On July 15, 2026, China Eastern launched the first-ever direct flight between Tbilisi and Shanghai — until now, the route was only possible via a connection (through Doha, Istanbul or Dubai), with a total journey of 15+ hours. Now Shanghai is a 10-hour direct flight from Tbilisi.
✈️ Flight details
- Airline — China Eastern (flights MU285/MU286)
- Aircraft — Airbus A330 (wide-body)
- Frequency — 3x weekly: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- Duration — ≈10 hours nonstop
- Destination airport — Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)
🛂 Visa — no longer required since 2025
Since February 2025, a mutual visa-exemption agreement between Georgia and China has been in force — holders of an ordinary Georgian passport can stay in China visa-free for up to 30 days per visit (no more than 90 days total within any 180-day period). You just need a passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay, a hotel booking, and travel insurance.
Staying longer than 30 days, studying or working still requires a visitor visa — apply at the Chinese embassy in advance.
🏙️ What to see in Shanghai
- The Bund — the historic waterfront promenade facing the Huangpu River, with a skyline of modern skyscrapers across the water
- Oriental Pearl Tower — Shanghai's landmark, in the Pudong district
- Yu Garden — a classical Ming-dynasty Chinese garden in the old town
- Nanjing Road — Shanghai's main shopping and pedestrian street
- Zhujiajiao water town — a historic canal district often compared to Venice, ≈1 hour from the center
🗓️ Best season and budget
April-May and September-October are the most comfortable seasons (+18-26°C); summer is hot and humid, winter is cold. Central hotels average ≈$55-130 a night, and eating at local restaurants is noticeably cheaper than in European capitals.
Compared to other Asian destinations (like Tbilisi to Tokyo), Shanghai is now the only direct-flight point from Tbilisi to China. Before you fly, sort out an eSIM for travel — many Western apps don't work in China without a VPN. Search flights on Travel365's price calendar.
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