Cheap flights to China: Beijing and Shanghai fares and when to fly
Real fares to Beijing and Shanghai from London, Frankfurt, New York, Singapore and Sydney: lowest and typical prices, direct flight times and the best seasons.
China is a huge destination with very different climates and trip types, from business and shopping trips to ancient cities and a beach holiday on Hainan. Here is what flights really cost and how to choose a city.
All prices are one-way fares in US dollars from HotTrip search data of October 31, 2026, for departures from November 2026 to March 2027. "Typical" is the median of the lowest fare for each departure date.
What it costs from five cities
- London: from $302 on November 24 (2 stops, to Beijing). Typical price $422. February is cheapest (median $392), December the most expensive ($480). A direct flight from $348 on December 4, 4 dates, with the fastest direct time about 11 hours 10 minutes.
- Frankfurt: from $333 on November 13 (1 stop, to Shanghai). Typical price $434. March is cheapest (median $406), December the most expensive ($482). A direct flight from $372 on November 4, 3 dates, with the fastest direct time 9 hours 30 minutes.
- New York: from $262 on March 1 (2 stops, to Beijing). Typical price $485. November is cheapest (median $455), December the most expensive ($619).
- Singapore: from $110 direct on January 16 (to Shanghai). Typical price $178. January is cheapest (median $116), December the most expensive ($216). There are 52 direct dates, and the fastest direct time is 5 hours 15 minutes.
- Sydney: from $292 on November 9 (1 stop, to Beijing). Typical price $373. February is cheapest (median $331), December the most expensive ($615). A direct flight from $293 on February 6, 2 dates, with a fastest direct time of about 10 hours 20 minutes.
December is the most expensive month from every city, and direct flights are scarce outside Asia.
Where to fly
- Beijing (PEK, PKX): the capital, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
- Shanghai (PVG, SHA): a business and modern metropolis.
- Guangzhou and Shenzhen: trade centers and wholesale markets.
- Harbin: popular for short winter trips and the ice festival.
- Sanya (Hainan): a tropical resort, usually reached with a connection.
Pick the city for the purpose of the trip: shopping, sightseeing, meetings or a beach holiday.
When to fly
- April to May and September to October are the best times for northern and central cities.
- Summer is hot and humid in the south, with many domestic tourists.
- Winter is cold in the north, but the ice festivals in Harbin are worth it, and Hainan is warm.
- Holidays (Lunar New Year and the October Golden Week) raise flight and hotel prices, and transport is packed.
How to find cheaper tickets
- Compare dates in the price calendar of the HotTrip flight search.
- A connection is often cheaper than a direct flight: flights with a layover.
- Book ahead for holiday periods: when to book cheap flights.
- Watch baggage and carry-on: no-baggage fares and carry-on size and weight.
Before you go
Entry rules for China differ by passport and change: visa-free stays, tourist visas and special conditions are possible. Check the current requirements on the official site of the embassy or consulate before you buy. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months, and a proof of accommodation and a return ticket are usually needed. Take out travel insurance.
Practical points: many familiar apps and services are not available in China, and local payment apps are widely used, so prepare payment and taxi apps in advance. Allow extra time for document and baggage checks at the airport.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a flight to Beijing or Shanghai from Singapore?
From $110 one way, direct, to Shanghai on January 16. A typical price is $178.
How long is the flight from London to China?
The fastest direct flight in this data takes about 11 hours 10 minutes to Beijing. With a connection it takes longer.
When is it cheaper to fly to China?
Usually outside holiday periods: in the shoulder season and in winter, except the Lunar New Year. In this data December was the most expensive month from every city.
Which city should I choose for a first trip?
Beijing for history and culture, Shanghai for a modern city and Sanya on Hainan for a beach holiday.
Cover: photo by Mingche Lee on Pexels
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