How to Travel from Dhaka to China (Flights, Visa & Requirements)

A Complete Travel Guide Covering Flights, Visa Process, and Entry Requirements from Dhaka to China

China has always had a special pull on Bangladeshis. Whether you are a garment business owner travelling to Guangzhou to source products, a student heading to Beijing on a government scholarship, a family visiting a relative who has settled there, or simply someone who has always wanted to see the Great Wall with their own eyes, the desire to visit China is genuinely common in Bangladesh.

But planning an international trip, especially one that involves a visa, unfamiliar airports, and a completely different language, can feel a bit overwhelming at the start. You begin searching, and before you know it, you have dozens of tabs open and still are not sure where to begin.

That is exactly why this guide exists. We have broken down everything step by step, from finding and booking the right flight, to navigating the Chinese visa process from Dhaka. By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly what to do and when to do it.

Why More Bangladeshis Are Visiting China

China and Bangladesh share a deep and growing bond. Trade ties between the two countries have expanded significantly over the years, making Guangzhou and Yiwu popular destinations for Bangladeshi businesspeople and merchants. Students are increasingly heading to Chinese universities for affordable, quality education. And then there's tourism: the Great Wall, Shanghai's skyline, Beijing's imperial palaces, and the ancient Terracotta Army in Xi'an are the kind of sights that stay with you.

The good news is that China is genuinely one of the easier long-haul destinations to reach from Dhaka. There are direct flights, the visa process is straightforward if you prepare well, and the journey is shorter than you might expect.

Flights from Dhaka to China

Which Airlines Fly from Dhaka to China?

You have solid options when it comes to airlines:

Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates direct flights from Dhaka to Guangzhou
China Southern Airlines flies direct routes from Dhaka to Guangzhou and Beijing
US-Bangla Airlines also runs direct flights to Guangzhou
Air China operates nonstop flights between Dhaka and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
China Eastern Airlines connects Dhaka to various Chinese cities with a stopover
Cathay Pacific offers connecting flights via Hong Kong
Emirates and Singapore Airlines also operate connecting routes via their respective hubs

Direct Flights vs. Connecting Flights

Here is something many Bangladeshi travelers do not realise: there ARE direct (nonstop) flights from Dhaka to China. You do not always need a layover.

Biman Bangladesh, China Southern, and US-Bangla Airlines all operate nonstop flights from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). The flight takes roughly 3 hours and 45 to 50 minutes, making it one of the quickest connections to China from South Asia.

For Beijing, China Southern and Air China operate nonstop flights from Dhaka to Beijing. The direct flight time is approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes.

If you choose a connecting flight through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Dubai, total travel time including layover can range between 8 and 14 hours depending on your route and waiting time.

Which Chinese Cities Can You Fly Into?

ShareTrip offers tickets to popular cities across China. After observing the buying pattern of our customers, we found that people from Bangladesh always choose one of the following cities for landing in most cases.

Guangzhou (Baiyun International Airport): The most popular entry point for Bangladeshi travelers, especially for business and trade. Direct flights available.
Beijing (Capital International Airport / Daxing International Airport): The political and cultural heart of China. Direct flights available.
Shanghai (Pudong International Airport): China's financial capital and a favourite tourist destination. Usually requires a connecting flight.
Kunming (Changshui International Airport): A budget-friendly option with shorter travel distance, often used as a stopover hub.

How Much Do Flights Cost?

Flight prices vary depending on the airline, season, and how early you book. Based on available data, round-trip economy flights from Dhaka to Guangzhou or Beijing can start from roughly BDT 39,000 to BDT 70,000 and can go higher during peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Golden Week holidays in October). Depending on the airlines you choose, the price can slightly vary from the mentioned amount.

Pro tip: Book at least 6 weeks in advance. Multiple researches show travelers who book early can save around 24% compared to last-minute bookings. You can compare all available flights, check prices across multiple airlines, and book conveniently through ShareTrip Flights. It takes the guesswork out of finding the best deal, and you can earn TripCoins on your booking too.

China Visa for Bangladeshi Travelers: A Step-by-Step Guide

This is where most people get nervous. Don't be. The China visa process is very manageable as long as you prepare your documents properly.

Do Bangladeshis Need a Visa for China?

Yes. Bangladeshi passport holders are required to obtain a visa before entering China. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Bangladeshi citizens. The one exception is diplomatic and official passport holders, who are eligible for a 30-day visa-free stay.

Types of Chinese Visa Available

Here are the most common visa categories for Bangladeshi travelers:

Tourist Visa (L Visa): For leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting family. This is what most tourists apply for.
Business Visa (M Visa): For trade visits, business meetings, conferences, and commercial activities.
Student Visa (X Visa): For those enrolled in Chinese educational institutions. X1 is for long-term study; X2 for short-term.
Work Visa (Z Visa): For those with a job offer from a Chinese employer.
Transit Visa (G Visa): If you are passing through China on your way to a third country, the transit visa is necessary.

Not sure which one applies to you? A good rule of thumb: if you are going for fun or leisure, go with the L Visa. If it is for business, apply for the M Visa.

Documents Required for the China Tourist Visa (L Visa)

Here is the checklist you need to prepare:

Valid passport with at least 7 months of remaining validity and a minimum of 2 blank pages. Include photocopies of all data pages.
Completed China Visa Application Form (COVA Form): Filled out online at the official China visa portal and then printed.
Recent passport-size photographs: Two copies, 33mm x 48mm (or 35mm x 45mm), white background, no glasses, no hat. Women must show their ears and forehead. Ensure it is a lab print, not printed at home.
Confirmed round-trip flight tickets: You need proof of your onward departure from China.
Hotel booking confirmation for your entire stay in China.
Bank statement for the last 6 months: Must be an original copy with the bank's seal and signature. A minimum bank balance of BDT 3,00,000 (3 lakh) per person is generally required.
Bank solvency certificate: Original copy from your bank.
National ID card (NID) copy
Employer letter (if applicable): On company letterhead, confirming your leave of absence, the purpose of the trip, and that you will return to your current job.
Previous passports (if any)

For business or student visas, additional documents like invitation letters, admission letters, or company registration papers are needed.

Where to Apply in Dhaka?

Arranging required documents together, applying for the visa, and getting approved is not a very convenient process for everyone. ShareTrip has made the entire process smooth. If you want to take advantage of this, you can check out our visa guide on China.

Or if you’re fine with making the entire process done on your own, you have two addresses to visit:

1. Chinese Embassy, Dhaka

Address: PLOT 2&4, EMBASSY ROAD, BLOCK-1, BARIDARA, BANGLADESH
Phone: +88-02-9887932
Email: chinaemb_bd@mfa.gov.cn
Working hours: 09:00 to 12:30 on working days

2. Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC)

Address: 3rd floor, Praasad Trade Center, 6 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh.
E-mail: dhakacenter@visaforchina.org
Website: www.visaforchina.cn

The website is the place where most applicants submit their forms and biometrics. It is generally more convenient than going directly to the embassy.

The process works like this:

Complete the COVA form online at China's official visa application portal.
Book an appointment at the CVASC Dhaka through their website.
Gather all required documents.
Visit the CVASC on your appointment day and submit your documents along with biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
Pay the visa fee.
Return on the designated collection date to pick up your passport.

Visa Fee and Processing Time

Visa fees are set by the Chinese Embassy and change periodically. Before applying, always check the current fee schedule directly on the CVASC Dhaka website or call them to confirm. According to available data, fees vary by visa type and number of entries (single, double, or multiple). Processing times are typically:

Standard processing: 4 to 7 working days
Express processing: 2 to 4 working days
Urgent processing (if available): 1 to 2 working days

Important: Apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before your travel date. During peak travel seasons, apply even earlier.

Disclaimer: Visa fees, processing times, and entry requirements are subject to change. Always verify the latest information directly with the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka or the official CVASC website before applying.

Travel Requirements to Know Before You Fly

Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 7 months beyond your travel dates and have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not mandatory for a Chinese tourist visa, but it is strongly recommended. Good coverage should include medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage loss. Medical costs in China can be high for foreigners without insurance.

Currency and Money Matters

China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also called Renminbi (RMB). You can exchange BDT to CNY at authorized exchange counters in Dhaka before you leave, or withdraw CNY at Chinese ATMs after arrival.

One important thing to know: China is a very cashless society, and locals rely heavily on WeChat Pay and Alipay. As a foreign visitor, setting up these apps with a foreign card is possible but can be a bit complicated. It is wise to carry some cash CNY as a backup, especially in smaller cities or markets.

Health Requirements

As of the latest available information, there are no mandatory vaccination requirements for Bangladeshi citizens entering China for tourism. However, it is always a good idea to check for any updated health advisories before you travel, as these requirements can change.

Practical Tips for Bangladeshi Travelers Visiting China

A few things that will genuinely make your trip easier:

Download a translation app before you land: Google Translate works well offline, and Baidu Translate is excellent in China. Many Chinese locals, especially outside major cities, do not speak English.
Sort your internet access: Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp are all blocked in China due to the Great Firewall. Download a reliable VPN before your flight. Once in China, downloading a VPN becomes much harder.
Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather across most Chinese cities. Avoid Chinese New Year and the October Golden Week if you want to avoid massive crowds and peak prices.
Halal food is available: China has a significant Muslim population, and halal restaurants are found in major cities, particularly in the Muslim quarters of cities like Xi'an, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Look for the Arabic script or the word "Halal" on restaurant signs.
Keep printed copies of everything: Print your visa, hotel bookings, flight tickets, and embassy contact details. Digital copies can fail at the worst moment.
Register your accommodation: If you are staying at a private residence rather than a hotel, you may be required to register with the local public security bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels handle this automatically.

Plan Your Dhaka to China Trip with ShareTrip

Once your visa is sorted, booking your flights and hotels should be the easy part. On ShareTrip, you can compare flights from multiple airlines on the Dhaka to China route, check real-time prices, and complete your booking in minutes. You can also book your hotels in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or wherever you are heading, all in one place.

If you want to enjoy discounts, keep eyes on our recent promotional offers to enjoy lucrative discounts.

Every booking earns you TripCoins, which you can use to save on future trips. And if you need help along the way, ShareTrip's customer support team is there for you.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Dhaka to China is absolutely doable and, once you have done it once, remarkably straightforward. Sort your visa early, keep your documents organised, book your flights and hotels ahead of time, and prepare for a trip that will genuinely surprise you.

China is a country of contrasts: ancient and ultramodern, peaceful and overwhelming, familiar and completely unlike anywhere you have been before. It is worth every bit of the planning.