How to Plan a Trip to China from Saudi Arabia

• Location of China and Time Difference
• When to Go 
• China Visa 
• Entry Cities & Direct Flights to China
• Best Places to Visit
• Recommended China Tour Packages 
• Travel Tips in China 

China has seen a great rise of Halal tourism in recent years. Tremendous tourists travel to China from Arab World, especially nationals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the majestic land of China, tourists will witness a dramatic contrast between tradition and modern, and discover diverse landscapes and sights across the country. Besides, there are top Muslim-friendly holiday destinations in China to explore and enjoy. Plan a trip to China from Saudi Arabia can be easy and smooth, proving you follow the travel guide on China weather, best time to visit, how to apply China visa, as well as travel tips on Muslim travel in China and tour packages.  

Check the map of China location we craft, you can see China is located in East Asia, west of Pacific Ocean, the eastern hemisphere and the northern hemisphere. It neighbors 20 countries, including Japan, Korea, North Korea, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Russia, Nepal, India etc.        

 

 

According to the location of these two countries, the shortest air travel distance between China (Beijing) and Saudi Arabia is 5,776 km / 3,589 miles. 

 

The territory of China is across five time zones, though, it uses UTC/GMT+08:00 as standard time. We call it China Standard Time. 
 

When planning your trip to China, you may need to know China weather and Climate in advance, and more importantly, the best time to visit China. The climate of China is quite different from that of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's climate is categorized as tropical desert climate, being hot and dry throughout the year. While China has four distinctive seasons. 

Spring goes from March to May, when most parts are still a bit chill. Summer is from June to August, hot and rainy. Autumn is from September to November of the mildest weather, while winter is from December to next February, when the country turns to be very cold (especially in North China and northern Tibet, and except some parts of South China). 

 

For our clients from Saudi Arabia, we usually suggest them to visit China between April and November. Autumn from September to October is recommended by most tourists as the best time to visit China, as it is the most beautiful season in China, with colorful fall foliage. >> Further reading for best time to visit Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin and other tourist cities

 

You are also encouraged to travel to Harbin or northern China in winter to embrace the ice and snow, for a special and fun-filled New Year Holiday. If you plan a China tour in winter, you may expect a lower price than normal (except Harbin), as it is the off-peak season of tourism in China.  

 

Time to avoid traveling to China: China National Day Holiday, or the so-called crazy Golden Week on October 1-7, when all sights are packed with domestic tourists

Do Saudi citizens need a Chinese visa? All foreigners, including Saudi passport holders, are required to obtain a visa to travel to mainland China. Since Chinese embassy in Riyadh does not accept China visa application service from ordinary Saudi passport holders. You have to prepare the necessary documents and submitted your application to one of the below three companies / offices. >> How to Apply for China Visa

 

Address: Ground Floor, Sada 1 Business Center, No. 62 Street King Fahd Road, Olaya District, Riyadh

Tel: +966-1-4621258, 0501086100

Fax: +966-1-4633850

Office Hours: 08:30am - 02:00pm, Saturday - Thursday

 

Address: Bin Salem Trading Center, Takhsossi Street, Riyadh (about 200m North of the Emirates Airlines Office)

Tel: +966-0-535363247 

Office Hours: 

08:30 am - 01:30 pm, 05:00pm - 09:00 pm, Saturday to Wednesday;

08:30 am - 01:30 pm, Thursday   

 

Address: Payless Building, Beside Samba Bank, King Abdullah Road, Alworod District, Riyadh, K.S.A

Tel: +966-1-2052808

 

The requirements of china visa for Saudi citizens: You may apply for L-Visa as a tourist, which allows you a stay of maximum 30 days in China. The required documents include valid passport, a fully complicated visa application form and recently-taken passport size photograph, proof of finances, an original letter from the applicant's employer, documents showing the itinerary, proof of hotel reservation, etc.

 

 

Saudi passport holders are exempt from visa if traveling to Hong Kong for a stay of within 30 days. For traveling to Macao, Saudi passport holders need to apply for a Macao visa at visa offices of the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or make a visa-upon-arrival application upon their arrival in Macao.   

With the direct flights from Riyadh, Guangzhou is the major entry city for your trip to China from Saudi Arabia. After arrival in Guangzhou, you can proceed your holiday to other China destinations, by domestic flights or bullet trains. 

 

You may also fly to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong or Chengdu from Riyadh, by making a transfer in another city (e.g. Dubai or Abu Dhabi), with 1 stop there.  

 

 

Currently there are direct flights to Guangzhou, China from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines. The air journey is around 7.5 hours.
 

Departure City in Saudi Arabia	Arrival City in China	Notes for Schedule
Riyadh	Guangzhou	Four flight a week

Notes: The air route and flight schedule are for reference only. Please check the official website of each airline for the accurate information and the airfares.  

Allow yourself around 8 to 14 days for your first time China trip. For Saudi tourists in China, we highly recommend top cities with both cultural significance and scenic charm. Moreover, we also list best Muslim travel destinations in China, with Muslim sites and mosques. And you don’t need to worry about the foods, as there are Halal food restaurants in all big cities. 

 

>> Further reading about Muslim Travel in China

 

 

Beijing: The must-visit destination for your first trip to China, Beijing offers a lot to see and explore, with both world-class historical sites and remarkable modern architectures. The history of Muslim in Beijing can be traced back to over 700 years ago during Yuan Dynasty. Today, there are large Muslim communities and many famous mosques in Beijing. 

 

Xian: One of the oldest city and the most famous ancient capital in China, where the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum is situated, Xian is also one of the top Muslim travel destinations in China. There are Muslim streets and communities, very good Muslim foods, as well as the famous Great Mosque. 

 

Shanghai: No one fails to love Shanghai, including Saudi travelers. It features not only modern architecture wonders and important Chinese cultural attractions, but also numerous Muslim sites, mosques, communities and century-old Muslim restaurants… Plan an extension trip from Shanghai? You may visit Suzhou, Mt. Huangshan and Hangzhou. 

 

 

Chengdu: It is a popular urban star in China, stepped in history and culture. You may experience time-honored traditions, try different kinds of snacks on the ancient streets, and explore a dozen old towns nearby. Chengdu is also a family-friendly destination, for being the hometown of giant panda. Thus you can have a close contact with these cutest fur balls and even hug a panda cub.

 

Guilin & Yangshuo: They are two of the best scenic destinations in China. The top things to do and must-visit attractions include Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, Longji Terraced Fields and amazing Karst caves (Reed Flute Cave or Silver Cave). It is also worth visiting Xingping Town and the surreal hills. 

 

Zhangjiajie: if you plan to venture into the great nature of China, Zhangjiajie is the best place to visit. The quartz sandstone peak forest landform is rare on earth, and a skywalk on the Glass Bridge is nerve-wracking yet totally rewarding.

 

 

● Mt. Huangshan                      ●Tibet                               ● Yangtze Cruise                           ● Jiuzhaigou

Top China Travel, the leading China tour specialist since 1959, offer all inclusive China tours to Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Tibet and more. Below we list China Muslim tours, as well as our best China travel deals. Please feel free to send us an enquiry or contact us for a tailor-made China tour to meet your personal needs.

>> See what tourists say about Top China Travel tours on TripAdvisor 

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12 Days China Panda Tour  

Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai

 

Highlight Attractions: China Great Wall, Palace Museum, Beijing hutong, Terracotta Amy Museum, Dujiangyan Panda Base, Jiezi Ancient Town, Reed Flute Cave, Li River, Yangshuo, Shanghai Tower 

 

Why Recommended: By taking this China tour, you will discover ancient architecture wonders, UNESCO world natural and cultural heritages, and travel to giant panda base to have fun with panda, and beautiful landscape of Guilin and Yangshuo.

 

 

For decades, we have arranged China travel packages for many Saudi tourists, e.g. Mr. Moath Al Sukaiti (8 pax), who took 7 days Guilin Yangshuo China Tour. Check what he said: 

 

“Thanks so much arranging such a wonderful tour for our family.

 

The Li River Cruise is the most attractive part. The guide you arranged for us in Guilin was a great guide. She was very accommodated and concerned. And she took very good care of us. The driver was very flexible and helpful and he drove safely.

 

We have many fond memories of our trip and appreciate all of your help making it a great success. “ 

To plan your trip to China from Saudi Arabia, you also need guidance for the preparation and tips when traveling in China.

 

 

► Saudi Arabia Embassy in China: Street address and contact number of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Beijing, Hong Kong