To the heart of China

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, there’s more of China to choose from this summer. Fly direct to Xi’an, Qingdao or Changsha from Heathrow and put yourself closer than ever to your destination.

Changsha

长沙 [chahng-shah]
Hainan Airlines

The capital of Hunan province, in south-central China, Changsha is home to seven million people and is a major commercial hub. But there’s much more to discover in this historic city if you have time to explore.

It’s also known for the 1,000-year-old Yuelu Academy – a seat of learning older than Oxford and Cambridge – and the ancient Mawangdui Han tombs. It’s also known as a ‘garden city’, and the buzz of city life is lightened by parks and gardens aplenty.

Hainan Airlines operates three flights a week between Heathrow and Changsha, using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, as of 23rd March 2018. Flights depart Terminal 3 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

• Changsha destination guide
• Contact Hainan Airlines

Xi’an

西安 [shyahn]
Tianjin Airlines

Xi’an is one of China’s most popular tourist destinations, probably best known as the home of the amazing terracotta army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The life-size figurines – designed to guard Emperor Qin in the afterlife – were discovered when villagers started digging a well in 1974.

The city once stood at the start of the Silk Road and its world-class historical museum has artefacts dating back as far as prehistoric times. Tourism aside, this city of eight million residents is an industrial and education centre, as well as being home to China’s space programme.China’s

Tianjin Airlines will offer direct flights to Xi’an from Heathrow Terminal 3, using Airbus A330 aircraft, on Mondays and Fridays from 7th May 2018.

• Xi’an destination guide

Qingdao

青岛 [Chingtao]
Beijing Capital Airlines

It may be a megacity in the making, but to many this north-eastern port is the heart of the ‘Asian Riviera’. Qingdao offers pristine beaches, a harbour full of yachts, renowned Shandong cuisine, lively nightlife and a cityscape that successfully mixes glass skyscrapers, cobbled streets and Tudor-style buildings. And yet it’s also a major manufacturing base and home to China’s best-known beer export, Tsingtao.

Beijing Capital Airlines has operated charter flights to Qingdao since November, but goes fully scheduled from 26th March. Flights depart Terminal 3 on Mondays and Fridays.

• Qingdao destination guide
• Contact Beijing Capital Airlines