The Flight Details You Need
Air connectivity between India and China is steadily being restored. China Southern Airlines is set to resume its daily, non-stop service between Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) starting
September 21, 2026. The airline will operate this route using a Boeing 737-8 aircraft. According to the schedule, flight CZ360 will depart from Delhi at 20:00 and arrive in Guangzhou at 04:15 the next morning. The return flight, CZ359, leaves Guangzhou at 15:35 and lands in Delhi at 19:00. This relaunch provides a direct link to one of China's most significant economic and transit hubs. Alongside China Southern, Indian carrier IndiGo also operates a daily non-stop flight on the Delhi-Guangzhou route, offering travelers more choice and flexibility.
Navigating China's Visa Process
For Indian passport holders, planning is essential as China does not offer a visa-on-arrival or an e-visa facility for tourists. You must apply for a Tourist (L) Visa in advance. The process begins with filling out the China Online Visa Application (COVA) form on the official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) website. Key documents required typically include a passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages, a recent passport-sized photograph, confirmed round-trip flight tickets, and hotel reservations for your entire stay. You will also need to provide a day-by-day travel itinerary and may be asked for bank statements to prove sufficient funds for your trip. As of 2026, the Chinese government has extended a policy of reduced visa fees and has waived the need for fingerprint collection for many short-term visa applicants until December 31, 2026, simplifying the process.
Money Matters: Payments in a Cashless Society
China operates as an almost entirely cashless society, where mobile payments are king. The two dominant platforms are Alipay and WeChat Pay, and as a tourist, you will need to use at least one of them for everything from metro tickets to street food. The good news is that both platforms now allow foreigners to link their international credit and debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. It is highly recommended to download both apps and complete the setup and identity verification process—which requires your passport details—before you leave India. While both apps are essential, many travellers report that Alipay has a slightly higher success rate for payments with foreign cards. Although cash is still legal tender, many smaller vendors may not have change for large notes, making mobile payments far more convenient. It's wise to carry a small amount of Chinese Yuan (RMB) as a backup.
Staying Connected: Internet and Essential Apps
Accessing the internet is crucial, especially since payment apps require a connection. Purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival or an eSIM before you travel are both viable options. However, remember that many Western websites and apps, including Google services (Gmail, Maps) and social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, are blocked in China. To access them, you will need to install a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) service on your phone before you travel. Do thorough research on which VPNs currently work well in China. Beyond a VPN, it's useful to download a good translation app, as English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist hubs. A mapping app that functions in China, like Baidu Maps (which has an English interface), will also be invaluable for navigation.
Discovering Guangzhou and Beyond
As your port of entry, Guangzhou offers a fantastic introduction to modern China blended with rich history. Don't miss the Canton Tower, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline. For a taste of history, visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral, a stunning all-granite Gothic church, or explore the traditional architecture at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. Guangzhou is also a culinary paradise, famous for its Dim Sum and Cantonese cuisine. The city serves as the capital of Guangdong province, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the wider Pearl River Delta region, including cities like Shenzhen and the historic town of Foshan.
