Are VPNs necessary for China?

Yes, if you want to access your usual email or social media accounts. Purchase and install a reputable travel VPN on your phone and laptop before you land, as many VPN websites are blocked within China.

Which Chinese airline is best for international flights?

Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern are the big three. They are generally reliable and offer competitive prices, but expect a more basic level of service compared to some luxury international carriers.

Finding Cheap Flights to China

To get the best price, book your flights 3 to 4 months in advance using flight aggregators that allow for 'multi-city' searches. Avoid traveling during major Chinese public holidays like Lunar New Year or Golden Week, when prices often triple.

Use Incognito Mode and Aggregators. Always search using your browser's 'Incognito' or 'Private' window to prevent dynamic pricing from tracking your search history. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to track price trends for your specific route.
Leverage Multi-City Searches. Don't just look for round-trip tickets to one city. Search for 'open-jaw' tickets (e.g., fly into Beijing and out of Shanghai). This is often cheaper than returning to your original arrival airport and saves you the cost of a domestic train or flight back to your starting point.
Check Secondary Hubs. Major hubs like Beijing (PEK/PKX) and Shanghai (PVG/SHA) have the most flights, but secondary cities like Chengdu (CTU), Guangzhou (CAN), or Hangzhou (HGH) are sometimes cheaper entry points if you are willing to use a domestic high-speed train to reach your final destination.
Time Your Booking. For international flights to China, set price alerts 6 months out. Book when you see a price drop that hits 15-20% below the average for your route; don't wait for a 'perfect' low that may never come.

Are VPNs necessary for China?: Yes, if you want to access your usual email or social media accounts. Purchase and install a reputable travel VPN on your phone and laptop before you land, as many VPN websites are blocked within China.
Which Chinese airline is best for international flights?: Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern are the big three. They are generally reliable and offer competitive prices, but expect a more basic level of service compared to some luxury international carriers.