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To travel from Malé, the capital of Maldives, to the main cities of China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen), you will need to take connecting flights, as there are no direct flights from Malé to China. Here’s how you can plan your trip:
Step 1: Departing from Malé (MLE)
Your journey will begin at Velana International Airport (MLE), the main international gateway to Maldives.
Step 2: Connecting Flights
There are no direct flights from Malé to China, so you will have to transit through one of the major international hubs. Here are some options:
Option 1: Via Doha (Hamad International Airport – DOH)
- Fly from Malé (MLE) to Doha (DOH):
- Qatar Airways operates direct flights from Malé to Doha.
- Fly from Doha (DOH) to China:
- From Doha, you can fly to major cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen with Qatar Airways or China Southern Airlines.
Option 2: Via Dubai (Dubai International Airport – DXB)
- Fly from Malé (MLE) to Dubai (DXB):
- Emirates Airlines operates direct flights from Malé to Dubai.
- Fly from Dubai (DXB) to China:
- From Dubai, you can take direct flights to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen with Emirates, China Eastern Airlines, or China Southern Airlines.
Option 3: Via Colombo (Bandaranaike International Airport – CMB)
- Fly from Malé (MLE) to Colombo (CMB):
- SriLankan Airlines offers direct flights between Malé and Colombo.
- Fly from Colombo (CMB) to China:
- From Colombo, you can catch a flight to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen with SriLankan Airlines or other international carriers such as China Southern Airlines.
Option 4: Via Singapore (Changi Airport – SIN)
- Fly from Malé (MLE) to Singapore (SIN):
- Singapore Airlines operates direct flights from Malé to Singapore.
- Fly from Singapore (SIN) to China:
- From Singapore, you can take direct flights to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen with Singapore Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, or China Southern Airlines.
Step 3: Arrival in China
Once you arrive in China, you will land at one of China’s major international airports:
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) for Beijing
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) for Shanghai
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) for Guangzhou
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) for Shenzhen
Step 4: Domestic Travel within China
After you arrive in China, you can travel between cities by:
- Domestic Flights: China has an extensive network of domestic flights connecting major cities.
- High-Speed Rail: China’s high-speed train system connects cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen efficiently.
- Public Transport: Taxis, subways, and buses are available in major cities for local travel.
Step 5: China Visa Requirements
As a Maldivian citizen, you will need a Chinese visa before traveling to China. You can apply for a tourist visa (L Visa) through the Chinese Embassy in Malé, Maldives, or through a Visa Application Center if available.
Documents you may need for the visa application:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photograph
- Flight itinerary
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter (if you have a host in China)
- Financial proof (such as bank statements)
Step 6: Additional Travel Tips
- Language: The official language in China is Mandarin. English may not be widely spoken outside of major tourist areas, so learning basic Mandarin or using translation apps may help.
- Currency: The official currency in China is Chinese Yuan (CNY).
- Internet: Some websites such as Google and Facebook are restricted in China. You may need a VPN to access these services.
- Weather: China has a diverse climate, so check the weather for the cities you plan to visit and pack accordingly.
To travel from Malé to China, you will need to transit through international hubs such as Doha, Dubai, Colombo, or Singapore, where you can catch connecting flights to major cities in China. Make sure to apply for a Chinese tourist visa ahead of time and plan your domestic travel within China.