Almaty

To travel from Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, to the main cities of China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong), air travel is the most common and efficient option. Below are the various ways to get there:

1. Direct Flights from Almaty to China

There are direct flights from Almaty (Almaty International Airport – ALA) to several major cities in China.

Direct Flights:

  1. Almaty to Beijing:

    • Air Astana and Hainan Airlines operate direct flights from Almaty to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
    • Flight Duration: Approximately 5.5–6 hours.
  2. Almaty to Shanghai:

    • Air Astana and China Eastern Airlines offer direct flights from Almaty to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
    • Flight Duration: Approximately 6 hours.
  3. Almaty to Guangzhou:

    • Air Astana operates direct flights to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) from Almaty.
    • Flight Duration: Approximately 6 hours.
  4. Almaty to Hong Kong:

    • Air Astana operates connecting flights via Almaty to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) (there may be a layover depending on the route).
    • Flight Duration: The total flight duration typically takes about 7–8 hours (depending on the layover).

2. Connecting Flights via Other International Hubs

If there are no direct flights available, or you prefer different routing options, you can take connecting flights through major international hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, and Moscow.

Common Connecting Hubs:

  1. Almaty to Dubai (with Emirates or FlyDubai):

    • From Dubai, you can connect to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Hong Kong with airlines like Emirates or Air China.

    • Almaty to Dubai: Approximately 4.5 hours.

    • Dubai to Beijing: Approximately 7 hours.

    • Dubai to Shanghai: Approximately 8 hours.

  2. Almaty to Doha (with Qatar Airways):

    • Qatar Airways offers connecting flights via Doha to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

    • Almaty to Doha: Approximately 4 hours.

    • Doha to Beijing: Approximately 7 hours.

    • Doha to Shanghai: Approximately 8 hours.

  3. Almaty to Istanbul (with Turkish Airlines):

    • Turkish Airlines operates connecting flights from Almaty to Istanbul, then onward to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.

    • Almaty to Istanbul: Approximately 5.5 hours.

    • Istanbul to Beijing: Approximately 8 hours.

    • Istanbul to Shanghai: Approximately 9 hours.

  4. Almaty to Moscow (with Aeroflot or S7 Airlines):

    • Aeroflot and S7 Airlines offer flights from Almaty to Moscow and onward connections to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.

    • Almaty to Moscow: Approximately 3.5 hours.

    • Moscow to Beijing: Approximately 7–8 hours.

    • Moscow to Shanghai: Approximately 8–9 hours.

3. Visas and Entry Requirements

  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of Kazakhstan will need a Chinese visa to enter China. You can apply for a tourist visa (L Visa) at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Almaty.
  • Travel Insurance: It’s recommended to have travel insurance for your flight and stay in China, covering any unforeseen circumstances.

4. Travel Duration Overview:

  • Direct Flights:

    • Almaty to Beijing: 5.5–6 hours.
    • Almaty to Shanghai: 6 hours.
    • Almaty to Guangzhou: 6 hours.
    • Almaty to Hong Kong: 7–8 hours (via layovers).
  • Connecting Flights:

    • Almaty to Dubai/Doha/Istanbul/Moscow: 4–5.5 hours.
    • Connecting flight to Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou: 7–9 hours.

5. Airlines to Consider:

  • Air Astana: Direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou.
  • Hainan Airlines: Direct flights to Beijing.
  • China Eastern Airlines: Direct flights to Shanghai.
  • Emirates: Connecting flights via Dubai to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong.
  • Qatar Airways: Connecting flights via Doha to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou.
  • Turkish Airlines: Connecting flights via Istanbul to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou.
  • Aeroflot: Connecting flights via Moscow to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou.

Summary of Flight Routes:

  • Direct Flights: Air Astana and China Eastern Airlines to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou.
  • Connecting Flights: Via Dubai (with Emirates), Doha (with Qatar Airways), Istanbul (with Turkish Airlines), or Moscow (with Aeroflot).