Which airlines fly from Shanghai to Beijing?

kawan2

Hi,

I just realised that my Virgin airmiles will expire in Jan 2008. Hence, I would like to use them before they expire. Should have enough airmiles to fly from London to Hong Kong or Shanghai.

Does anyone know which airline flies from Shanghai to Beijing? If it is not too expensive, I would like to visit Xian as well.

Alternatively, would it be cheaper and easier to fly from Hong Kong to Beijing and Xian? I'm not too bothered about not visiting Shanghai.

Thanks.

No_Future

Cathay Pacific or Air China maybe?
Look into getting overnight trains too, these aren't too expensive and are a nice way to see countryside and are very modern and comfy.

kawan2

No_Future wrote:

Cathay Pacific or Air China maybe?
Look into getting overnight trains too, these aren't too expensive and are a nice way to see countryside and are very modern and comfy.

Looked up the train from Shanghai to Beijing. It looked good except journey takes about 11 hours. It would be a good option if we can fly back from Beijing to London. Unfortunately, we will have to make our way back to Shanghai to catch the return flight. Don't fancy that with a young child in tow.

Hence, I am beginning to think I should forget China for now. Instead I am thinking of going to Tokyo instead to maximise the use of the airmiles.

Thanks again.

karena

We flew London to Shanghai, then bought a single ticket to get us to Beijing, that cost around £160 each business class so I guess about £100 economy. We flew back to London from Beijing. Think the train is too long. We were advised to fly business to Beijing as it can some times be quite uncomfortable/unplesant in Y class.

Voyager2002

Firstly, bear in mind that everything in Tokyo will cost far more than in China.

Anyway, trains in China are a good experience with a child (what age?). Long journeys are overnight, so you get a comfortable bed, and people come through the train selling snacks and drinks and renting DVDs (complete with player), all for very low prices. And on the more modern trains in 'soft' (first) class, you have your own TV screen with a choice films. Last time I did this they were showing 'Mr Bean' (in English). My only problem was getting my son to stop watching and go to sleep!

Perhaps the main airline flying between Shanghai and Beijing is China Easter, although there are others. The main websites for buying flights within China are called ctrip and elong -- both are reliable. Why not fly one way and take the train the other?

Travelling from Hong Kong to Beijing is likely to be either more expensive or more complicated than from Shanghai, because it involves crossing an international border. However, I think Hong Kong is a fantastic place, and my son loved it as well. I've never been to Shanghai, however.

kawan2

Voyager2002 wrote:

Firstly, bear in mind that everything in Tokyo will cost far more than in China.quote]

I know it will be more expensive in Japan. Had Virgin fly directly from Lhr to Beijing, I would have chosen as both my son & myself would like to see the Great Wall of China. As it is, I have booked to go to Japan. Maybe next year we will go to China.

Thanks once again.