Even more routes into China

You’ve yet more choice of routes to China from Heathrow this year, with new direct services to Chongqing and Shenzhen. That means that from autumn 2018 you’ll have 11 Chinese destinations to pick from, with ten different airlines.

Whether you’re planning a business trip, a holiday or a connecting flight to Asia or Australasia, Heathrow can now put you even closer to where you want to be.

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Chongqing

重庆市 [Chuóng Chìng] Tianjin Airlines From 25th August

Chongqing boasts a sub-tropical climate, mountain backdrop and proud history (it was China’s de facto capital in the Second World War), yet the city hasn’t really made it on to the tourist map yet.

Maybe that’s down to its reputation as a trade and industry hotspot, its status as the world’s largest city or its often hazy atmosphere — it isn’t called China’s ‘Fog Capital’ for nothing.

But if you do have time to explore the Mountain City, as Chongqing is more usually known, you’ll find plenty to see and do.

Natural hot springs provide respite from the urban buzz, while a Three Gorges cruise on the Yangtze provides a unique perspective on ancient and modern China. If that isn’t enough, there are also caves, rock carvings and urban cable car rides.

And at the end of the day, what better way to get under the skin of a place than to enjoy some classic local food? In Chongqing, that means huǒ guō hotpot — a spicy tripe broth so well loved that there are government guidelines on its presentation.

Tianjin Airlines will operate three weekly services to Jiangbei International Airport, Chongqing (CKG), from 25th August on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The flights — using 260-seat Airbus A330-200 aircraft — depart at 22:05. Connections are available to Tianjin and other Asian destinations.

Chongqing destination guide

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Shenzhen

深圳市 [Shēn zhèn)] Shenzhen Airlines From 30th October

Shenzhen Airlines has an extensive network of destinations within China. In October, many of them will come within easy reach of London, as the airline launches flights to Heathrow — its first intercontinental route.

That means easier access than ever to hundreds of cities in China and eastern Asia, from Anhui to Zhejiang and Tokyo to Thailand.

Bustling Shenzhen links Hong Kong to the mainland, and is one of southern China’s most prominent financial and business centres. But it’s also becoming popular as a holiday spot, with its historic attractions, sub-tropical climate and many green spaces.

The city’s population includes over 50 different Chinese minorities, and as a result has food to tempt every possible taste and budget, from hole-in-the-wall joints to fine-dining restaurants. for the best weather, visit from mid-October to December.

Shenzhen Airlines is based at the city’s Bao’an International Airport. It has been part of the Star Alliance network since 2012. Flights from Heathrow, by 309-seat Airbus A330-300, will depart at 21:40 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Shenzhen destination guide

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More routes to China

Heading to China? Whatever your destination, Heathrow has you covered. From 30th October our Chinese destination network will have non-stop flights to 11 destinations:

• Beijing: Air China and British Airways

• Changsha: Hainan Airlines

• Chongqing: Tianjin Airlines

• Guangzhou: China Southern

• Hong Kong: British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic

• Qingdao: Beijing Capital Airlines

• Sanya: China Southern

• Shanghai (Pudong): British Airways, China Eastern and Virgin Atlantic

• Shenzhen: Shenzhen Airlines

• Wuhan: China Southern

• Xi’an: Tianjin Airlines.