The Flight Details You Need to Know
The much-anticipated resumption is led by China Southern Airlines, which will launch its daily non-stop service between Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) starting September 21, 2026. The route
will be serviced by a Boeing 737-8 aircraft. According to the airline's schedule, flight CZ360 will depart from Delhi in the evening at 8:20 PM (IST) and arrive in Guangzhou at 4:15 AM (CST) the next morning. The return flight, CZ359, will leave Guangzhou in the afternoon and land in Delhi the same evening. This daily service drastically reduces the journey time that previously involved long layovers in other countries, making travel between the two major hubs more efficient for business and leisure travellers alike. IndiGo also operates a direct flight on this route, giving travellers more than one option.
Navigating the China Visa Maze
While flights are becoming more accessible, securing a visa remains a crucial and meticulous process for Indian passport holders. China does not offer a visa-on-arrival for Indian tourists; all visas must be obtained before departure. Applicants must fill out the application form on the official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) website, book an appointment, and submit documents in person. Key documents typically include a valid passport, confirmed round-trip flight tickets, hotel bookings, a day-by-day travel itinerary, and recent bank statements. It's important to note that while tourist (L) visas are available, recent reports from August 2026 suggest that securing business (M) visas has become more challenging, with lower approval rates affecting sectors like electronics and manufacturing. Therefore, business travellers should apply well in advance and prepare for potential scrutiny. For most short-term visa categories, fingerprint biometric submission has been waived until the end of 2026, which simplifies one step of the process.
What This Means for Business Travellers
For the Indian business community, the resumption of the Delhi-Guangzhou route is a significant development. Guangzhou is a sprawling port city and a major hub of the Pearl River Delta, one of China's primary economic engines and a global manufacturing powerhouse. Many Indian traders and executives in electronics, machinery, and other industries rely on frequent travel to the region for sourcing, supplier meetings, and quality checks. The direct flight restores a vital link that was severed, saving precious time and money. Despite the convenience of the flight, the reported slowdown in business visa approvals presents a new hurdle. Companies may need to factor in longer lead times for travel plans and potentially have contingency plans, such as holding meetings in alternative locations like Hong Kong or Singapore if visas are delayed.
Opportunities for Tourism and Students
The direct connection also opens doors for leisure travel and education. Guangzhou offers a rich cultural experience, from historical sites to its world-famous Cantonese cuisine and the iconic Canton Tower. With streamlined travel, exploring the broader Guangdong province and connecting to other parts of China becomes much easier. In recent months, China has witnessed a surge in travellers from India, for both business and leisure. For Indian students enrolled in or hoping to attend Chinese universities, the resumption of direct flights is a welcome relief after years of disruption. The renewed connectivity makes it easier to travel to and from their institutions. However, prospective students should still carefully check the specific requirements for X1 or X2 (student) visas, which involve documentation from the educational institution and can have a longer processing time.
On-the-Ground Practicalities to Consider
Once in China, Indian travellers should be prepared for a different digital ecosystem. The country operates on a largely cashless basis, dominated by mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay. These systems have historically been difficult for foreigners to use without a Chinese bank account, though efforts are being made to better integrate international credit cards. It is wise to research the latest payment options before travelling. Furthermore, many popular international apps and websites, including Google services and social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, are blocked. Accessing them requires a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which should be set up before arriving in the country. While new entry regulations effective from September 15, 2026, reinforce the need for travellers to have genuine travel purposes, they do not create new blanket restrictions for ordinary tourists.
