The New Air Link Explained
After a six-year suspension, China Southern Airlines will restart its direct daily flights between Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) from September 21, 2026. Flight CZ360 will depart Delhi at 8:20
PM and arrive in Guangzhou at 4:15 AM the next day. The return flight, CZ359, leaves Guangzhou at 3:35 PM, arriving in Delhi at 7:00 PM the same day. This daily service restores a crucial connection for business, tourism, and education, significantly cutting down travel time compared to layover flights.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Before you book, it's crucial to understand China's visa policy for Indian citizens. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa facility for Indian passport holders. You must apply for a tourist visa, known as the 'L' visa, in advance through a designated Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in India. Key documents typically include a passport with at least six months' validity, a completed online application form, a recent photograph, proof of round-trip flights, and confirmed hotel bookings for your entire stay. A day-by-day itinerary is also required. The good news is that reduced visa fees and an exemption on providing fingerprints for many short-term applicants have been extended until the end of 2026.
Discovering Guangzhou: The Canton City
Guangzhou, historically known as Canton, is a sprawling metropolis with a rich history and a hyper-modern skyline. It’s the heart of Cantonese culture and a global trading hub. Start your exploration at the iconic Canton Tower, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Pearl River. For a glimpse into the city's colonial past, wander through the quiet, tree-lined streets of Shamian Island, with its preserved European-style architecture. Don't miss the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, an exquisite example of traditional Lingnan architecture featuring intricate carvings. For business travellers, Guangzhou is home to the Canton Fair, China's largest trade exhibition, held every spring and autumn. The 2026 autumn session runs in three phases from mid-October to early November.
A Paradise for Food Lovers
A trip to Guangzhou is incomplete without indulging in its world-famous culinary scene. The city is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine and the tradition of 'yum cha' (drinking tea and eating dim sum). Dive into bustling local eateries to sample classics like shrimp dumplings (har gow), steamed pork buns (char siu bao), and rice noodle rolls (cheong fun). For a quintessential local experience, try a bowl of wonton noodle soup or the flavourful dry-fried beef ho fun. Beijing Road is a popular pedestrian street that combines shopping with a plethora of dining options and street food stalls.
Day Trips and Onward Travel
Guangzhou's location in the Pearl River Delta makes it an excellent base for exploring the region. The tech hub of Shenzhen, known for its futuristic architecture and vibrant shopping scene, is just a short high-speed train ride away. For a dose of culture, consider a day trip to Foshan, the ancestral home of kung fu legends Bruce Lee and Ip Man. You can also explore natural landscapes like Baiyun Mountain for a hike with city views or venture further to the dramatic landscapes of Gulong Gorge, though this requires a longer day.
Essential Travel Tips for India
When travelling in China, remember that popular international apps like Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked by the country's internet firewall. To stay connected, it's advisable to arrange a VPN service before you travel or purchase a local SIM card with a data plan. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). While major hotels and department stores accept international credit cards, many smaller restaurants and shops rely on mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay. It is now easier for foreigners to link their Visa or Mastercard to these apps. It's also wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
