Dakar

Dakar Overview

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

Traveling from Dakar, Senegal to China is a fascinating journey that connects the culture and heritage of Africa with the rich traditions, history, and modern developments of China. This guide will provide you with essential information about the best times to visit, travel routes, visa requirements, and key cities to explore across China from Dakar.

Best Time to Visit China

Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) are ideal for visiting China as the weather is mild, making it perfect for sightseeing.
Summer (June–August) can be hot and humid in cities like Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. However, it is a great time to visit the mountainous areas of Yunnan and Tibet.
Winter (December–February) is perfect for exploring Harbin or visiting Tibet, where you can enjoy snowy landscapes.

Major Cities to Visit in China from Dakar

Here are some of the popular destinations in China and how to get there from Dakar:

Dakar to Beijing

Flight Duration: Approximately 14–16 hours with layovers in major transit hubs like Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: The Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven.

Dakar to Xi’an

Flight Duration: Around 14–16 hours, with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter.

Dakar to Shanghai

Flight Duration: Approximately 13–15 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, Oriental Pearl Tower.

Dakar to Hong Kong

Flight Duration: Around 13–15 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tian Tan Buddha, Avenue of Stars.

Dakar to Guangzhou

Flight Duration: Approximately 14–16 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Canton Tower, Shamian Island, Yuexiu Park, Cantonese Cuisine.

Dakar to Chengdu

Flight Duration: Around 14–16 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Giant Pandas, Wuhou Shrine, Sichuan Hot Pot, Jinli Ancient Street.

Dakar to Kunming

Flight Duration: Approximately 14–16 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, Yunnan Provincial Museum.

Dakar to Chongqing

Flight Duration: Approximately 14–16 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Yangtze River Cruise, Jiefangbei Square, Three Gorges Museum.

Dakar to Wuhan

Flight Duration: Around 14–16 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Yellow Crane Tower, East Lake, Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge.

Dakar to Zhengzhou

Flight Duration: Approximately 15–17 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng, Martial Arts Culture.

Dakar to Shenyang

Flight Duration: Approximately 15–17 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Shenyang Imperial Palace, Zhaoling Tomb, Shenyang 9.18 Historical Museum.

Dakar to Urumqi

Flight Duration: Around 17–19 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Karakul Lake, Tian Shan Mountains, Uygur Culture.

Dakar to Shenzhen

Flight Duration: Approximately 13–15 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Shenzhen Bay Park, Window of the World, OCT Loft, Shenzhen Museum.

Dakar to Nanjing

Flight Duration: Approximately 14–16 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge.

Dakar to Hangzhou

Flight Duration: Around 14–16 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Tea Culture, Hefang Street.

Dakar to Qingdao

Flight Duration: Approximately 15–17 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Qingdao Beer Museum, Laoshan Mountain, Qingdao Beaches.

Dakar to Xiamen

Flight Duration: Around 15–17 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Gulangyu Island, Xiamen University, Zhongshan Road.

Dakar to Dalian

Flight Duration: Approximately 15–17 hours with layovers in Doha, Istanbul, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Laohutan Ocean Park, Dalian Forest Zoo, Beaches.

Dakar to Changsha

Flight Duration: Approximately 15–17 hours with layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Top Attractions: Orange Isle, Yuelu Mountain, Mao Zedong’s Former Residence.

Visa Information for Travelers from Dakar, Senegal to China

As a Senegalese citizen, you will need a tourist visa (L Visa) to visit China. Here’s a summary of the process:

Required Documents:

A valid passport (with at least six months of validity).
A completed visa application form.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
Flight bookings and hotel reservations.
Proof of financial capacity (e.g., bank statements).
Visa fee payment (varies depending on the visa type and duration).

Processing Time:

The typical processing time for a Chinese visa is 4–7 business days.

Visa Types:

Tourist Visa (L Visa) is the most common for short-term visits.
Single-entry or multiple-entry visas are available depending on your itinerary.

Transportation Guide from Dakar to China

By Air

The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Dakar to China is by air. The Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar is the main gateway for international flights.

Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air Senegal (in partnership with international airlines) offer connecting flights to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
Popular Stopover Locations: Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi for layovers before reaching your final destination.

By Train

Although there is no direct train route from Dakar to China, once in China, you can take advantage of the extensive high-speed train network. The Beijing-Shanghai, Chengdu-Chongqing, and Xi’an routes are well-known.

By Bus

There are no direct bus routes from Senegal to China. However, once in China, you can travel by long-distance buses to explore cities or reach rural areas.

By Ship

Though there are no direct cruise routes between Dakar and China, you can enjoy cruises once you’re in China, particularly on the Yangtze River or visiting coastal cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.

China Tour Packages from Dakar

Several travel agencies offer China tour packages for Senegalese travelers. These packages usually include:

Round-trip flights from Dakar to China.
Guided tours to major cities and attractions in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Guilin.
Accommodation at hotels.
Local transportation, including high-speed trains, flights, and private transfers.

These packages can be customized based on your preferences, whether you’re interested in exploring historical landmarks, cultural heritage, or natural beauty.