Planning a trip from Australia to China?
Here’s your comprehensive guide to all direct flights, essential travel requirements, and practical tips for a smooth journey across the Pacific.
Latest Travel Requirements (as of September 2025)
- COVID-19 Restrictions: As of November 1, 2023, travelers to China are no longer required to present a PCR or Rapid Antigen Test before entry. The China Health Declaration Form is also no longer needed.
- Visa: Ensure your Chinese visa is valid for your intended travel dates. Check the latest visa requirements here.
- Other Health & Safety: No additional health forms are currently required, but always check with your airline for last-minute updates.
Direct Flight Options
Below is a complete list of direct flights from major Australian cities to China, including frequency and booking information. For the best fares and up-to-date schedules, click the airline links to book directly.
From Adelaide
| Route | Airline & Flight | Frequency | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide → Guangzhou | China Southern CZ320 | Mon, Thur, Sat (Starting Dec 1, 2025) | Book |
From Brisbane
| Route | Airline & Flight | Frequency | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane → Guangzhou | China Southern CZ382 | Daily | Book |
| Brisbane → Shanghai Pudong | China Eastern MU716 | Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Book |
From Melbourne
| Route | Airline & Flight | Frequency | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne → Beijing Capital | Air China CA166 | Wed, Fri, Sun | Book |
| Melbourne → Chengdu | Sichuan Airlines 3U3886 | Daily (Except Wed & Sun) | Book |
| Melbourne → Guangzhou | China Southern CZ322 | Daily | Book |
| Melbourne → Guangzhou | China Southern CZ344 | Tue, Fri, Sun | Book |
| Melbourne → Haikou | Hainan Airlines HU484 | Tue, Fri, Sun | Book |
| Melbourne → Hangzhou | Beijing Capital Airlines JD386 | Mon, Thu, Sat | Book |
| Melbourne → Nanjing | China Eastern MU852 | Mon, Thu, Sat | Book |
| Melbourne → Qingdao | Beijing Capital Airlines JD462 | Wed | Book |
| Melbourne → Shanghai Pudong | China Eastern MU738 | Daily | Book |
| Melbourne → Shanghai Pudong | China Eastern MU740 | Tue, Thu, Sat | Book |
| Melbourne → Shenzhen | Shenzhen Airlines ZH812 | Tues, Fri, Sun (Starting Dec 23, 2025) | Book |
| Melbourne → Xiamen | XiamenAir MF804 | Daily | Book |
From Perth
| Route | Airline & Flight | Frequency | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pert → Guangzhou | China Southern CZ320 | Tue, Thu, Sun (Starting Nov 30, 2025) | Book |
From Sydney
| Route | Airline & Flight | Frequency | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney → Beijing | Air China CA174 | Daily | Book |
| Sydney → Chengdu Tianfu | Sichuan Airlines 3U3884 | Mon, Wed, Fri | Book |
| Sydney → Chongqing | Tianjin Airlines GS7944 | Tue, Thu, Sat | Book |
| Sydney → Guangzhou | China Southern CZ320 | Daily (Starting Nov 28, 2024) | Book |
| Sydney → Guangzhou | China Southern CZ326 | Daily | Book |
| Sydney → Guangzhou | China Southern CZ302 | Daily | Book |
| Sydney → Haikou | Hainan Airlines HU448 | Mon, Wed, Fri | Book |
| Sydney → Haikou | Hainan Airlines HU776 | Tue, Thu, Sat | Book |
| Sydney → Hangzhou | China Eastern MU712 | Mon, Wed, Fri | Book |
| Sydney → Jinan | China Eastern MU764 | Tue, Thu, Sat | Book |
| Sydney → Nanjing | China Eastern MU792 | Mon, Wed, Fri | Book |
| Sydney → Qingdao | Beijing Capital Airlines JD480 | Tue, Thu, Sat | Book |
| Sydney → Shanghai | China Eastern MU7390 | Daily (Starting Jan 25, 2025) | Book |
| Sydney → Shanghai Pudong | China Eastern MU562 | Daily | Book |
| Sydney → Shanghai Pudong | China Eastern MU736 | Daily | Book |
| Sydney → Shanghai Pudong | Juneyao Airlines HO1670 | Mon, Wed, Fri (Starting Dec 17, 2024) | Book |
| Sydney → Shenzhen | China Southern CZ3072 | Tue, Thu, Sat | Book |
| Sydney → Wuhan | China Eastern MU750 | Mon, Wed, Fri | Book |
| Sydney → Xiamen | XiamenAir MF802 | Tue, Thu, Sat | Book |
Practical Tips
- Flight Duration: Most direct flights from Australia to China take 8–11 hours, making them some of the most convenient routes to Asia.
- Time Difference: China is 2-3 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (depending on daylight saving).
- Baggage Allowance: Check your airline’s website for the latest baggage policies, as these can vary significantly between carriers.
- In-Flight Services: Major carriers offer meals, entertainment, and Wi-Fi on most long-haul routes to China.
- Connecting Flights: If your city isn’t listed, consider connecting through Sydney or Melbourne for the widest selection of direct flights to China.
- Peak Travel Times: Prices and availability fluctuate during Chinese holidays (Chinese New Year, Golden Week) and Australian school holiday periods. Book well in advance during these times.
- Currency: Consider exchanging some Australian dollars to Chinese yuan before departure, though major cities in China widely accept international credit cards.
Additional Resources
For the latest updates, always confirm flight schedules and entry requirements with your airline before booking. Flight schedules can change seasonally, and new routes are regularly added as demand increases.
