About China Southern
China Southern is mainland China's largest carrier by fleet size and a full-service legacy airline — not a budget operation, not a regional niche player. Its network is built around Guangzhou (CAN), which alone connects to 163 destinations, and supported by secondary hubs in Shenzhen (SZX), Beijing (PKX), and Urumqi (URC). That last hub is worth noting: URC gives CZ genuine reach into Central Asia that most carriers don't bother with. The total network runs to 1,370 non-stop routes across 229 airports, covering a combined span of over 2.7 million kilometers. Domestically, it's essentially everywhere — 1,208 routes inside China. Internationally, it punches harder than most Western travelers realize.
Why fly China Southern?
The honest case for China Southern starts with domestic China coverage. If you're moving around the country — connecting through CAN, say, from an international arrival — the sheer frequency of onward options is hard to match. The international network has some genuinely interesting routing, including the SZX-MEX service at 14,130 km, one of the longer hauls you'll find anywhere. Northeast Asia is well covered too: 20 routes into Japan, 14 into South Korea, which matters if you're building a multi-stop Asia trip. Price positioning tends to be competitive, particularly on routes where CZ faces limited Western carrier competition. The Sky Pearl frequent flyer program has its fans, though it rewards loyalty to the Chinese network most directly. If your travel patterns align with that, the value stacks up.
China Southern hub airports
- CAN Guangzhou — 163 China Southern routes from China
- SZX Shenzhen — 70 China Southern routes from China
- PKX Beijing — 65 China Southern routes from China
- URC Urumqi — 60 China Southern routes from China
- WUH Wuhan — 51 China Southern routes from China
Top destination countries on China Southern
- China — 1,208 China Southern routes
- Japan — 20 China Southern routes
- Republic of Korea — 14 China Southern routes
- Viet Nam — 8 China Southern routes
- Mexico — 7 China Southern routes
- Australia — 7 China Southern routes
- Taiwan — 6 China Southern routes
- Malaysia — 6 China Southern routes
Tips for booking China Southern
Guangzhou (CAN) is the hub to understand first — connections here can be tight, so build in buffer time if you're transiting internationally. CZ left SkyTeam in 2019, which means codeshare and reciprocal lounge arrangements with legacy alliance partners are largely gone. Don't assume your Star Alliance or oneworld status gets you anything. Fare classes matter on longer routes: the difference between a refundable and non-refundable economy bucket can be major. Vietnam (8 routes) and Northeast Asia are where CZ often undercuts competitors on price. First-time flyers should download the CZ app before departure — the English-language version works well enough and handles check-in without drama.
Frequently asked questions about China Southern
Where does China Southern Airlines fly?
China Southern operates 1,370 routes primarily across China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, making it one of the largest carriers in Asia. The airline serves major cities throughout East Asia with a strong focus on domestic and regional connections.
What is China Southern's main hub airport?
China Southern's primary hub is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in Guangzhou, China, which serves as the airline's main base for connecting flights across its extensive network.
Is China Southern a full-service or low-cost carrier?
China Southern is a full-service legacy carrier offering traditional airline amenities and services across its large network. As one of China's major carriers, it operates a thorough route network with multiple fare classes rather than a low-cost model.
When should I book a China Southern flight?
For the best fares, booking 4-6 weeks in advance is generally recommended, though prices vary by route and season. Booking directly through the airline's website or authorized travel agents can help ensure you get the best available fare classes for your needs.
What are China Southern's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances and check-in procedures vary by fare class and route, so it's best to check your specific ticket or contact China Southern directly for exact details. Standard check-in opens 2-3 hours before international flights and 1-2 hours before domestic flights.