China sees one of the biggest flows of returning students anywhere. Timing is shaped by the school year and by the country’s holidays, and a few practical choices, such as how you pay and how you travel inside China, make a big difference.
China at a glance
- Main international gateways: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX) and Guangzhou (CAN).
- Busiest fare periods: mid-May to early July, late August, the Lunar New Year window, and Golden Week in early October.
- Often better-value periods: March to April, and October to November outside Golden Week.
- Lunar New Year: the date moves, falling between late January and mid-February.
When to fly
Student demand surges from mid-May to early July as summer break begins, and again in late August for the return to the US. The Lunar New Year, between late January and mid-February depending on the year, is the largest travel period in China. Golden Week, the first week of October, also drives heavy domestic travel.
March to April and October to November outside Golden Week are often better value. Students should book as early as their term dates allow, and teams should avoid Lunar New Year and Golden Week if they can.
Routings and baggage
Airlines including Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, United and Delta have flown direct between US gateways such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York and Beijing and Shanghai, but the number of flights between the two countries has been limited and changes often, so check the current picture. Reliable one-stop options include Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, Korean Air via Seoul and EVA Air via Taipei.
Many transpacific economy fares include two checked bags of about 23 kg each, but this varies by airline and fare, so check before you buy.
Airports and getting around
Plan your arrival at Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital or Daxing, or Guangzhou. China’s high-speed rail network is the fastest way to reach other cities. Book tickets well ahead through the national 12306 service or an app such as Trip.com, using your passport details.
Everyday payments in China are dominated by mobile apps, particularly Alipay and WeChat Pay, and foreign cards can be linked to them. Set this up before you travel, and carry a card and some cash as a backup. Many Western websites and apps are also unavailable in China, so plan your connectivity before you go.
How to pay less on flights to China
- Avoid the surges. Fares rise from mid-May to early July, in late August, around Lunar New Year, and in Golden Week in early October. March to April and October to November outside Golden Week are often better value.
- Expect limited direct flights. The number of flights between the US and China has been capped and changes often, so seats on direct routes can be scarce and pricey.
- Price the one-stops. Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, Korean Air via Seoul and EVA Air via Taipei are reliable alternatives, and are often worth comparing against a direct fare.
- Compare baggage. Many transpacific economy fares include two checked bags of about 23 kg, but this varies by airline and fare.
For the general method, see how we find cheap flights. Send us your dates and a specialist compares the options for this route.
Before you go
Check passport validity and China’s current visa or visa-free rules for every traveler through the official government source, since entry policy for US citizens has changed several times and depends on purpose and length of stay. We do not quote fees here.
Flights: US–China direct flights remain capped by the two governments at a limited number of weekly flights per side, and the quota has been described as fully used. Fares on direct routes can therefore stay high and seats scarce, and one-stop routings through Seoul, Tokyo or other Asian hubs are common. Confirm current routes when we quote.
Health: a yellow fever certificate is only needed if you arrive from a risk country. The CDC lists malaria risk only in limited areas, so most itineraries do not need prevention tablets. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are commonly recommended. See the CDC page for China for current notices. Book a travel clinic visit four to six weeks before departure, because some vaccine courses take time.
Health notes below reflect the CDC’s Travelers’ Health pages as we last checked them (October 2026). Notices and outbreak levels change quickly, so read the current page before you book vaccines.
Last reviewed: October 27, 2026. Airline routes, schedules, baggage rules and entry requirements change, so your specialist confirms the current options when they quote your trip.
Planning a trip? See our China flights page, our mission travel and student travel page, or send us your dates for a quote.
Questions, answered.
When do fares to China peak?
Mid-May to early July for students returning for summer, late August for the return to the US, the Lunar New Year (late January to mid-February), and Golden Week in early October. March to April and October to November are often better value.
Are there direct flights from the US to China?
Several airlines have flown direct between US and Chinese cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, but the number of flights has been limited and changes often. Many travelers connect through Hong Kong, Seoul or Taipei.
How do I pay for things in China?
Mobile payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are dominant. Set one up with your card before you arrive, and also carry a card and some cash as a backup.
