The Flight Details You Need
China Southern Airlines is relaunching its direct, non-stop service between Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) starting September 21, 2026. This daily service marks a significant step in restoring
air connectivity between the two nations. According to the airline's schedule, flight CZ360 will depart from Delhi at 8:20 PM (IST) and arrive in Guangzhou at 4:15 AM (CST) the next morning. The return flight, CZ359, will leave Guangzhou at 3:35 PM (CST) and land in Delhi at 7:00 PM (IST). The route will be operated using a Boeing 737-8 aircraft. This daily connection is expected to cater to the surging demand from both corporate and leisure travellers, alongside IndiGo which also operates a daily flight on this route.
Navigating China's Visa Process
For Indian passport holders, planning is key as China does not offer a visa-on-arrival or an e-visa option for tourists. You must apply for a visa in advance through a designated Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). The most common category for tourism is the L visa. The required documents typically include a passport with at least six months of validity, a completed online application form, a recent photograph, confirmed round-trip flight bookings, and hotel reservations for your entire stay. You will also likely need to provide a day-by-day travel itinerary and recent bank statements as proof of sufficient funds. On the bright side, China has extended a policy of reduced visa fees for Indian citizens through the end of 2026. Additionally, many short-term applicants are exempt from providing fingerprints until December 31, 2026, which simplifies the process.
Guangzhou for the Business Traveller
Guangzhou is a powerhouse of trade and commerce, making this restored flight route crucial for business travellers. The city is famously home to the Canton Fair, China's largest and oldest trade fair, held every spring and autumn. The Autumn 2026 session, for instance, runs in three phases from mid-October to early November, each focusing on different industries like electronics, consumer goods, and textiles. The direct flight makes attending this mega-event far more convenient. Beyond the fair, Guangzhou is a major manufacturing, logistics, and economic hub, offering immense opportunities for networking, sourcing, and building business relationships. The city's location on the Pearl River Delta further cements its status as a key gateway for international trade.
A Leisure Traveller's Itinerary
Guangzhou, historically known as Canton, offers a fascinating blend of ancient heritage and futuristic architecture. A must-see is the iconic Canton Tower, which provides stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. For a dose of history and European-style architecture, a stroll through the tranquil Shamian Island is essential. Nature lovers can escape to Baiyun Mountain (White Cloud Mountain) for a hike and breathtaking city vistas. History buffs will appreciate the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a masterpiece of traditional Cantonese architecture that now houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum. And no trip is complete without indulging in authentic Cantonese cuisine, especially the world-famous dim sum. For shopping, head to the bustling Shangxiajiu or Beijing Road pedestrian streets.
Essential Tips for Indian Travellers
When travelling to Guangzhou, remember that many popular international apps like Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked by China's internet firewall. It's wise to install a reliable VPN on your phone before you depart. For payments, while major credit cards are increasingly accepted, mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are dominant; it is recommended to set one of these up. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). While Mandarin is the official language, Cantonese is widely spoken in Guangzhou. It's helpful to have a translation app handy. For local transport, the Guangzhou Metro is efficient and covers the city extensively, including a line to the airport. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available, but always use marked, metered taxis or official apps to avoid issues.
