Flights to China

Splitting the cost of your flight to China with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) can make your trip more manageable financially. Unlike paying upfront, BNPL allows you to split the cost of your flight tickets into smaller, more budget-friendly instalments.

Many plans offer interest-free payments within a specific timeframe - this can ease budgeting and potentially save your money compared to traditional financing options! Enjoy a stress-free travel experience to China with over 40 ways to pay. We work with payment providers such as Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, Clearpay and PayPal.

China is a country that's huge in basically every way. Its landmass is the world's third-biggest, its population reaches over 1.4 billion and its history stretches back thousands of years. Most tourists visit to see the world-famous Great Wall of China and Forbidden City, but if you're looking for more underrated attractions, visit the Imperial Tea Garden, 798 Art District and rural Southeast China for a surreal travel experience. In Southern and Western China, the landscape is a palette of outstanding mountains, valleys, rivers and plains; however, if you love energetic cities, head to Beijing or Shanghai. Wherever you choose to go in China, you're bound to have a memorable experience!

Did you know that at Alternative Airlines, we ticket over 600 global airlines? This means you can find a flight to China from a departure city of your choice that suits your travel plans. We also have over 40 different ways for you to pay for your flights to China, including flexible Buy Now Pay Later plans and even cryptocurrencies! Book your flights to China today, with routes available to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guilin and Chengdu, among others!

China's capital, Beijing, is a city so large and so alive with energy that anybody can find something to entertain and inspire them on their trip. Beijing has been the capital of China for over 700 years - during this time, it has become a hotspot for its historical landmarks, including The Forbidden City, the Ming Tombs and the Ancient Observatory. Because of these landmarks, it sees over 4 million international visitors a year - no other city in the nation attracts more travellers.

The main entry point into Beijing is Beijing Capital International Airport. Many major airlines serve this airport, including Air China and Hainan Airlines, with the majority of routes taking off from cities in Europe, Asia and North America. If you're considering booking a flight to Beijing, it's worth noting that the best times to visit are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). There are fewer crowds and the weather is comfortable enough to do the essential sightseeing!

If you are searching for affordable flights to China, then Alternative Airlines is the place to be! We offer a variety of methods to make your money go further when you travel:

Payment plans

We are proud to partner with some payment providers which allow you to split the cost of your flights into more manageable payments. Whether you are flying economy on an ultra-low-cost carrier or first class with a premium airline, you can find a plan that suits your needs.

Flying with affordable airlines

Looking to snag a bargain to your favourite destination? The best place to start looking is to identify low-cost airlines that can get you there on the cheap. They will charge extra for baggage and other bonuses you would get for free with a full carrier, but if you are fine travelling light and basic, you'll save yourself a lot of money.

Cheapest day to fly

Knowing when to fly can also contribute to cheaper tickets. We have written a guide for you to be able to identify the right time for you, backed up by real data and expert sources. Read our blog for the trade secrets on the cheapest days to buy flights to find out more.

Best fare finder

Still bargain hunting? We've cooked up a secret weapon. Our best fare-finder tool allows you to easily and quickly compare all of the flight prices on the week surrounding your original search and find the most affordable flight.

• Get a VPN (and set it up beforehand). China has a "Great Firewall" that blocks many popular international websites and apps, including Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. If you want to stay connected with family and friends or use services you're familiar with, you'll need a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It's crucial to download and set up your VPN before you arrive in China, as you won't be able to access the necessary app stores or websites once you're there.
• Rely on mobile payment apps. China is rapidly becoming a cashless society, and mobile payments via apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant form of currency, even for small street vendors. While you can still use cash, it's often cumbersome, as many places may not have change. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are not widely accepted outside of high-end hotels and large international stores. It's highly recommended to set up one of these apps and link an international credit card to it before you travel.
• Download essential apps and learn key phrases. English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist areas and high-end hotels. Having a translation app that works offline is a lifesaver. Furthermore, apps for maps (Amap or Baidu Maps) and ride-hailing services (Didi) are much more accurate and useful than their Western counterparts. It's also a good idea to have the names and addresses of your hotels and destinations saved in Chinese characters to show to taxi drivers or locals.
• Be prepared for cultural differences and crowded places. China is a densely populated country, and you should be ready for crowds, especially at popular tourist sites and during national holidays. Learning a few basic customs, such as not sticking chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice (it's associated with funerals), can go a long way. Additionally, security checks are common at subway stations, train stations, and major attractions, so be prepared for some delays.