Great Wall, Beijing

China Tours from Los Angeles

Flying from Los Angeles to China is far more convenient than many travelers assume. As one of the West Coast’s major cities closest geographically to China, Los Angeles offers direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai with a typical flight time of just 12 to 13 hours - five to six hours shorter than those departing from the U.S. East Coast.

Securing flights from Los Angeles to China merely addresses the logistics of arrival; the true essence of a memorable journey lies in crafting an exceptional travel experience. Overwhelming travel information, language barriers, complex intercity transfers, cumbersome ticket reservations, and itinerary pacing issues can easily deter even the most intrepid explorers. To bypass these tedious hurdles and embark on a seamless, stress-free adventure, choosing a reputable travel agency is highly recommended.

As an established local agency specializing in tours to China for tourists worldwide, TCG boasts unparalleled expertise in China’s travel resources and destinations. Drawing on decades of industry experience, we have curated meticulously designed itineraries and consistently delivered premium service. Our cost-efficient mini group day tours showcase each city’s iconic landmarks, while our long-distance small-group excursions cover China’s most celebrated travel destinations with affordable prices. Travel with us, and you can wander the imposing Great Wall, behold the grandeur of the 2,000-year-old Terracotta Army, and indulge in genuine local Chinese cuisine. For travelers with higher budget, we also provide bespoke private customized services, ensuring unrivaled comfort and complete flexibility.

Unique Tips for Planning a China Tour from Los Angeles

Beyond Beijing and Shanghai, Chengdu Is Also a Great Arrival Choice

Beyond Beijing and Shanghai, Chengdu Is Also a Great Arrival Choice Los Angeles International Airport operates nearly 40 weekly direct flights to six major Chinese cities, with nearly half of them flying to Shanghai. The other destinations are Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen and Chengdu, and one-way flight durations range from 12 to 16 hours. Beyond the mainstream hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, Chengdu stands out as an appealing arrival destination. Direct flights from LAX to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport depart every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. These late-night departures arrive at dawn local time, allowing for restful in-flight sleep and leaving you refreshed to savor authentic hot pot and meet adorable giant pandas upon arrival.
Routes Flight Information
Los Angeles International Airport → Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: 3 flights daily

MU586 12:30/17:15+1
UA198 13:15/17:45+1
DL039 11:30/16:05+1 

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 2 flights daily

MU586 12:30/17:15+1
UA198 13:15/17:45+1
Los Angeles International Airport → Beijing Capital International Airport Monday, Friday: 1 flight daily CA984 23:25/05:30+1
Tuesday, Saturday: 1 flight daily UA771 23:35/04:40+1
Thursday: 2 flights daily CA984 23:25/05:30+1
UA771 23:35/04:40+1
Sunday: 1 flight daily CA988 14:20/18:00+1
Los Angeles International Airport → Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1 flight daily

CZ328 23:50/05:55+1
Los Angeles International Airport → Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
Tuesday: 1 flight daily
CA770 22:00/04:30+1
Los Angeles International Airport → Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday: 1 flight daily

MF830 23:55/06:00+1
Los Angeles International Airport → Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

Tuesday, Friday, Sunday: 1 flight daily

3U3838 23:15/06:00+1

Notes: All departure and arrival times shown above are local time.

Make Full Use of the 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption

China currently extends its 240‑hour transit visa exemption to nationals from 55 eligible countries, including the United States. With a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country or region - such as Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Thailand - you can enjoy up to 10 days of visa-free travel within designated areas, free of visa fees and bureaucratic red tape. For instance, you may fly from Los Angeles to Beijing then connect to Hong Kong, or travel from Los Angeles to Chengdu before heading to Bangkok. This arrangement not only lets you add an extra destination to your journey but also effectively cuts down your overall travel expenses. Notably, the 240‑hour validity commences at midnight following your entry date; arriving in the early morning optimizes your schedule, granting you roughly 11 full days of visa-free exploration.

Experience Distinctive Winter Snowscapes Unavailable in Los Angeles

Los Angeles maintains year-round mild weather, and even mountain trips offer no guarantee of reliable snowfall for winter enthusiasts. A winter trip to China more than makes up for this limitation. Glide across the frozen expanse of Beijing’s Summer Palace for exhilarating ice skating, admire the snow-draped grandeur of the Great Wall, or venture to Harbin, the renowned “Ice City”, to marvel at colossal ice sculptures and experience heart-pounding ice motorbike rides. Moreover, December through February marks China’s travel off-season, featuring discounted airfare and accommodation rates alongside far fewer crowds at popular scenic sites.