
Pakistan
Pakistan Overview
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Planning a trip from Pakistan to China is an exciting experience that offers an opportunity to explore China’s vibrant culture, rich history, stunning landscapes, and modern cities. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide that covers the best times to visit, essential visa information, transportation options, and the main cities in China to explore.
Best Time to Visit China from Pakistan
The best time to visit China largely depends on the regions you plan to explore:
- Spring (March to May): The ideal time to visit cities like Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, with pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and moderate temperatures.
- Summer (June to August): Perfect for visiting Tibet, Yunnan, and Guizhou, where the weather is milder. Avoid major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, as temperatures can soar.
- Autumn (September to November): The best season for visiting cities like Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Guilin, offering clear skies, mild weather, and colorful fall foliage.
- Winter (December to February): Ideal for visiting Harbin for the Ice and Snow Festival, or Yunnan, which has milder winters compared to northern China.
Top Destinations in China to Visit
Here are some key cities and regions to include in your China itinerary:
Beijing:
- The Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace.
Xi’an:
- Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter.
Shanghai:
- The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, Pudong district.
Hangzhou:
- West Lake, Tea Plantations, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda.
Suzhou:
- Classical Gardens, Grand Canal, Silk Museum, Tongli Water Town.
Chengdu:
- Giant Panda Breeding Center, Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Street, Sichuan Hotpot.
Chongqing:
- Yangtze River, Three Gorges, Dazu Rock Carvings, Chongqing Hotpot.
Guilin:
- Li River Cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Longji Rice Terraces, Elephant Trunk Hill.
Guangzhou:
- Canton Tower, Cantonese Cuisine, Chimelong Paradise, Baiyun Mountain.
Shenzhen:
- Window of the World, Shenzhen Museum, Shenzhen Safari Park.
Macau:
- Ruins of St. Paul, Macau Tower, Casinos, Portuguese Colonial Architecture.
Hong Kong:
- Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Shopping districts.
Tibet:
- Potala Palace, Mount Everest, Lhasa, Tibetan Monasteries.
Yunnan:
- Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Pudacuo National Park.
How to Travel from Pakistan to China
There are no direct flights between Pakistan and China, but there are several ways to connect via international hubs. The main entry points into China are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.
1. Flights from Pakistan to Beijing
- Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI), and Lahore (LHE) offer connecting flights to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) via international hubs like Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Muscat.
- Airlines: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Oman Air.
- Flight Time: Approximately 8-9 hours from Pakistan to Beijing, depending on layover durations.
2. Flights from Pakistan to Shanghai
- Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI), and Lahore (LHE) offer connecting flights to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) via Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi.
- Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Etihad Airways.
- Flight Time: Approximately 8-9 hours from Pakistan to Shanghai.
3. Flights from Pakistan to Guangzhou
- Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI), and Lahore (LHE) connect to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) via Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi.
- Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, PIA, Etihad Airways.
- Flight Time: Approximately 9 hours from Pakistan to Guangzhou.
4. Flights from Pakistan to Hong Kong
- Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI), and Lahore (LHE) connect to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Bangkok.
- Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, PIA, Cathay Pacific.
- Flight Time: Approximately 8-9 hours from Pakistan to Hong Kong.
Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens
Pakistani citizens are required to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa (Type L) before entering China. Here are the key steps:
Visa Application Requirements:
- Visa Application Form: Complete the online visa application form and print the completed form.
- Passport: Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay and two blank pages.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-sized color photos (preferably white background).
- Travel Itinerary: Provide details of flight bookings, hotel reservations, and tour plans.
- Financial Proof: Proof of financial stability, such as recent bank statements.
- Visa Fees: Fees generally range from PKR 6,000 – 8,000 depending on processing times.
- Other Documents: You may be required to submit additional documents depending on the visa type and the consulate’s requirements.
Visa Processing Time:
It typically takes 4-5 working days for a standard visa, but expedited services are available for an additional fee.