Hainan Airlines is the only Chinese airline to have a 5-star Skytrax rating. Among their destinations in Europe is Manchester, and currently there’s a nice deal for their flights. While the non-stop flight to Beijing is not discounted, the price drops substantially if you fly on to a different Chinese city, such as Hangzhou or Shanghai, prices start at £369 (~€423) and include checked luggage. Departures are available between September to December 2025.
Our calendar displays all available dates with short layovers (usually 2-3 hours in Beijing). Once you’ve selected your preferred destination and dates, it can redirect you to Kayak:
You’ll always start your trip with a 9-hour flight from Manchester to Beijing aboard an Airbus A330. From there, your trip continues to your final destination after a short layover of usually 2-3 hours. If you’re flying to Shanghai, you can freely select if you prefer to fly to Shanghai Pudong airport or Shanghai Hongqiao.
Until December 2025, citizens of 33 countries in Europe may enter China for 30 days without applying for a visa. Sadly, the UK is not one of them.
Search & Book
The fare rules don’t mention many major restrictions. Departures are available between September to December 2025. You can find all available dates on Google Flights. In our calendar above, we’ve only included dates with short layovers. However, if you want, you could even spend up to 7 days in Beijing before continuing your journey. Either way, you can book these tickets through Kayak at the cheapest price.
Stopover in Beijing
The deal also allows for a stopover in Beijing, included in your fare, so you can combine your trip with a visit to the Chinese capital. For example, you can travel to Shanghai with a stopover in Beijing on your way back to Europe, starting from £396 (~€454).
You can use Google Flights to find your dates and then use our search form to get the best price on Kayak:
Miles & Points
The long-haul flights are issued in booking class A, while the domestic flights are issued in booking class P. As Hainan Airlines isn’t part of any alliance, your options are extremely limited. Here’s what you’d get for the round trip to Hangzhou:
- 1,000 Miles on Alaska Mileage Plan
- 428 Award Miles on Etihad Guest
- Customize Calculation
Destination
Information & Tips for Shanghai
Shanghai is known for its stunning skyline, with landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund, and the futuristic Pudong district. The city also offers cultural sights like the Yuyuan Garden and the Shanghai Museum. The currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY), and credit cards are widely accepted. Shanghai is a relatively expensive city, particularly in tourist areas, but affordable options are available for food and accommodation. The weather is humid subtropical, with hot, rainy summers and mild winters, making the best time to visit during spring and autumn when temperatures are more comfortable.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as eSIM4Travel, RedteaGo, and Textr. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for China 🇨🇳 Compared
→ All Dealz for Shanghai
Information & Tips for Hangzhou
Hangzhou is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, especially the iconic West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site dotted with temples, pagodas, and gardens. Other notable attractions include the Lingyin Temple, the Hefang Street Ancient Culture Block, and the Xixi National Wetland Park. The currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY), and credit cards are widely accepted. Hangzhou is a moderately priced city, with options ranging from budget-friendly local eateries to more luxurious dining and lodging. The weather is humid subtropical, featuring hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. The ideal times to visit are during spring and autumn, when the climate is most comfortable for sightseeing.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as eSIM4Travel, RedteaGo, and Textr. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for China 
Compared
→ All Dealz for Hangzhou
Information & Tips for Beijing
Beijing, China’s capital, is home to major historical sites like the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and nearby sections of the Great Wall. The local currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY), and mobile payments via apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay are more common than cash or cards. Prices vary—public transport and local food are inexpensive, while hotels and tourist areas can be more costly. The weather includes hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters, with spring and autumn offering milder, more comfortable conditions.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as eSIM4Travel, RedteaGo, and Textr. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for China 🇨🇳 Compared
→ All Dealz for Beijing
Cover Picture: The Bund, Shanghai | Ditmar Lange