Cheap flights from California to China from $426

In general, January is the cheapest month to fly from California to China. Due to it being the ‘off-season’ during this time, you can expect flight prices to be around $785. If you aren’t able to travel during the month of January, then book flights to China from California during September instead. Flights to China in September, while not as cheap as those in January, still average around $821.

Our data shows that Tuesday is the least expensive day to fly to China. Tickets to fly out on this day can be as low as $832. Be sure to avoid booking your departure on a Sunday as prices are generally higher than usual. According to our data, the average ticket price to China on Sunday is $955.

Our data shows that the cheapest California to China flights are usually those with departure times in the evening. Our users have found flights to China in the evening for as low as $810. If you have a flexible travel schedule, then try to avoid flying at noon when prices are $1,078 on average. Flights to China from California at noon are generally more expensive because this time of day is more convenient for travelers’ schedules.

Fly from San Francisco to Shanghai Pu Dong for the best California - China flight prices

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to China from California when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to China for around $940 when searching weeks out. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to China from California for as low as $824 on momondo.

Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and China Eastern are the most popular carriers operating from California to China

Cathay Pacific, China Southern and China Eastern are the top three most popular airlines that fly to China from California according to our data. Cathay Pacific is the first choice among our users, with 37% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to China. Keep in mind that there are 17 different airlines that fly to China on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

As of May 2026, 10 flights take off from California and land in China each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 12:00PM, with 57% of daily flights taking off in the afternoon.

As of May 2026, 71 flights take off from California and land in China each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Wed, with 15% of weekly flights taking off on this day.