Planning a trip from Turkey to China?
Here’s your up-to-date guide to all direct flights, essential travel requirements, and practical tips for a smooth journey from Istanbul and other Turkish cities.
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 list of direct flights from Turkey to China, primarily departing from Istanbul.
These routes connect you to major Chinese cities with convenient scheduling options.
For the best fares and up-to-date schedules, click the airline links to book directly.
| Route | Airline & Flight | Frequency | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul → Beijing Capital | Turkish Airlines TK88 | Daily | Book |
| Istanbul → Beijing Capital | Air China CA860 | Wed, Fri, Sun | Book |
| Istanbul → Beijing Daxing | China Southern CZ680 | Tue, Thu, Sat | Book |
| Istanbul → Chengdu Tianfu | Sichuan Airlines 3U3828 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Book |
| Istanbul → Guangzhou | Turkish Airlines TK72 | Daily | Book |
| Istanbul → Guangzhou | China Southern CZ8066 | Mon, Wed, Fri | Book |
| Istanbul → Shanghai Pudong | Turkish Airlines TK26 | Daily | Book |
| Istanbul → Shanghai Pudong | China Eastern MU704 | Daily | Book |
| Istanbul → Urumqi | China Southern CZ6036 | Sun | Book |
| Istanbul → Xi’an | China Eastern MU5026 | Tue, Sun | Book |
Practical Tips
- Flight Duration: Most direct flights from Istanbul to China take 8–11 hours, making Turkey one of the most convenient gateways to China from Europe and the Middle East.
- Baggage Allowance: Check your airline’s website for the latest baggage policies, as these can vary between Turkish Airlines and Chinese carriers.
- In-Flight Services: Both Turkish Airlines and major Chinese carriers offer meals, entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi on most long-haul routes to China.
- Airport Hub: Istanbul Airport (IST) serves as the primary departure point for most China-bound flights, with excellent connections from other Turkish cities.
- Peak Travel Times: Prices and availability can fluctuate during Chinese holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year, Golden Week) and European summer vacation months. Turkish holiday periods may also affect pricing.
- Time Zone Considerations: China operates on a single time zone (UTC+8), which is 5-6 hours ahead of Turkey depending on daylight saving time.
Why Choose Turkey as Your Gateway to China?
Turkey’s strategic location makes it an excellent transit point for travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa heading to China.
Istanbul’s world-class airport facilities and Turkish Airlines’ extensive network provide seamless connections and competitive pricing.
Additional Resources
For the latest updates, always confirm flight schedules and entry requirements with your airline before booking. Turkish Airlines and Chinese carriers frequently adjust their schedules based on seasonal demand and diplomatic agreements between the two countries.
