Cheap airfare to China is mostly about timing and flexibility. Compare fares across airlines and nearby airports, shift your dates a few days either way, and book when the price looks right.
Air China, China Eastern and China Southern are the main mainland carriers and Cathay Pacific is Hong Kong's home airline; some US carriers and alliance partners also serve China, though the number of US-China flights has varied in recent years.
Avoid Chinese New Year (January or February) and the October 1 Golden Week, when domestic travel peaks. Late autumn and early spring, outside the holidays, often bring better fares.
Mainland China generally requires a visa for US citizens, though visa-free transit and other exemption programs have expanded in recent years. Hong Kong has its own, more relaxed entry rules. Check official sources before you book.
It depends on your airline — Beijing Capital (PEK) and Beijing Daxing (PKX) both handle international flights. Both are linked to the city by airport express rail lines.
Fares tend to be lower outside Chinese New Year, the October Golden Week and the summer holidays. Late autumn and early spring are often good-value periods.
