More routes, more adventures, and more reasons to explore China
If you’ve been dreaming about exploring China, getting there from Abu Dhabi is about to become a whole lot easier, and even more exciting.
Etihad Airways is opening the door to a wave of new travel possibilities, adding five new destinations that make hopping over to China feel almost effortless: Shanghai Pudong, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Nǐ hǎo, China! 🇨🇳✈️
We’re launching five new destinations across mainland China from October 2026 onwards – Shanghai Pudong, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Together with our daily Beijing service, that’s 35 weekly flights across six destinations.
Fly direct on board… pic.twitter.com/pED4AMSIfz
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) April 13, 2026
Think of it as your invitation to experience five very different sides of China, all in one trip, or many.
Fancy a skyline filled with futuristic skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and buzzing nightlife? Shanghai has you covered.
If you’re drawn to rich culture mixed with cutting-edge tech, Shenzhen delivers that perfect blend of innovation and energy.
For food lovers and culture seekers, Guangzhou is a must-visit, famous for its Cantonese cuisine and vibrant markets.
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Meanwhile, Chengdu offers a slower, more relaxed vibe featuring adorable pandas, spicy Sichuan dishes, and a thriving creative scene.
And if scenic beauty and digital-age sophistication sound like your thing, Hangzhou brings together serene lakes, historic charm, and a booming e-commerce culture.
What makes this expansion even better is how seamlessly it connects through Abu Dhabi.
So, if you’re traveling for business, a foodie adventure, or just chasing new experiences, these routes turn the UAE into a powerful gateway between continents.
Plus, thanks to Etihad’s partnership with China Eastern Airlines, getting around China, or connecting onward, becomes even smoother.
These new routes are opening up a lifestyle of travel where exciting escapes, long-haul adventures, and business trips all feel more accessible.
From sipping tea by West Lake to shopping in Shanghai or exploring tech hubs in Shenzhen, the possibilities just expanded in a big way.
New route launch dates from Abu Dhabi:
Shanghai – starts 1 October 2026
Guangzhou – starts 4 March 2027
Hangzhou – starts 4 March 2027
Chengdu – starts 5 March 2027
Shenzhen – starts 7 March 2027
For further information, visit etihad.com
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