Malaysia

Malaysia Overview

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

Traveling from Malaysia to the main cities of China is relatively straightforward, with many flight options, visa requirements, and transportation methods available. Here is a detailed guide on how to travel from Malaysia to China‘s main cities:

1. Flights from Malaysia to Main Cities of China

Malaysia has several international airports with direct flights to major cities in China. Some of the most commonly used airports in Malaysia for international travel are:

  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
  • Penang International Airport
  • Langkawi International Airport

Below are flight details for traveling from Malaysia to some of the main cities in China:

Beijing (Capital City)

  • Airlines:
    • Malaysia Airlines
    • AirAsia X
    • Hainan Airlines
    • China Southern Airlines
  • Flight Duration: Approx. 6 to 8 hours
  • Airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Shanghai (Commercial Hub)

  • Airlines:
    • Malaysia Airlines
    • AirAsia X
    • China Eastern Airlines
    • Singapore Airlines
  • Flight Duration: Approx. 5 to 6 hours
  • Airport: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Guangzhou (Southern China)

  • Airlines:
    • China Southern Airlines (direct flights)
    • Malaysia Airlines
    • AirAsia X
  • Flight Duration: Approx. 4 to 5 hours
  • Airport: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Shenzhen (Near Hong Kong)

  • Airlines:
    • AirAsia X
    • China Southern Airlines
  • Flight Duration: Approx. 4 to 5 hours
  • Airport: Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)

Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region)

  • Airlines:
    • Cathay Pacific
    • Malaysia Airlines
    • AirAsia X
    • Singapore Airlines
  • Flight Duration: Approx. 4 to 5 hours
  • Airport: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Chengdu (Sichuan Province)

  • Airlines:
    • China Southern Airlines
    • Malaysia Airlines
    • AirAsia X
  • Flight Duration: Approx. 5 to 6 hours
  • Airport: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)

2. Booking Your Flight

You can book your flight through various methods:

  • Airline Websites:

    Book directly from the airline websites, such as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, or China Southern Airlines.

  • Online Travel Agencies:

    Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Expedia, or Kayak offer comparisons of flight prices and airlines, which can help you find the best deals.

  • Travel Agencies:

    Local travel agencies in Malaysia can help you with flight bookings and itineraries if needed.

3. Visa Requirements for China

Most travelers from Malaysia will need a visa to enter China (except for travel to Hong Kong, which allows Malaysians visa-free entry for up to 90 days).

How to Apply for a Chinese Visa from Malaysia:

  1. Visa Application Form:

    Complete the China Visa Application Form online. You can find it on the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website.

  2. Documents Required:

    • A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity left).
    • A recent passport-sized photo.
    • Visa fee (depends on the visa type).
    • Flight itinerary to and from China.
    • Hotel reservations or a tour itinerary for your stay in China.
    • Proof of sufficient financial resources (such as a bank statement).
    • Travel Insurance (if required for your visa type).
  3. Submit Your Application:

    You can submit your application to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or other locations in Malaysia.

  4. Processing Time:

    It usually takes about 4 to 7 business days for standard processing. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.

  5. Hong Kong Special Entry:

    For Hong Kong, you do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days if you hold a Malaysian passport.

4. Transportation from the Airport to the City Center in China

Once you arrive in your destination city, you will find various transportation options to get to the city center:

Beijing:

  • Airport Express Train: The Airport Express is fast and efficient for getting into the city center.
  • Subway: Beijing’s metro connects directly to the airport.
  • Taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminal, or you can use Didi (China’s version of Uber).

Shanghai:

  • Maglev Train: The Maglev Train is one of the fastest ways to get from the airport to the city center (30-minute travel time).
  • Subway: You can take the subway from the airport to various parts of the city.
  • Taxis: Taxis and Didi services are also available.

Guangzhou:

  • Metro: The Guangzhou metro system connects the airport with the city.
  • Taxis: Taxis and Didi are available.

Shenzhen:

  • Metro: Shenzhen’s metro connects the airport to the city center.
  • Didi: You can use Didi (similar to Uber) for rides around the city.

Hong Kong:

  • Airport Express: The Airport Express is the fastest way to reach the city from the airport.
  • MTR: Hong Kong’s MTR system connects the airport to downtown areas.
  • Taxis: Taxis and Didi are available.

5. Domestic Travel Within China

Once in China, you can travel between cities by:

  • High-Speed Trains: China has one of the world’s fastest and most efficient high-speed rail networks. For example, you can travel from Shanghai to Beijing in about 4.5 hours.
  • Domestic Flights: For long-distance travel, domestic flights are efficient. You can fly from Beijing to Chengdu in about 3 hours.
  • Subway and Taxis: For local transport, cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have comprehensive subway systems. Taxis and Didi are also widely available.

6. Currency and Payment Methods in China

  • Currency: The official currency of China is the Renminbi (RMB) or Chinese Yuan (CNY).
  • Payment: Major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in larger cities, but Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most popular payment methods, even for smaller purchases.
  • ATMs: ATMs are widely available in cities and international airports.

7. Cultural Tips for Traveling in China

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, and English is not widely spoken in some areas. It helps to know basic Mandarin phrases or use translation apps.
  • Respect: Respect for hierarchy and politeness are valued in Chinese culture.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not common in China, although it may be accepted in more tourist-heavy areas.

Traveling from Malaysia to China is easy, with multiple flight options and visa procedures. Make sure to book your flights in advance, apply for a visa (unless visiting Hong Kong), and prepare for a great trip across China! Whether you are exploring Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Hong Kong, you will experience a unique blend of ancient culture and modern technology.