cuisine.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to China
- Book roughly a few weeks to a few months ahead for the best value.
- Avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week peaks where you can.
- Compare direct flights against one-stop routes via Gulf or Asian hubs.
- Be flexible with your dates — midweek departures are often cheaper.
Travel essentials
- Visa: most UK travellers need a visa, applied for before travel; a visa-free transit scheme applies at some cities for eligible onward journeys — always check the latest rules before booking.
- Currency: the Chinese yuan / renminbi (CNY); mobile payment apps are widely used.
