Islamabad

Islamabad Overview

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

If you’re planning a trip from Islamabad, Pakistan, to China, you’re in for a wonderful journey exploring China’s rich culture, history, natural beauty, and modern cities. This guide will help you navigate everything from the best time to visit, how to travel to China from Islamabad, essential visa requirements, and the best cities and regions to visit.


Best Time to Visit China

The best time to visit China depends on your travel interests:

  • Spring (March to May): A great time to visit Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
  • Summer (June to August): Ideal for exploring the cooler areas such as Tibet, Yunnan, and Guizhou. However, major cities like Beijing and Shanghai can be hot and humid.
  • Autumn (September to November): Known for mild temperatures and clear skies, autumn is a perfect time to visit cities like Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Guilin.
  • Winter (December to February): Best for enjoying the Harbin Ice Festival or visiting Yunnan for its relatively mild winter.

Top Destinations in China

Here are some of the key cities and regions to consider visiting during your trip:

Beijing:

  • The Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square.

Xi’an:

  • Famous for the Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Ancient City Wall.

Shanghai:

  • Known for The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, and Nanjing Road.

Hangzhou:

  • Famous for West Lake, Tea Plantations, and scenic beauty.

Suzhou:

  • Known for its classical Chinese gardens, silk industry, and ancient waterways.

Chengdu:

  • Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center, and enjoy Sichuan cuisine and vibrant culture.

Chongqing:

  • Famous for hotpot cuisine, Three Gorges, and the Yangtze River.

Guilin:

  • Famous for its karst landscapes, Li River cruises, and Reed Flute Cave.

Guangzhou:

  • Known for Cantonese cuisine, Canton Tower, and Chimelong Paradise.

Shenzhen:

  • Modern city famous for shopping, tech industry, and theme parks.

Macau:

  • Known for its casinos, Ruins of St. Paul, and Portuguese colonial architecture.

Hong Kong:

  • A bustling metropolis with Victoria Peak, Disneyland, temples, and shopping districts.

Tibet:

  • Visit Potala Palace, Mount Everest, and experience Tibetan Buddhism and culture.

Yunnan:

  • Explore Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Dali for scenic beauty and ethnic diversity.

How to Travel from Islamabad to China

There are no direct flights from Islamabad to China, but there are several ways to connect via international hubs. The main entry points are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, with options for connecting flights via cities such as Dubai, Doha, Muscat, and Abu Dhabi.

1. Flights from Islamabad to Beijing

  • Islamabad International Airport (ISB) offers connecting flights to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) via international hubs such as Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), Muscat (MCT), or Abu Dhabi (AUH).
  • Airlines: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Emirates, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Etihad Airways.
  • Flight time: Approximately 8–9 hours from Islamabad to Beijing (depending on layover duration).

2. Flights from Islamabad to Shanghai

  • You can connect to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) through hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi.
  • Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Etihad Airways.
  • Flight time: Approximately 8–9 hours from Islamabad to Shanghai (including layovers).

3. Flights from Islamabad to Guangzhou

  • Islamabad International Airport (ISB) offers connecting flights to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) via Dubai, Doha, or Muscat.
  • Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Oman Air.
  • Flight time: Approximately 9 hours from Islamabad to Guangzhou.

4. Flights from Islamabad to Hong Kong

  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is a major international hub, and you can connect from Islamabad via Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi.
  • Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Cathay Pacific.
  • Flight time: Approximately 8–9 hours from Islamabad to Hong Kong (depending on layovers).

Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani citizens need a Chinese Tourist Visa (Type L) to visit China. Here’s how you can apply for a visa:

  1. Visa Application: Fill out the Chinese visa application form available on the Chinese Embassy website.
  2. Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in China and have at least two blank pages.
  3. Photographs: Submit two recent passport-sized photographs.
  4. Travel Itinerary: Provide details of your flight bookings, hotel reservations, and a rough travel itinerary.
  5. Proof of Funds: Submit bank statements or other documents showing you have sufficient funds for your stay.
  6. Visa Fees: The fee for a tourist visa usually ranges from PKR 6,000–8,000 depending on the type and processing time.

Processing Time:

It typically takes 4–5 working days to process the visa. However, you can opt for an expedited service for an additional fee.