UK
Ancient Grandeur Meets Modern Marvels
From imperial palaces and sacred mountains to futuristic skylines and culinary adventures, China offers a vast and varied experience. It’s a top pick for UK travellers seeking history, culture, and epic landscapes.
Air Travel
Direct flights from London to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong take around 10–12 hours. Other cities like Chengdu and Xi’an are accessible via one-stop routes.
Airlines
British Airways, Air China, China Eastern, and Virgin Atlantic offer direct routes. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa provide excellent one-stop options.
Cheap flights to China
China
Ancient Grandeur Meets Modern Marvels
Landmark
Travel Season
- Spring (Apr–Jun) and Autumn (Sep–Nov): Mild weather, ideal for sightseeing
- Summer (Jul–Aug): Hot and humid, great for mountain escapes
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold in the north, festive in cities
Currency & Money Tips
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Cash is still widely used; mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate
- ATMs available in cities; credit cards accepted in hotels and malls
- Exchange money at banks or hotels — avoid street vendors
Connectivity
- Free Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes
- Local SIM cards (China Mobile, China Unicom) available at airports
- VPN required to access Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram
Getting Around
- High-speed trains connect major cities efficiently
- Metro systems in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and more
- Domestic flights for long distances
- Ride-hailing apps: DiDi (Chinese Uber)
Time Zone
- China Standard Time (CST) – GMT+8
Etiquette & Culture
- Respect elders and local customs
- Avoid sensitive political topics
- Dress modestly in religious sites
- Tipping is not customary but appreciated in tourist areas
Top Destinations
- Beijing: History, culture, and imperial grandeur
- Shanghai: Modern skyline and colonial charm
- Xi’an: Ancient capital and Terracotta Army
- Chengdu: Pandas and spicy Sichuan cuisine
- Guilin & Yangshuo: Karst landscapes and river cruises
- Hangzhou & Suzhou: Classical gardens and water towns
- Tibet & Yunnan: Spiritual and ethnic diversity
fastfood Food & Drink
- Must-try: Peking Duck, Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Hotpot, Mapo Tofu, Mooncakes
- Regional cuisines vary widely — from Cantonese to Sichuan
- Tap water isn’t safe to drink — stick to bottled
- Tea culture is rich and ceremonial
personal_bag What to Pack
- Layered clothing for varied climates
- Modest attire for temples
- Power adapter (Type A/C/I plugs)
- VPN app and translation tools
Best Time to Visit
- April–May: Spring blossoms and mild weather
- September–October: Autumn colours and festivals
- Avoid early October: National Day crowds
health_and_safety Safety & Health
- China is generally safe for tourists
- Emergency number: 110 (police), 120 (ambulance)
- Travel insurance is essential
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus; check latest health advice
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Beijing
Book cheap flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham & more UK airports to Beijing. Compare airlines, find direct flights, and discover the best time to travel from the UK to Beijing.