Home
Location
United States

San Diego

San Diego Overview

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

Where is San Diego?

Location of San Diego

San Diego is located in Southern California, United States, along the Pacific coast. It is the second-largest city in California and is known for its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions. San Diego shares a border with Mexico to the south, making it a key point for cross-border travel.

The Neighbouring Cities and Countries of San Diego

Neighboring Cities of San Diego

Tijuana: Located just south of San Diego, Tijuana, Mexico, is the nearest city and a popular destination for cross-border tourism.
Los Angeles: About 120 miles north of San Diego, Los Angeles is another major city in California and a major travel hub.
Chula Vista: A southern neighbor of San Diego, located just south of downtown.
National City: Located within the San Diego metropolitan area, just south of downtown San Diego.

Neighboring Countries

Mexico: San Diego shares a border with Tijuana, making it a convenient gateway for travel to and from Mexico.

International Airports in San Diego

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the primary airport serving the city. It offers direct flights to a number of international destinations, including China. The airport is well-connected with major airlines, providing easy access to international cities.

Places to Change Flights from San Diego to China

As there are no direct flights from San Diego to China, you will typically need to make a layover at an international hub before continuing to your Chinese destination. Some of the major airports for connecting flights include:

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is the most common hub for international flights from San Diego, offering connections to numerous cities in China.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO is another major hub for flights to China, with direct flights to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Seattle also offers connecting flights to China through airlines such as Delta and China Eastern.

Plan Your China Trip from San Diego

Travel Planning Overview

Planning a trip to China from San Diego involves choosing your destination, securing a visa, booking flights, and understanding your options for transportation once in China. China offers a rich variety of experiences, from historical landmarks to natural wonders and vibrant cities.

San Diego – China Travel Guide

When to Visit China

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are considered the best times to visit, with mild weather and clear skies.
Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid in many parts of China, but it is an excellent time to visit higher altitudes such as Tibet or Yunnan.
Winter (December to February) is ideal for visiting northern China if you enjoy winter sports or want to experience the snowy landscape.

Major Cities to Visit in China

Beijing: Famous for its historical and cultural landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.
Xian: Known for the Terracotta Army and as the starting point of the Silk Road.
Shanghai: A modern city with towering skyscrapers, the Bund, and rich cultural experiences.
Hangzhou & Suzhou: Known for their beautiful natural landscapes and classical gardens.
Chengdu: The home of pandas and a vibrant culinary scene centered around spicy Sichuan cuisine.
Guangzhou & Shenzhen: Economic powerhouses located in southern China.
Hong Kong & Macau: Special Administrative Regions offering a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures.
Yunnan & Tibet: Stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual experiences.

How to Travel from San Diego to the Main Cities of China

San Diego to Beijing Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 14-16 hours with a layover.
Airlines: American Airlines, United, Air China, Delta.
Key Points: Beijing is a must-visit for history lovers, featuring landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

San Diego to Xian Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 16-18 hours with a layover.
Airlines: American Airlines, China Eastern, Delta, or United Airlines.
Key Points: Visit the Terracotta Army and explore the ancient city’s history along the Silk Road.

San Diego to Shanghai Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 14-16 hours.
Airlines: American Airlines, United, China Eastern, Delta, Air China.
Key Points: A cosmopolitan city, Shanghai is known for its skyscrapers, colonial-era architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

San Diego to Hong Kong Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 15-17 hours.
Airlines: Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, American Airlines.
Key Points: Hong Kong is a melting pot of culture, with a unique mix of Eastern and Western influences, known for its skyline and cuisine.

San Diego to Guangzhou Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 16-18 hours.
Airlines: China Southern, United Airlines, American Airlines.
Key Points: Known for Cantonese cuisine and a modern skyline, Guangzhou is an economic powerhouse in the south.

San Diego to Chengdu Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 18-20 hours with a layover.
Airlines: United, American Airlines, China Eastern.
Key Points: Famous for pandas, spicy Sichuan food, and its vibrant cultural scene.

San Diego to Kunming Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 18-20 hours.
Airlines: China Eastern, United Airlines, Delta.
Key Points: Known for its rich cultural heritage and as a gateway to exploring Yunnan’s ethnic diversity and natural beauty.

San Diego to Chongqing Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 18-20 hours.
Airlines: United, Air China, China Eastern.
Key Points: Known for its hot pot cuisine and its proximity to the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges.

San Diego to Wuhan Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 18-20 hours.
Airlines: United, American Airlines, China Eastern.
Key Points: Visit the historical Yellow Crane Tower and enjoy the city’s vibrant cultural life.

San Diego to Zhengzhou Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 18-20 hours.
Airlines: United, China Southern, American Airlines.
Key Points: Zhengzhou is a historical city located in central China, known for its rich heritage.

San Diego to Shenyang Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 18-20 hours.
Airlines: United, Delta, China Southern.
Key Points: A historical city in northeastern China, Shenyang is known for its imperial palaces and cultural significance.

San Diego to Urumqi Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 20-22 hours.
Airlines: United, Air China, China Southern.
Key Points: Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang, located in the far west of China, known for its diverse ethnic culture.

San Diego to Shenzhen Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 16-18 hours.
Airlines: United, China Southern, American Airlines.
Key Points: A modern city in southern China, Shenzhen is known for its role in technology and its proximity to Hong Kong.

San Diego to Nanjing Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 18-20 hours.
Airlines: United, American Airlines, China Eastern.
Key Points: Nanjing is a city with deep historical roots, having been the capital of several Chinese dynasties.

San Diego to Hangzhou Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 16-18 hours.
Airlines: United, China Eastern, Delta.
Key Points: Hangzhou is famous for its picturesque West Lake and beautiful natural surroundings.

San Diego to Qingdao Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 18-20 hours.
Airlines: United, Air China, China Eastern.
Key Points: A coastal city known for its German colonial architecture, Qingdao is also famous for its beer.

San Diego to Xiamen Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 18-20 hours.
Airlines: United, Air China, China Eastern.
Key Points: Known for its colonial architecture and stunning coastal views, Xiamen is a popular destination.

San Diego to Dalian Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 18-20 hours.
Airlines: United, Air China, China Southern.
Key Points: A coastal city in northeastern China, Dalian is known for its beaches and maritime history.

San Diego to Changsha Travel

Flight Duration: Approx. 18-20 hours.
Airlines: United, China Southern, American Airlines.
Key Points: Changsha is the capital of Hunan Province, known for its spicy cuisine and cultural significance.

China Travel Tips

Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens traveling to China for tourism will need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa). The process requires submitting an application form, supporting documents, and attending an interview at the nearest Chinese consulate or embassy.

Currency and Payments

Currency: The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY).
Currency Exchange: Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and exchange shops in major cities.
Credit Cards: International credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases, especially in rural areas.

Language

Official Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, though regional languages are also spoken.
Language Tips: While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in Mandarin can be helpful.

Transportation in China

Air Travel: China has an extensive network of domestic flights connecting major cities and tourist destinations.
High-Speed Trains: China’s high-speed train network is world-renowned for its speed and efficiency, making it an ideal way to travel between cities.
Public Transportation: Metro systems are available in major cities, and buses are widely available.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Taxis and services like Didi (China’s version of Uber) are widely available in urban areas.