Here are some popular routes to fly to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG):

• One-Stop Flights: Currently, there are no direct flights from Stockholm to Chongqing. However, you can find one-stop flights with Air China, connecting through Beijing. In Europe, there are also a few direct flights to Chongqing from Milan, Rome, Budapest, London, and Madrid with Air China or Hainan Airlines.

• Multi-Stop Flights: For more budget-friendly options, consider flights with two stops with Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, China Eastern etc.
  

• We usually book 3 months in advance and prices should be less than 10,000 SEK. You can also look for flights from Europe to Beijing or Shanghai and find domestic flights to Chongqing (usually very cheap).
  
  See all direct flight connections in the world to Chongqing here.

European citizens need a visa to enter China. You can apply for a visa at the China Visa Application Service Center in Sweden.

1. KNOW YOUR VISA TYPE

You need to apply for Tourist Visa (L Visa)

2. Prepare Required Documents

• Passport: Valid for at least six months with two blank pages.

• Visa Application Form: Complete online at the China Visa Application Service Center website, then print and sign.

• Photo: A recent passport-sized photo (48mm x 33mm).

• Itinerary: Flight tickets & hotel reservations

• Invitation: Download our wedding invitation here

3. Submit Your Application

• Book an Appointment: Schedule this via the Visa Center website for either Stockholm or Gothenburg.

4. Processing and Collection

• Processing Time: Usually 5 working days.

• Collect Your Visa: Return to the center or opt for postal delivery. Verify all visa details upon receipt.

In China, there is strict internet censorship, popular websites and apps from the west such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram are blocked. There are two ways to bypass this:

1. e-SIM (Highly recommended)

The best option is to buy an eSIM from providers like Bytesim. An eSIM is a virtual sim-card that allows you to access the internet without swapping your physical SIM card. Bytesim provides good coverage across China, and allows you to stay connected to all apps and websites that are otherwise blocked.

2. VPN

A VPN allows you to create a secure, encrypted connection to servers outside China, and enables access to blocked sites. Not all VPNs work well in China. We can recommend Astrill VPN which you can install for both your phone and computer if needed. Make sure to download and set it up on all your devices before you enter China, as accessing VPN websites and services may be difficult once you're in the country.

China is a very cashless society, and mobile payments are widely used. Credit cards and Apple pay are rarely accepted. Download Alipay on your phone before you arrive is highly recommended. Here's how:

• Alipay: Download the Alipay app and sign up using your international phone number. You can link your bank card to the app. You can show your QR-code or scan other’s code for payment.

Since Google is blocked in China, Google Maps does not have the most updated information and doesn't work very well. We recommend using Apple’s own Maps app for navigating in Chongqing.

Can you get around only understanding English? Yes. Signs are often translated and public transportation like the metro has English signage and translation, but taxi drivers probably do not speak English, so having your destination written in Chinese is helpful. While many locals have limited English skills, you can often find friendly people willing to assist you. Learning a few basic Chinese phrases can enhance your experience!