Flights to China

Your flight time from London to China depends on your destination, but a direct flight should take under 13 hours.

We fly to China from London Heathrow.

Use our low fare finder to discover the cheapest time to visit China. Summer is the most popular time of the year to visit, so book flights in autumn or winter to pay less for your flights while enjoying tourist attractions and activities without the crowds. 

The best time to visit China depends on the region you’d like to visit and the holiday you’re planning. Hot summers and mild winters can be enjoyed in the southern part of the country, while in the north, cooler summers and cold winters await. China hosts many festivals throughout the year, including Lunar New Year between late January and March, so you could plan your trip around them to take part in the festivities. Visit Beijing during ‘tiangao qishuang’, the autumn season, for pleasant temperatures while exploring the city and the rest of Northern China.

With some forward planning you can make your visit to China fit any budget. Look into high-speed trains and buses to travel between your destinations, travel on the metro or catch a licensed taxi when you’re travelling around its cities for cheap fares. Every province is known for its own flavours and delicacies, so take note of where the locals eat and enjoy authentic noodles and dumplings for a reasonable price.

Despite China’s size, it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to get around. From speedy bullet trains covering every corner of the country to buses connecting smaller towns and villages, you won’t have any issues arriving at your destination. Efficient metro systems are in place in Beijing, Shanghai and larger metropolitan areas, and taxis can be hailed on the street. Make sure you write down the name of your hotel and other important information in Chinese, so you can show your taxi driver or ask for directions if you need them. There are also large numbers of rental bikes available to navigate the cities. Car hire is only available to those with a Chinese driving license but in some locations it’s possible to hire a private car with a driver.

There are traces of ancient civilisation everywhere in this country, from the Great Wall of China, and Buddhist shrines to untouched villages. Then there’s the incredible landscapes, from sapphire lakes to deserts and rice terraces. China is the perfect country for historical, cultural and food adventures.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders may require a visa to visit China, depending on how long they stay. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Choose to fly with hand baggage only or pick a price that includes a 23kg checked baggage allowance and free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering and a warm, uniquely British welcome.

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.