Nouakchott

Nouakchott Overview

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

To travel from Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania, to the main cities of China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc.), you will need to take connecting flights, as there are no direct flights from Nouakchott to China. Here’s how you can plan your trip:

Step 1: Departing from Nouakchott

The main airport in Nouakchott is Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC), which handles international flights. However, direct flights to China are not available from this airport, so you’ll need to take connecting flights through major international hubs.


Step 2: Connecting Flights from Nouakchott to China

Since there are no direct flights from Nouakchott (NKC) to China, you will need to fly via other international hubs, mainly through Middle Eastern, European, or African airports. Here are some of the common connecting routes:

Option 1: Connecting via Middle Eastern Hubs

  • Emirates: Fly from Nouakchott (NKC) to Dubai (DXB), and then connect to a flight to Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX), or other cities in China.
  • Qatar Airways: Fly from Nouakchott (NKC) to Doha (DOH), and then take a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or another major city in China.
  • Etihad Airways: Fly from Nouakchott (NKC) to Abu Dhabi (AUH), and then transfer to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, or other cities in China.

Option 2: Connecting via African Hubs

  • Royal Air Maroc: Fly from Nouakchott (NKC) to Casablanca (CMN), then connect to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen via airlines like China Southern Airlines or Air China.
  • Air Senegal: Fly from Nouakchott (NKC) to Dakar (DSS), then connect via Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Turkish Airlines to a Chinese city.

Option 3: Connecting via European Hubs

  • Air France: Fly from Nouakchott (NKC) to Paris (CDG), then transfer to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or other Chinese cities.
  • Lufthansa: Fly from Nouakchott (NKC) to Frankfurt (FRA), then connect to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
  • KLM: Fly from Nouakchott (NKC) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), then connect to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.

Step 3: Arrival in China

Once you have connected in your chosen hub, you will arrive in one of China’s major cities. Some of the key cities you can visit include:

  1. Beijing: Visit historical sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square.
  2. Shanghai: A modern metropolis with landmarks like The Bund, Shanghai Tower, and Yu Garden.
  3. Guangzhou: Famous for the Canton Tower, Shamian Island, and its Cantonese cuisine.
  4. Shenzhen: Known for its tech hub, shopping malls, and attractions like Window of the World and Splendid China.
  5. Hong Kong: Known for its skyline, shopping, and food scene.

Step 4: Visa Requirements for Mauritanian Citizens

Mauritanian citizens will need to obtain a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) before traveling to China. The visa application process generally requires the following documents:

Required Documents:

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from China.
  • Visa Application Form: Complete the form available on the Chinese Embassy website.
  • Passport-sized Photo: A recent passport-sized color photo.
  • Round-trip Flight Tickets: Proof of your return flight or onward journey.
  • Hotel Reservations: Proof of hotel bookings or an invitation letter if you’re staying with family or friends in China.
  • Financial Proof: Bank statements to show you have sufficient funds for your trip.

Visa Processing Time:

Visa processing typically takes 4-5 business days, but it’s best to apply well in advance to avoid delays.


Step 5: Traveling Within China

Once in China, getting around is convenient with options like:

  • Domestic Flights: Airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines offer flights to major cities in China.
  • High-Speed Trains: China has an extensive high-speed rail network connecting cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and others.
  • Public Transportation: Major cities have metro systems, buses, and taxis for easy local travel.

Step 6: Travel Tips for Mauritanian Citizens

  • Language: Mandarin is the official language in China, and while English is spoken in major cities, it may be less common in rural areas.
  • Currency: The Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the official currency. Currency exchange is available at the airport or in local banks. Credit cards are commonly accepted in large cities.
  • Time Zone: China uses China Standard Time (CST), which is UTC +8. Mauritania is on GMT (UTC +0), so there’s an 8-hour time difference.
  • Internet Access: Many international websites like Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp are blocked in China. You may need to use a VPN to access these sites.
  • Health: Make sure you have travel insurance, and check if any vaccinations are required for travel to China.

Step 7: Suggested Itinerary for China

Here is an example itinerary if you plan to visit multiple cities:

  • Days 1-3: Beijing – Visit the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square.
  • Days 4-6: Shanghai – Explore The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, and Nanjing Road.
  • Days 7-9: Guangzhou – See the Canton Tower, Shamian Island, and sample Cantonese cuisine.
  • Days 10-12: Shenzhen – Visit Window of the World, Splendid China, and the tech district.

To travel from Nouakchott (Mauritania) to China, you will need to take connecting flights through Middle Eastern, European, or African hubs. After obtaining a Chinese Tourist Visa, you can explore major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, using domestic flights or high-speed trains for easy travel within China.