Reykjavik

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Reykjavik Overview

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Traveling from Reykjavik (Iceland) to the main cities of China involves several flight options, as there are no direct flights between Reykjavik and China. Here’s how you can travel:

1. By Air:

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the main international airport serving Reykjavik, offering flights to major cities worldwide, including connecting flights to China.

a) Connecting Flights via Major Hubs: You will likely need to take a connecting flight through one of the major hubs in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia. Here are some common routes:

  • Via London (UK): British Airways or Icelandair offers flights from Reykjavik to London Heathrow (LHR), from where you can connect to flights to cities in China like Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), or Guangzhou (CAN).
  • Via Frankfurt (Germany): Lufthansa operates flights from Reykjavik to Frankfurt (FRA), with direct connections to Chinese cities.
  • Via Dubai (UAE): Emirates offers flights from Reykjavik to Dubai (DXB), where you can connect to flights to major cities in China.
  • Via Doha (Qatar): Qatar Airways provides flights from Reykjavik to Doha (DOH), followed by onward flights to China.
  • Via Istanbul (Turkey): Turkish Airlines offers flights from Reykjavik to Istanbul (IST), where you can catch connecting flights to Chinese cities.

b) Direct Flights to Major Hubs with Further Connections: Some airlines may offer flights with a single stop to major hubs like Hong Kong, Dubai, or Singapore, where you can take connecting flights to mainland China. For example:

  • Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN).
  • Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong (HKG).

2. Flight Duration:

  • Reykjavik to Beijing: Connecting flights typically take 12–15 hours, depending on layovers.
  • Reykjavik to Shanghai: The travel time with layovers will be around 12–14 hours.
  • Reykjavik to Guangzhou: Flights with layovers will take approximately 12–14 hours.
  • Reykjavik to Hong Kong: Connecting flights will generally take 12–14 hours.

3. Visa Requirements:

  • Chinese Visa: Icelandic citizens (and citizens from most other countries) will need a Chinese visa to visit mainland China. This is typically a tourist visa (L visa) or business visa (M visa), and you will need to apply before traveling.
    • Visa requirements may include submitting documents such as your passport, application form, itinerary, hotel bookings, and sometimes an invitation letter if traveling for business.
    • The visa processing time typically takes 4–7 working days.
  • Hong Kong: If traveling to Hong Kong, Icelandic passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, if you plan to visit mainland China from Hong Kong, a Chinese visa is required.

4. Main Cities in China to Visit:

  • Beijing: The capital of China, known for historical landmarks such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square.
  • Shanghai: A major global financial hub, famous for its modern skyline, the Bund, and vibrant shopping districts.
  • Guangzhou: A key southern city known for its Cantonese culture, food, and proximity to Hong Kong.
  • Hong Kong: Although a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, it is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a blend of modern and traditional experiences.
  • Chengdu: The home of the giant pandas, and famous for spicy Sichuan cuisine.
  • Shenzhen: A tech hub and major city near Hong Kong.

5. Travel Tips:

  • Language: The primary language in China is Mandarin Chinese, so knowing some basic phrases or using a translation app can be helpful.
  • Currency: The currency used in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). It’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand, although Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted for mobile payments.
  • Time Zone: China follows China Standard Time (CST), which is GMT+8. This is 7 hours ahead of Reykjavik, which operates on GMT+1.

6. Transportation within China:

  • High-Speed Rail: China’s high-speed rail network is one of the best in the world, providing an efficient way to travel between cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.
  • Domestic Flights: For longer distances, flights within China are convenient.
  • Public Transport: In major cities, subways, buses, and taxis are widely available and affordable.

7. Health and Safety:

  • Travel Insurance: Make sure to have travel insurance covering health and emergencies.
  • Covid-19 Regulations: Check the latest guidelines regarding travel restrictions, quarantine, and testing requirements before booking your flight.

8. Alternative Routes (Overland Travel):

Overland travel from Reykjavik to China is complex and time-consuming. It would require traveling through Europe and possibly Central Asia (via countries like Kazakhstan), and this journey can take several weeks and involves special permits for certain areas. This is not a typical travel route, and flying is much more convenient.