Vilnius

To travel from Vilnius (Lithuania) to the main cities of China, you will need to take connecting flights, as there are no direct flights from Vilnius to China. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your trip:

1. Visa Requirements for China

Before traveling to China, you will need to apply for a Chinese visa. Here’s how to do it:

How to Apply for a Chinese Visa:

  • Complete the Visa Application Form: Download and fill out the visa application form from the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) or the Chinese embassy’s website.
  • Documents Required:
    • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
    • Passport-size Photo: A recent passport photo as per the embassy’s requirements.
    • Flight Itinerary: Proof of return flight bookings.
    • Hotel Booking: Confirmation of accommodation in China.
    • Financial Proof: Recent bank statements showing that you have sufficient funds for the trip.
    • Travel Insurance: Some visa types require proof of travel insurance.

Submit the Application:

  • Where to Apply: You can submit your application to the Chinese Embassy in Vilnius or at the Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) in Vilnius.
  • Processing Time: Visa processing generally takes 4-7 business days, but this may vary depending on the type of visa and workload at the embassy.

2. Flights from Vilnius to China

Since there are no direct flights from Vilnius to China, you’ll need to take connecting flights. Here are some options for traveling from Vilnius to major cities in China:

Vilnius to Beijing (Capital City):

  • Airlines: Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Emirates (via Dubai), Finnair (via Helsinki).
  • Flight Duration: Around 13-16 hours, including layovers.
  • Arrival: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

Vilnius to Shanghai (Commercial Hub):

  • Airlines: Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Emirates (via Dubai), Air France (via Paris).
  • Flight Duration: Approximately 14-17 hours, including layovers.
  • Arrival: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).

Vilnius to Guangzhou (Southern China):

  • Airlines: Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Emirates (via Dubai).
  • Flight Duration: Approximately 14-16 hours, including layovers.
  • Arrival: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).

Vilnius to Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region):

  • Airlines: Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Emirates (via Dubai).
  • Flight Duration: Around 14-16 hours, including layovers.
  • Arrival: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

3. Booking Flights

  • Online Travel Agencies: Use platforms such as Skyscanner, Google Flights, Expedia, or Kayak to compare prices and book flights.
  • Airline Websites: Booking directly with airlines might offer better flexibility, such as changing dates or additional services.
  • Travel Agents: If you prefer personalized service, you can contact travel agents to help book your flights and assist with visa processing.

4. Transportation within China

Once you arrive in China, you can easily travel between cities using various forms of transportation.

High-Speed Trains:

China has an extensive and fast high-speed rail network. For example, traveling between Beijing and Shanghai by high-speed train takes about 4.5 hours.

Domestic Flights:

For long distances, like from Beijing to Shanghai or Shanghai to Guangzhou, domestic flights are available and take around 2 hours.

Public Transportation:

Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have efficient metro systems. It’s a quick and affordable way to get around.

Ride-Hailing Apps:

You can also use Didi Chuxing (similar to Uber) for taxis or private car services.

5. Currency and Payment Methods

  • Currency: The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB) or Chinese Yuan (CNY).
  • Payment Methods: In addition to credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), mobile payment apps such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used in China. It’s advisable to have a China UnionPay card or use mobile payments.
  • ATMs: ATMs are widely available at airports, shopping centers, and tourist spots.

6. Cultural Tips

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, and English is not widely spoken in many places outside of major tourist attractions. Using a translation app or learning basic Mandarin can be helpful.
  • Etiquette: Politeness and respect are highly valued in Chinese culture. Always address people with respect, especially elders and in formal settings.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not a common practice in China, though small tips might be appreciated in upscale restaurants or hotels.
  • Time Zone: China operates on China Standard Time (CST), which is UTC +8.

7. Weather and Packing Tips

  • Weather: China has a diverse climate. In Beijing, winters can be very cold, and summers are hot. Shanghai experiences humid summers and mild winters. Guangzhou is subtropical, with hot and humid weather year-round.

  • Packing: If traveling in winter, pack warm clothes for northern cities like Beijing. For summer travel, light clothing, sunscreen, and an umbrella will be essential, especially in southern cities like Guangzhou or Hong Kong.

8. Health and Safety

  • Travel Insurance: It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and potential delays.
  • Vaccinations: Ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date. You might also consider travel vaccinations depending on the nature of your trip.
  • Emergency Numbers:
    • Police: 110
    • Ambulance: 120
    • Fire: 119

9. Recommended Cities and Attractions in China

  • Beijing: Explore the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven.
  • Shanghai: Visit the Bund, Shanghai Tower, and Yu Garden.
  • Guangzhou: Known for its Canton Tower, Cantonese cuisine, and vibrant Cultural Park.
  • Hong Kong: Famous for its skyline, shopping, and attractions like Victoria Peak and Hong Kong Disneyland.
  • Xi’an: Home to the famous Terracotta Army and ancient City Wall.
  • Chengdu: Famous for Sichuan cuisine (especially hotpot) and pandas.

Traveling from Vilnius to China involves booking connecting flights through major international hubs like Frankfurt, Istanbul, or Doha. Once you arrive in China, use efficient transportation like high-speed trains and domestic flights to explore the major cities. Be sure to secure your visa and plan your trip in advance to ensure a smooth journey. China offers a rich cultural and historical experience, making it a memorable destination for any traveler.