Jakarta
Jakarta Overview
Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:
Traveling from Jakarta to the main cities of China is fairly straightforward, with several airlines offering direct or connecting flights. Here’s how you can travel:
1. By Air:
The most efficient way to travel from Jakarta to China is by taking a flight. Jakarta has a major international airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), which offers direct flights as well as connecting flights to major cities in China.
a) Direct Flights from Jakarta to China:
- Beijing (PEK)
- Shanghai (PVG)
- Guangzhou (CAN)
- Hong Kong (HKG) (though Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region, not technically part of mainland China)
b) Connecting Flights: If direct flights are not available for your desired destination, you can book connecting flights through major hubs in Southeast Asia or the Middle East.
- Via Singapore (Singapore Airlines or Scoot)
- Via Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia)
- Via Doha (Qatar Airways)
- Via Dubai (Emirates)
Airlines Offering Direct Flights:
- China Southern Airlines (Direct flights to Guangzhou)
- China Eastern Airlines (Direct flights to Shanghai)
- Air China (Direct flights to Beijing)
- Garuda Indonesia (Direct flights to Guangzhou and sometimes Beijing)
- Singapore Airlines (via Singapore, connecting to multiple Chinese cities)
2. Flight Duration:
- Jakarta to Beijing: Around 7–8 hours direct.
- Jakarta to Shanghai: Around 5.5–6 hours direct.
- Jakarta to Guangzhou: Around 5.5–6 hours direct.
- Jakarta to Hong Kong: Around 4.5 hours direct.
With connecting flights, depending on layover times, travel time can range from 9 to 12 hours.
3. Visa Requirements:
- Chinese Visa: As a tourist, you’ll need to apply for a Chinese visa before traveling. You will likely need a tourist visa (L visa) unless you are traveling for business purposes, in which case you would apply for a business visa (M visa).
- The visa application process generally involves submitting documents such as your passport, application form, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and other relevant documents.
- Processing time for a Chinese visa can take 4–7 business days.
- If traveling to Hong Kong, you do not need a visa for stays of up to 14 days (depending on your nationality). For mainland China, a visa will still be necessary.
4. Main Cities in China to Visit:
- Beijing: The capital city, known for its history and landmarks like the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China.
- Shanghai: A bustling metropolis and financial hub, famous for its skyline and modern architecture.
- Guangzhou: A major southern port city, known for its Cantonese culture and food.
- Hong Kong: A vibrant city with a mix of modernity and tradition, offering unique shopping and sightseeing.
- Chengdu: Famous for being the home of pandas and the gateway to Sichuan’s cuisine.
From any of these cities, you can travel to other destinations in China via domestic flights, high-speed trains, or buses.
5. Travel Considerations:
- Flight Availability: Direct flights between Jakarta and Chinese cities are fairly common, but it’s advisable to book in advance, especially for peak travel seasons (Chinese New Year, Summer holidays, etc.).
- Covid-19 Restrictions: Depending on the timing of your travel, there may still be health and quarantine regulations in place due to the pandemic. It’s best to check the latest guidelines from both Indonesian and Chinese authorities before booking.
6. Additional Tips:
- Language: Mandarin Chinese is the primary language in mainland China, so it’s helpful to know some basic phrases or carry a translation app.
- Currency: The currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), and it’s a good idea to have some local currency or a Chinese bank card. You can also use Alipay or WeChat Pay in many places.
- Time Zone: China is in the China Standard Time (CST) zone, which is GMT+8, the same as Jakarta.