With modern fleets, exceptional service, and extensive international and domestic networks, China has some of the best airlines in the world. With major international transport hubs in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Chinese airlines can easily connect travellers to destinations across Asia and beyond. Whether you’re after a wallet-friendly carrier or a full-service flight, below are the best Chinese airlines that are renowned for their reliable service.

Based in: Haikou and Beijing Where it flies in Australia: Sydney and Melbourne Where you can go: Major cities in China, Europe, North America and Southeast Asia

Hainan Airlines is known for its personable on-board service, comfortable cabins, and strong safety record. It is often regarded as one of the best Chinese airlines for customer satisfaction, which makes it an excellent choice if you’re after a sleek yet comfortable flight. But, don’t just take our word for it, Hainan Airlines is the only mainland Chinese airline to hold the Skytrax 5-Star Airline rating. In 2025, Hainan Airlines ranked #10 in Skytrax’s World Airline Awards.

Based in: Guangzhou, China Where it flies in Australia: Sydney and Melbourne Where you can go: Major cities across China, Southeast Asia, Europe and the U.S.

China’s largest airline by fleet size, China Southern Airlines, is renowned for its excellent, detailed service, punctual departures, and spacious cabins. Especially for long-haul international flights, China Southern Airlines is a great option thanks to its up-to-date in-flight entertainment, generous baggage allowance, and delicious in-flight meals that’ll give you a taste of Cantonese cuisine before you’ve even touched down. In 2025, China Southern Airlines is ranked #33 in the Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Based in: Taipei

Where it flies in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide

Where you can go: Major cities across Asia, North America, Europe and Oceania. 

Although based in Taipei and connecting to dozens of destinations across China, with an excellent safety record, friendly service, and modern fleet, China Airlines is a favourite for both leisure and business travellers alike. Think: comfortable cabins, quality in-flight meals, and an extensive network. China Airlines offers a premium service championed by its attentive staff. In 2025, China Airlines is ranked #37 in the Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Based in: Shanghai Where it flies in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane Where you can go: Mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe and North America

A favourite among frequent travellers, China Eastern Airlines offers great connections through its Shanghai hub. Its convenient transit options mean travelling onwards in Asia is simple. Plus, with its detailed onboard service and competitive fares, it’s easy to see why China Eastern Airlines is a crowd favourite. In 2025, China Eastern Airlines is ranked #98 in the Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Sometimes (or most of the time) choosing an airline to fly with comes down to the price. For budget-conscious travellers and those who just love a good bargain, a low-cost carrier is the way to go. Below are the cheapest Chinese airlines to book for your next trip.  

Where it flies in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Where you can go: Major cities across China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming, Wuhan, Xi’an, and also international destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America

Where it flies in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth

Where you can go: Guangzhou and Beijing

Where it flies in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane

Where you can go: Chinese cities including Xiamen, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Zhengzhou, and also regional hubs in Southeast Asia

Where it flies in Australia: Sydney and Melbourne

Where you can go: Chengdu

In 2025, Hainan Airlines was ranked #6 in Skytrax’s World’s Best Business Class Airlines, and won the top spot for the award for the Best Business Class Airline Onboard Amenities. 

Hainan Airlines’ spacious, fully flat-bed seats are comfortable and incredibly private, and its high-quality dining and luxury amenity kits elevate this luxurious service even further. Not to mention its attentive service, talented onboard chefs, and comfy pyjamas — Hainan Airlines is undoubtedly the best Chinese airline for business class flights. 

Booking the perfect flight to China is easy with Traveloka. With a wide range of trusted airlines and easy booking tools at your fingertips, all that’s left to do is choose your adventure.