How long does it take to fly to China?
Flights from Australia to China generally take between 11 and 24h, although this journey time can vary depending on which airline and route you decide to take. It is possible to fly to China from Australia in around 11h if you fly to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) with Qantas Airways or with China Eastern. You can also fly from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Shanghai Airport in around 14h if you book plane tickets with Singapore Airlines. Passengers travelling from Sydney to Shanghai can also fly with ANA or with Malaysia Airlines and can expect to make their arrival around 18h after their departure. If you plan to land at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), you can also fly from Sydney and arrive around 16h after take-off when you fly with China Eastern. For China flights with an equivalent journey time from Melbourne Airport, you can fly with Thai Airways or with Malaysia Airlines. Passengers can also depart from Brisbane Airport (BNE) and arrive in China in around 21h. Most flights from Brisbane to China operate with Air New Zealand and land at Shanghai Airport.
Can you get direct flights to China from Australia?
Non-stop China flights are available from Australia. If you fly from Sydney Airport to Shanghai with China Eastern or with Qantas Airways, you will not need to make any stopovers before you land. Most other flights to China from major Australian airports will involve a single layover before you arrive. On most routes, your stopover destination will vary depending on which airline you book with. If you fly with ANA or with Japan Airlines, from Melbourne or Sydney, you will usually stopover at either Haneda Airport or Narita Airport in Tokyo, Japan, before you continue on to China. Flights with Singapore Airlines, meanwhile, will stopover at Changi Airport in Singapore, and flights with Malaysia Airlines will change over in Kuala Lumpur. You can also expect to change planes at Bangkok Airport in Thailand if you fly with Thai Airways. If you plan to take off from Brisbane Airport, flying with Air New Zealand, your stopover will usually be at Auckland Airport in New Zealand before landing in Shanghai.
What is the best way to travel around China?
China is a vast country with several major cities, making it an extremely exciting location to explore. Travellers heading to China will find a variety of domestic transport options available to them. One great way to travel in China is to make your way around the country by rail. China is known for having efficient rail facilities, even between fairly remote locations, such as the mountain regions. Trains between Chinese cities are also quick and reliable, with ultra-fast bullet trains available between certain destinations. If you are travelling between different regions in China by train, be sure to keep your passport and travel documents to hand as you may need to show these at certain rail checkpoints. Since China is such a huge landmass, it is also sometimes a good idea to fly between destinations. For instance, if you plan to travel between Shanghai and Guangzhou, a flight with China Eastern or China Southern will take just over 2h. Internal flights in China are moderately affordable and shuttle buses are usually available to take passengers from the airport to the city centre.
Does an Australian citizen need a passport or visa to fly to China?
Australians are required to have a valid passport and the correct visa information when planning a trip to China. Applying for a Chinese visa can take around two weeks, so it is a good idea to secure one well in advance of your travel. Passengers can apply for an e-visa, which will grant them access to China for up to 30 days.