Finding cheap flights to China often comes down to being flexible about both your destination and your departure point. Fares can differ considerably between Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other major gateways, so it is worth searching several Chinese cities rather than assuming one will offer the best value. If your plans allow, compare return flights into one city and home from another, particularly when visiting places such as Hangzhou or Shenzhen as part of a wider itinerary.

Travel dates also have a noticeable effect on the options available. Looking across a whole month can reveal lower fares around your preferred dates, while avoiding the busiest periods linked to UK school holidays and major Chinese public holidays may give you more choice. Check the total journey cost as well as the headline fare, including baggage, seat selection and any onward transport needed after landing.

It is equally useful to search departures from more than one UK airport. London, Manchester and Birmingham can show different availability, and a modest train fare to an alternative airport may still make the overall trip cheaper. For southern itineraries, comparing Guangzhou, Haikou and Sanya can be especially practical, while travellers heading towards central China might also look at Chongqing or Changsha before settling on their final route.

When comparing flights to China from the UK, start with the airport that offers the most practical departure for your journey, rather than looking only at the headline fare. London airports may provide a wider choice of connections, while a regional UK airport could reduce the time and cost of reaching your departure point. Allow for the possibility of a connection and compare the complete journey, including transfer times, baggage arrangements and whether you would need to change airports.

Your arrival city should match your plans in China. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen can work well as gateways for onward travel, while Hangzhou, Changsha, Chongqing, Haikou, Sanya or Lhasa may be more convenient if they are closer to your final destination. Check the distance between the airport and the city centre, as well as the availability of high-speed rail or domestic connections for the next stage of your journey.

Airport choice can matter particularly in larger Chinese cities: Beijing and Shanghai each have more than one major airport, so confirm the exact arrival point before booking accommodation or onward transport. When comparing options, look beyond the fare to assess connection length, arrival time, airport transfers, terminal changes, baggage rules and the ease of reaching your final destination.