
Mauritius
Mauritius Overview
Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:
To travel from Mauritius to the main cities of China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and others), you will need to take connecting flights, as there are no direct flights from Mauritius to China. Here’s how you can plan your journey:
Step 1: Departing from Mauritius
The main airport in Mauritius is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), located near Port Louis, the capital city. While the airport offers international flights, there are no direct flights to most major cities in China, so you’ll need to take connecting flights through international hubs.
Step 2: Connecting Flights from Mauritius to China
There are no direct flights from Mauritius to China, so you will need to take connecting flights through other international airports. Here are some common options:
Option 1: Connecting via Middle Eastern Hubs
- Emirates: Fly from Mauritius (MRU) to Dubai (DXB), then transfer to a flight to Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), or other major cities in China.
- Qatar Airways: Fly from Mauritius (MRU) to Doha (DOH), then transfer to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or other cities.
- Etihad Airways: Fly from Mauritius (MRU) to Abu Dhabi (AUH), then connect to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or other cities.
Option 2: Connecting via Asian Hubs
- Singapore Airlines: Fly from Mauritius (MRU) to Singapore (SIN), then connect to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen.
- Cathay Pacific: Fly from Mauritius (MRU) to Hong Kong (HKG), then transfer to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen.
Option 3: Connecting via European Hubs
- Air France: Fly from Mauritius (MRU) to Paris (CDG), then connect to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen.
- Lufthansa: Fly from Mauritius (MRU) to Frankfurt (FRA), then transfer to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
- KLM: Fly from Mauritius (MRU) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), then connect to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
Step 3: Arrival in China
After connecting in your chosen hub, you’ll arrive in one of China’s major cities. Some of the key cities to consider visiting include:
- Beijing: Known for historical sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square.
- Shanghai: A vibrant metropolis with attractions such as The Bund, Shanghai Tower, and Yu Garden.
- Guangzhou: Famous for its Canton Tower and delicious Cantonese cuisine.
- Shenzhen: A modern city and tech hub, home to places like Window of the World and Splendid China.
- Hong Kong: Known for its iconic skyline, shopping, and bustling streets.
Step 4: Visa Requirements for Mauritian Citizens
Mauritian 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. 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 like Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines offer domestic flights between cities.
- 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 efficient metro systems, buses, and taxis for easy local travel.
Step 6: Travel Tips for Mauritian 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. Mauritius is on Mauritius Standard Time (MST), which is UTC +4, so there’s a 4-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 Mauritius to China, you will need to take connecting flights through major international hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, or European cities. After obtaining a Chinese Tourist Visa, you can explore major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, using domestic flights or high-speed trains for easy travel within China.