Flight Deals

Is the Golden Age of Cheap Flights to China Back? 🇨🇦✈️🇨🇳

Choochee

— 2 min read
Is the Golden Age of Cheap Flights to China Back? 🇨🇦✈️🇨🇳
Photo by Hanson Lu / Unsplash

If you’ve been eyeing a trip to Shanghai or Beijing, I have some incredible news. For the first time in years, we are seeing non-stop round-trip flights from Vancouver (YVR) for under $850 CAD.

I recently spotted a direct flight to Beijing (PEK) for just $848 CAD, and even better, a round-trip to Shanghai (PVG) (Jan 30 – Feb 8) for only $838 CAD. Considering that "usual" prices for these routes have often hovered well above $1,500 lately, this is a massive win for West Coast travelers.

Screenshot of YVR - PEK roundtrip for $848

Why is this happening now?

While these specific sub-$900 dates are currently limited, there is a very big reason to be optimistic about more deals on the horizon.

Just this week (January 2026), Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded a landmark visit to Beijing. The resulting Canada-China Strategic Partnership is a total game-changer for travel:

  • Visa-Free Access: President Xi Jinping has committed to introducing visa-free travel for Canadians entering China. This removes a huge hurdle (and cost) for tourists.
  • Tourism Collaboration: Both nations have agreed to have their tourism boards work together to boost travel, specifically aiming for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • Increased Flight Capacity: Earlier this year, Air Canada already bumped Shanghai and Beijing services back to daily flights. With this new diplomatic "thaw," industry insiders predict Air Canada and Chinese carriers will likely add even more frequency to meet the expected surge in demand.

My Prediction: The "Post-CNY" Price Drop

Right now, prices are fluctuating because we are approaching the Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) peak season. It's the biggest travel period in the world, so finding a deal during the festival is like finding a needle in a haystack.

However, my prediction is this: Once the Lunar New Year festivities wrap up in mid-February, we are going to see a "sweet spot." Between the new tourism agreements and the natural post-holiday slump, Air Canada and other carriers will be looking to fill those extra seats.

Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on departure dates in late February and March 2026. If you missed the current $838 deal, that window is your best bet for the next big price drop.

What to do next?

If you can travel on short notice, grab these January/February dates now. Non-stop flights at this price point rarely last more than 24–48 hours.

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