Delhi
Delhi Overview
Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:
Traveling from Delhi (India) to the main cities of China is relatively easy, with multiple flight options and connections available. Here’s a guide on how to travel:
1. By Air:
The most common way to travel from Delhi to China is by air, and Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) serves as a major international hub with both direct and connecting flights to various cities in China.
a) Direct Flights: There are direct flights between Delhi and several major cities in China, including:
- Beijing (PEK)
- Shanghai (PVG)
- Guangzhou (CAN)
Airlines offering direct flights from Delhi to China:
- Air India (Direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai)
- China Southern Airlines (Direct flights to Guangzhou)
- China Eastern Airlines (Direct flights to Shanghai)
- Air China (Direct flights to Beijing)
b) Connecting Flights: If there are no direct flights available to your desired destination, you can take connecting flights through major hubs such as:
- Via Hong Kong: Cathay Pacific or Dragonair (Direct flights to Hong Kong, then onward flights to mainland China)
- Via Dubai: Emirates (Direct flight to Dubai, then connecting flights to major Chinese cities)
- Via Singapore: Singapore Airlines (Connecting flight to Singapore, then onward flights to Chinese cities)
- Via Doha: Qatar Airways (Connecting flight through Doha)
2. Flight Duration:
- Delhi to Beijing: Around 6–7 hours direct.
- Delhi to Shanghai: Around 6–7 hours direct.
- Delhi to Guangzhou: Around 5.5–6 hours direct.
- Delhi to Hong Kong: Around 5 hours direct.
For connecting flights, total travel time (including layovers) typically ranges from 9 to 12 hours, depending on the length of the layovers.
3. Visa Requirements:
- Chinese Visa: Indian citizens need to obtain a tourist visa (L visa) or a business visa (M visa) to visit China. The process involves submitting an application form, passport, photographs, and supporting documents like flight tickets and hotel bookings.
- Visa Processing Time: Typically takes 4–7 working days for regular processing. Expedited services are also available.
- Hong Kong: If traveling to Hong Kong, Indian passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 14 days. However, if you’re planning to visit mainland China from Hong Kong, you will still need to apply for a Chinese visa.
4. Main Cities in China to Visit:
Once you reach China, you can explore the following major cities:
- Beijing: The capital city, known for historical sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven.
- Shanghai: A global financial hub with a skyline that includes the famous Oriental Pearl Tower and The Bund.
- Guangzhou: A key port city known for its Cantonese culture and delicious food.
- Hong Kong: Known for its skyscrapers, shopping, and vibrant food culture.
- Chengdu: Famous for pandas and spicy Sichuan cuisine.
- Shenzhen: A modern tech hub and shopping destination.
5. Travel Tips:
- Language: The primary language in China is Mandarin Chinese. English is not widely spoken outside major cities, so it may be helpful to use a translation app or learn some basic phrases.
- Currency: The currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand. Mobile payment systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely used.
- Time Zone: China operates on China Standard Time (CST), which is GMT+8, the same as Delhi.