Tehran

Tehran Overview

Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:

To travel from Tehran (Iran) to the main cities of China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, etc.), your best option is to fly, as there are no direct land or train routes between Iran and China. Here’s a guide on how to plan your journey:

1. Flight Routes from Tehran to China

Tehran has an international airport, Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), which serves as the primary departure point for international flights. There are both direct flights and connecting flights to major cities in China.

Direct Flights:

Tehran (IKA) to Beijing (PEK): Several airlines offer direct flights from Tehran to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). One of the main airlines operating on this route is China Southern Airlines.
Tehran (IKA) to Shanghai (PVG): There are direct flights operated by China Eastern Airlines from Tehran to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).

Connecting Flights:

If you are not taking a direct flight, many airlines offer connecting flights with layovers in international hubs. Some of the popular layover cities are:

Istanbul (IST): Flights with Turkish Airlines with a stopover in Istanbul.
Doha (DOH): Flights with Qatar Airways with a stopover in Doha.
Dubai (DXB): Flights with Emirates with a stopover in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi (AUH): Flights with Etihad Airways with a stopover in Abu Dhabi.
Moscow (SVO): Flights with Aeroflot with a stopover in Moscow.

2. Flight Duration

The flight time from Tehran (IKA) to China depends on whether you are taking a direct flight or a connecting flight:

Tehran to Beijing (PEK): Approx. 7-8 hours (direct flight).
Tehran to Shanghai (PVG): Approx. 7-8 hours (direct flight).
Tehran to Guangzhou (CAN): Approx. 8-10 hours (with layovers).
Tehran to Hong Kong (HKG): Approx. 9-12 hours (with layovers).

For connecting flights, the total travel time will be longer, depending on the duration of the layover.

3. Airlines Offering Flights from Tehran to China

Several airlines operate flights between Tehran and China, both direct and with stopovers:

China Southern Airlines (direct flights to Beijing).
China Eastern Airlines (direct flights to Shanghai).
Qatar Airways (connecting flights via Doha).
Turkish Airlines (connecting flights via Istanbul).
Emirates (connecting flights via Dubai).
Etihad Airways (connecting flights via Abu Dhabi).
Aeroflot (connecting flights via Moscow).

4. Visa Requirements

Mainland China Visa: Iranian passport holders will need a Chinese visa to enter mainland China. The visa process typically involves filling out a visa application form, providing your passport, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and in some cases, an invitation letter from a Chinese company or a friend.
Hong Kong: Iranian citizens do not need a visa for Hong Kong for stays of up to 14 days. However, for traveling from Hong Kong to mainland China, you will need a separate Chinese visa.

5. Booking Flights

You can book flights from Tehran to China through flight comparison websites such as:

Google Flights
Expedia
Skyscanner
Kayak

These platforms allow you to compare prices, schedules, and layover durations, helping you find the best flight options.

6. Airports in China

Upon arrival in China, you will likely land at one of the following major international airports:

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): For Beijing.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): For Shanghai.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): For Guangzhou.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): For Hong Kong.

7. Other Considerations

Connecting Flights: Make sure to check the layover duration for connecting flights to ensure you have enough time for immigration and security checks.
COVID-19 Regulations: Make sure to check the latest travel advisories and health regulations for both Iran and China, such as vaccination or testing requirements.
Currency: In China, you will need Chinese Yuan (CNY) for most transactions, although credit cards are widely accepted in major cities.