Rotterdam

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Rotterdam Overview

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Traveling from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to major cities in China typically involves flying with at least one stopover. Rotterdam does not have direct flights to China, so you will need to transfer at an international hub airport. This guide will provide details on how to travel from Rotterdam to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, and Hong Kong.

International Flights: How to Travel from Rotterdam to China

Step 1: Depart from Rotterdam Airport or Nearby Airports

Rotterdam does not have a major international airport offering direct flights to China. However, you can depart from the following nearby airports:

  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) – The closest airport, with limited international connections.
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) – The largest and most well-connected airport in the Netherlands, offering numerous flights to China.

Step 2: Connecting Flights via Major Hubs

Since there are no direct flights from Rotterdam or Amsterdam to China, you will need to transfer through major international hubs. Common connecting airports include:

  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – Germany
  • Dubai International Airport (DXB) – UAE
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) – Hong Kong
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) – Singapore

Step 3: Airlines and Routes

Several airlines operate connecting flights from the Netherlands to China. Some of the main carriers include:

  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • China Eastern Airlines
  • Air France
  • Lufthansa
  • Emirates

Example Connecting Routes:

  • Rotterdam → Amsterdam → Beijing
  • Amsterdam → Dubai → Shanghai
  • Amsterdam → Frankfurt → Guangzhou
  • Amsterdam → Hong Kong → Chengdu
  • Amsterdam → Singapore → Xi’an

Step 4: Arrival in China

Once you reach China, you will arrive at one of the major international airports. Some of the most popular airports in China are:

  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
  • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
  • Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

From these major airports, you can continue traveling to other cities in China via domestic flights, high-speed trains, or local transportation.

Popular Cities to Visit in China

Beijing

  • Landmarks: Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Temple of Heaven.
  • Travel Tip: Spend time exploring Beijing’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Shanghai

  • Landmarks: The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, and Nanjing Road.
  • Travel Tip: A global financial hub with a stunning skyline and modern attractions.

Guangzhou

  • Landmarks: Canton Tower, Cantonese Cuisine, and Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.
  • Travel Tip: Known for its Cantonese culture and food, it’s a great place to experience southern China.

Xi’an

  • Landmarks: Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Wall, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
  • Travel Tip: The starting point of the Silk Road, with rich historical significance.

Chengdu

  • Landmarks: Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Wuhou Shrine, and Sichuan Cuisine.
  • Travel Tip: Famous for its pandas and spicy Sichuan food.

Hong Kong

  • Landmarks: Victoria Peak, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Avenue of Stars.
  • Travel Tip: A cosmopolitan city offering a blend of Chinese and Western cultures, great shopping, and entertainment.

Estimated Flight Times and Distances from Rotterdam to China

City Distance (Miles) Distance (Kilometers) Flight Time (Hours)
Beijing 5,300 miles 8,530 km 10-11 hours
Shanghai 5,100 miles 8,200 km 10-11 hours
Guangzhou 5,200 miles 8,350 km 11-12 hours
Chengdu 5,400 miles 8,690 km 11-12 hours
Xi’an 5,300 miles 8,530 km 10-11 hours
Hong Kong 5,100 miles 8,200 km 10-11 hours

Transportation within China

Once you arrive in China, various transportation options are available to help you explore the country:

  • Domestic Flights: Convenient for long distances between cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.
  • High-Speed Trains: China’s high-speed rail network connects major cities, making it an excellent option for travel between cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an.
  • Public Transportation: Metro systems, buses, and taxis are widely available in major cities.

China Visa for Dutch Citizens

Dutch citizens need a tourist visa (L visa) to visit China. The application process includes the following steps:

  1. Visa Application: Submit your application at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the Netherlands.
  2. Documents: Required documents include your passport, visa application form, passport-sized photographs, flight bookings, and hotel reservations.
  3. Processing Time: The processing time is typically 4-5 business days. It’s advisable to apply at least a month in advance.

Tour Packages from the Netherlands to China

Various travel agencies offer tour packages from the Netherlands to China. Some examples include:

  • China Dragon Tours
  • China Highlights
  • Yunnan Exploration
  • Wendy Wu Tours

Example Tour Packages:

  1. 8 Days Beijing-Xian-Shanghai Tour
  2. 9 Days Beijing-Xian-Guilin-Yangshuo Group Tour
  3. 11 Days China Classic Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
  4. 14 Days Beijing-Xian-Chengdu-Chongqing-Yangtze River Cruise-Shanghai Group Tour

These tours typically include flights, accommodation, transportation, and guided tours of major Chinese landmarks.