Uncovering China as a gateway to Europe – with China Southern Airlines

Connectivity to China from Sydney has never been so good. And with a strong demand for travel from Sydney to Europe, China is perfectly placed as a transit point for Aussie tourists.

The Sydney to Europe route via China is known as the Silk Skyway. Currently, only around four per cent of Aussies journeying from Sydney Airport to Europe fly via mainland China on Chinese Airlines. But that number is set to rise. Better connectivity, higher availability of information, and a shifting perception of China and Chinese airlines are causing Aussie travellers to increasingly consider China as an option. And Sydney Airport is helping to bring that to light.

From tourist hotspots such as Paris, Amsterdam, London and Rome, to summer destinations like Madrid, Marseille and Barcelona, to Eastern European cities such as Budapest, Minsk, and Moscow – Chinese airlines are making travel to Europe from Australia extensive, easy and affordable. China Eastern, Air China, Juneyao Air, and China Southern are all sophisticated, world-class airlines with great connections to Europe. They strive to offer the fastest routes to Europe, something we know is important to customers when choosing flights. Plus they all fly out of Sydney Airport, ‘Australia’s international gateway’, so your trip will be off to a smooth start. 

These airlines fly to massive modern hub airports which make the transit to Europe effortless. Guangzhou Baiyun International, Shanghai Pudong International and Beijing Capital International airports offer high standards, comfortable lounges, and seamless transfers to help make those connections quicker and easier. And as each hub is located within a culturally and historically vibrant city, China’s 30-day visa-free policy for anyone holding an Australian passport gives you the opportunity to consider a longer layover, and experience some of the world’s most fascinating destinations en route to Europe.

There’s no arguing with the fantastic experience and compelling value of transiting in China when travelling to Europe, thanks to China’s 30-day visa-free policy, the high-standard service of Chinese airlines and airports, the competitive prices and great onward connections. 

Over the coming weeks we will be taking a closer look at these four Chinese airlines and their hubs, to help Australians uncover a new way to travel to Europe. We will examine the available options to transit via China, accompanied by the opportunity to stopover in some of the world’s most culturally rich cities. And there’s perks!

The first airline we’re focussing on is China Southern

China Southern Airlines (CZ) is headquartered in the dynamic city of Guangzhou in southern China. Guangzhou offers a blend of historical sites, modern attractions, and vibrant culture. Key points for a visit include the historical Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the serene Shamian Island, and the bustling Taikoo Hui. Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is famous for its Cantonese cuisine (including dim sum) and vibrant markets.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) boasts incredible connectivity to Europe, with links to all the major hotspots: Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, London, Budapest, Moscow, Istanbul and Belgrade. And all CZ international flights handily operate from Terminal 2, so there’s no need to transfer to another terminal for the second leg of your journey.

CAN has a 4-star airport rating and was recently ranked Best Airport in China by travellers in the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards. It is also the largest single terminal building in China. At the end of this year, CAN will complete the Terminal 3 construction and also the fifth runway construction, making it the first airport in China to have five runways.

China Southern Airlines offers a generous luggage allowance: two pieces, each up to 32kg, for business class and two pieces, each up to 23kg, for premium economy and economy class. Plus, luggage is checked all the way through to your final destination, so there’s no need to clear customs, making your journey even more seamless.

Transit offers

When booking a CZ transit flight from Sydney to Europe, you can currently benefit from:

• One night’s free accommodation in Guangzhou for transfer passengers
• A complimentary city tour of Guangzhou from the airport
• Lounge service for business class passengers (or pay-per-use)

With competitive prices, even during peak season, there’s no reason to hesitate in booking with China Southern Airlines for your journey to Europe. 

Want to travel to Europe on the Silk Skyway? We’re looking for content creators in the Aussie travel industry to film the journey. You’ll get return business class tickets from Sydney to Europe, plus stopover perks in China and one night’s hotel stay in Europe. Apply HERE to be in with a chance!