The Flights: What’s Resuming?
China Southern Airlines will operate daily non-stop flights between Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport (CAN). Flight CZ360 will depart Delhi in the evening, and CZ359 will fly from Guangzhou in the afternoon,
creating a convenient schedule for travellers. This move, part of a gradual restoration of air links that also saw IndiGo and China Eastern resume other routes, re-establishes a key connection for trade and tourism. For Indian travellers, this means direct access to one of China's most significant commercial hubs is once again a practical option after a long pause.
Visa Process: Plan in Advance
There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Indian passport holders visiting mainland China. You must apply for a visa in advance, typically the 'L' category for tourism, through a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata. The process requires a detailed application, including confirmed round-trip flight tickets, hotel bookings for your entire stay, and a day-by-day itinerary. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and two blank pages. While China has extended reduced visa fees and a temporary waiver for fingerprinting for some short-term applicants through the end of 2026, the documentary requirements remain strict. Any inconsistency between your flights, hotels, and itinerary is a common reason for rejection, so meticulous planning is key.
Money Matters: Navigating a Cashless Society
China operates largely as a cashless society dominated by two mobile payment apps: Alipay and WeChat Pay. While cash is still legal tender, many smaller shops, restaurants, and taxis are now set up primarily for QR code payments and may struggle to provide change. Fortunately for tourists, both Alipay and WeChat Pay now allow you to link international credit and debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. It is crucial to download these apps, register using your passport, and link your cards before you travel. While transactions under 200 RMB are often free, a fee of around 3% may apply to larger amounts. Carry a small amount of Chinese Yuan (RMB) as a backup, but expect your phone to be your primary wallet.
Staying Connected: The Great Firewall and VPNs
Accessing the global internet can be a challenge in China due to its sophisticated internet filtering system, often called the 'Great Firewall'. Many familiar apps and websites, including Google (and its services like Gmail and Maps), WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, are blocked. To access these services, you have two main options. The first is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A key rule is that you must download and set up the VPN app on your phone and any other devices before you arrive in China, as app stores for VPNs are blocked within the country. The second, and often simpler option for short trips, is to activate international roaming with your Indian mobile provider or use an international eSIM. Roaming data is routed through servers outside China, bypassing the firewall and allowing you to use your apps as normal.
Health and Entry: What to Expect
While most COVID-19 era restrictions have been lifted, all international arrivals are still required to complete a Health Declaration Form. This can be done online via a QR code or through the China Customs app up to 24 hours before your flight. The process is straightforward, but it's one last digital step to complete before you can clear immigration. As of September 15, 2026, new entry and exit regulations reinforce that authorities can verify your travel purpose, so having your itinerary, hotel bookings, and return flight details handy and consistent with your visa application is more important than ever.
