Bamako
Bamako Overview
Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:
To travel from Bamako (the capital of Mali) to the main cities of China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen, you will need to take connecting flights, as there are no direct flights between Bamako and China. Here’s how you can plan your trip:
Step 1: Departing from Bamako
You will begin your journey from Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO) in Bamako, Mali.
Step 2: Connecting Flights
There are no direct flights from Bamako to China, so you will need to transit through major international hubs. Here are some possible flight routes:
Option 1: Via Paris (Charles de Gaulle – CDG)
- Fly from Bamako (BKO) to Paris (CDG):
- Air France operates direct flights from Bamako to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
- Fly from Paris (CDG) to China:
- From Paris, you can catch a direct flight to major cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen. Airlines like Air France, China Eastern Airlines, Air China, and China Southern Airlines offer these routes.
Option 2: Via Istanbul (IST)
- Fly from Bamako (BKO) to Istanbul (IST):
- Turkish Airlines offers flights connecting Bamako to Istanbul.
- Fly from Istanbul (IST) to China:
- From Istanbul, you can take a direct flight to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen with Turkish Airlines or China Eastern Airlines.
Option 3: Via Addis Ababa (ADD)
- Fly from Bamako (BKO) to Addis Ababa (ADD):
- Ethiopian Airlines operates flights from Bamako to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Fly from Addis Ababa (ADD) to China:
- From Addis Ababa, you can fly directly to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou with Ethiopian Airlines or China Eastern Airlines.
Option 4: Via Casablanca (CMN)
- Fly from Bamako (BKO) to Casablanca (CMN):
- Royal Air Maroc offers direct flights from Bamako to Casablanca.
- Fly from Casablanca (CMN) to China:
- From Casablanca, you can take connecting flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen via airlines like Royal Air Maroc, China Southern Airlines, or China Eastern Airlines.
Step 3: Arrival in China
After your connecting flight, you will arrive at one of China’s main 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
From the airport, you can use domestic flights, high-speed trains, or other forms of transport to travel between cities in China.
Step 4: China Visa Requirements
As a Malian national, you will need to obtain a Chinese tourist visa (L Visa) before you travel to China. You can apply for a visa at the Chinese Embassy in Bamako or through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
Documents required for the visa may include:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from China)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward travel)
- Hotel bookings or invitation letter (if you have a host in China)
- Proof of sufficient financial means for your stay (such as bank statements)
Processing Time: Typically, the processing time for a visa is 4-5 business days.
Step 5: Transportation within China
Once you arrive in China, you have several options for getting around:
- Domestic Flights: You can travel quickly between major cities in China by taking domestic flights.
- High-Speed Trains: China has an extensive high-speed rail network connecting cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
- Public Transport: Public transportation, including taxis, subways, and buses, is widely available in major Chinese cities.
Step 6: Additional Travel Tips
- Language: The official language in China is Mandarin, but you might find English-speaking staff at major airports and in tourist areas.
- Currency: The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY).
- Internet: Some international websites, such as Google and Facebook, are blocked in China. You may need a VPN to access these sites.
To travel from Bamako, Mali, to China, you will need to connect through major international hubs like Paris, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, or Casablanca. Once in China, you can easily travel to the main cities by plane, train, or other local transport. Make sure to apply for your Chinese tourist visa in advance.