Best Route to Go to China Right Now: Top Entry Cities in 2025

With many direct international flights to cities across China, traveling to China for your tour is easier than ever. Major entry points like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen welcome daily flights from around the world. Southern and southwestern cities, along with key Asian transportation hubs, offer more options for budget-friendly travel or convenient connections from Southeast Asia.

Getting to China is hassle-free, and the visa-free transit policy makes short visits even more accessible. Explore the best ways to reach China in 2025 through these top entry cities.

Major Entry Cities for Traveling to China

There are international travel hubs all over China with direct flight connections to cities around the world. Beijing and Shanghai are the most common entry cities and best places to visit in China, but other tier-1 cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, as well as Hong Kong, are convenient for international travelers to reach.

Major cities in southern and southwestern China offer more options for travelers arriving from Southeast Asia. Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, and Chongqinq are top choices, and with China's vast domestic transportation network, it is easy to travel to any part of the country after you arrive.

Connecting flights from Seoul, Tokyo, and Singapore make almost every part of China easy to reach. If you don’t mind a stopover, you can arrive in any region of the country.

8 Days Classic Golden Triangle China Tour to Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai

Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai

Top Choices: Beijing & Shanghai with the Most Direct International Flight

China’s capital, Beijing, is one of the most accessible cities in the country and a major gateway for international travelers. Beijing Capital Airport has direct flight connections to 53 countries through 83 flight routes. You can arrive in Beijing on non-stop flights from the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia. Once you’re there, domestic flights and high-speed rail connections can take you anywhere in the country.

Shanghai’s two international airports, Pudong and Hongqiao, directly connect China with 43 countries through over 100 different flight routes. Arrive in Shanghai from North America, Europe, the Middle East, or Asia, and not only can you see China’s most dynamic city, but major destinations in the Yangtze River Delta, including Suzhou and Hangzhou, are no more than an hour away by high-speed train.

Arrive in Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Alternative Entry Cities for International Travelers: Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen

South China is a populous and vibrant region offering more convenient choices for travelers. Hong Kong has long been an international gateway to China. It is easy to reach with 100 routes connecting it to 43 different countries as far away as the US, UK, and Africa. After arriving, you can transfer to Mainland cities by flight, train, or ferry with simple and smooth border crossings.

Guangzhou is the gem of the south and gateway to the Pearl River Delta region. Baiyun International Airport has direct flight connections with 43 countries along 72 routes and is one of the best cities in which to experience Cantonese culture and cuisine.

Shenzhen is a glittering symbol of China’s development. Over the last 45 years, it has rapidly transformed from a village of 30,000 people to one of the top cities in China with a thriving tech sector. Bao'an International Airport connects China with far-flung countries like Mexico, France, South Africa, and all major Southeast Asian Countries.

Guangdong cuisin culture.

Best Entry Cities from Southeast Asia: Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, Chongqing

Major cities in south and southwestern China have great flight options for arriving from Southeast Asia. Chengdu is the major transportation hub of Southwest China. Tianfu International Airport has direct flights from North America, Australia, and Europe, as well as Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. With 2-3 flight times, it’s within easy reach of China’s southern neighbors.

Guilin is home to incredible natural wonders like the Li River, Longji Rice Terraces, and Reed Flute Cave. It’s not a major transportation hub, but it can be reached from Kuala Lumpur as well as from cities around China.

Kunming is known as a ‘Spring City’ for its warm climate. It’s also the capital of Yunnan Province and the gateway to the region's unique geography and ethnic cultures. Flights from 17 countries arrive in Kunming along 24 flight routes. The city is less than two hours from Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, and not much from Cambodia and Nepal.

Chongqing is a unique self-administered megacity next to Sichuan Province. It’s famous for its spicy cuisine and fantastic mountain-river scenery. Direct flights arrive in Chongqing from 14 countries, including popular destinations in Southeast Asia, including Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

24 Days China and Southeast Asia Adventure Ancient Wonders to Exotic Beaches

Beijing - Xian - Lhasa - Chengdu - Shanghai - Saigon - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi

Less Crowded Entry Points to China: Qingdao, Urumqi

The port city of Qingdao, in Shandong Province, is a less crowded entry point to the heart of China. You can fly directly from 14 countries, including the UK, Australia, Singapore, and Thailand. Shandong cuisine includes hearty Chinese staples, and Qingdao is home to the Laoshan Scenic Area and Qingdao Beer Museum.

Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in far Northwestern China. It has a fascinating blend of cultures and is the gateway to the stunning scenery of Xinjiang. Urumqi can be reached from 15 countries, including Turkey, Russia, and many central Asia countries.

Scenery of the Silk Road in Urumqi.

Budget-Friendly Stopovers in Asia Before Entering China: Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore

Choosing a connecting flight through one of Asia’s major travel hubs can help you save on flight costs, and make China only one connection away from almost anywhere in the world. Seoul Incheon International Airport is a popular choice with 37 different routes to various cities in China. You can connect to Sanya in tropical Hainan Island in a little over five hours or reach Beijing or Shanghai in a little more than two.

Narita International Airport in Tokyo has many flight connections to China. Choose from 26 different flight routes to quickly reach Shanghai in 3h 40m, Beijing in 4h 25m, or Chengdu, 6h 5m away.

Singapore has positioned itself as a major hub in the region and maintains strong connections with China. 31 flight routes reach all the major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Flight times range between three hours to Sanya and almost seven hours to Shenyang.

Singapore Merlion.

Helpful Tips for Choosing the Best Route to China

- Travelers from 54 countries can take advantage of the 240-hour visa-free transit. If you are connecting through China to a third country, you can travel China visa-free for 10 days, visiting 24 major cities and provinces.
- China’s Golden Week, during the National Day holiday from October 1st to 7th, is an incredibly busy time for travel in the country. If you plan on visiting China around that time, schedule your travel dates before or after that week.
- Southern China, including Guilin and Yunnan, is a good choice during winter. The warmer conditions make for more pleasant travel. Northern cities, including Beijing, are best to visit during autumn.
- Major Western websites such as Google and WhatsApp are not accessible in China. Download and install a VPN to stay connected while traveling.
- Mobile payment is the most common payment method in China. Download and install Alipay International to link your credit card and pay for things easily during your trip.
- Google Translate and Apple Live Text are convenient translation apps that can help bridge any communication barriers you might encounter.

10 Days China Tour to Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Shanghai

Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Yangshuo - Shanghai

Conclusion

Exploring China’s deep history and rich culture is easier than ever before. The expanding modern transportation infrastructure has opened up many new routes for travelers. Major airports in key gateway cities will take you to the most iconic places around China, and new routes provide convenient access from a range of departure points for your China tours. Combined with budget-friendly stopovers in nearby countries, there are perfect choices for every type of traveler.

Contact us to help you choose the best route to go to China and tailor-make your own China trip based on your interests.