Published on
September 10, 2025
Hong Kong Airlines’ launch of a direct flight route from Hong Kong to Lijiang is set to significantly boost tourism, drawing more visitors to Lijiang and its surrounding areas by improving accessibility and connecting the region to a wider range of travelers. This is evident from the rapid tourism development brought to China from the direct flights Hong Kong Airlines launched from Lijiang to Hong Kong. Travelers can now visit a unique and rich region of China faster thanks to it being one of the direct flights available. It will also foster economic and social ties with Hong Kong. The new flight will help Lijiang move closer to being a tourism hub. The increase in tourists will facilitate seamless distribution of tourists spread from Lijiang to the surrounding regions which is a development Hong Kong Airlines can help.
Hong Kong Airlines has launched a direct flight route connecting Hong Kong to Lijiang, significantly expanding its service network and enhancing travel options for passengers. This new route enhances direct connectivity between Hong Kong and Lijiang, mainland China, sparking increased interest in the development and tourism potential of both regions. To celebrate this occasion, the airline organized an inaugural flight at Hong Kong International Airport and Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. The airline’s new service aims to enhance direct air travel between Hong Kong and Lijiang, region which is expected to stimulate tourism growth. Additionally, the service aims to foster large-scale economic and cultural bilateral activities exchange, enhancing ease of travel.
Introducing the New Direct Route: Seamless Connectivity Between Hong Kong and Lijiang
The new direct flight service between Hong Kong and Lijiang offers travelers a faster and more convenient way to reach this increasingly popular tourist destination. Lijiang, located in the southwest of China, is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique blend of history and nature, making it a major draw for both domestic and international travelers.
With this new service, passengers traveling from Hong Kong can now fly directly to Lijiang without the need for a stopover or layover at another airport. The streamlined travel option is expected to reduce travel time significantly, making it easier for people to visit this historic city that is famous for its ancient town, scenic spots, and vibrant ethnic culture.
The launch of this route is timely, as it coincides with the upcoming National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, both of which are popular travel periods in China. The ‘Golden Week’ holidays, in particular, see a significant increase in domestic travel, with many people taking advantage of the extended break to explore new destinations. Hong Kong Airlines believes that the new Lijiang route will be particularly popular during this time, as travelers seek to experience the charm of Lijiang.
Expanding Travel Options for International Passengers
One of the standout features of this new flight is the seamless connection it offers to passengers traveling from international destinations. Hong Kong Airlines operates a wide range of international routes from Hong Kong, including services to major cities in Australia and North America, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver, and Saipan. With the addition of the Hong Kong-Lijiang route, international passengers traveling through the Hong Kong hub can now easily connect to Lijiang with just one ticket and through-check baggage service.
This creates a more streamlined travel experience for tourists looking to explore China, offering a convenient and hassle-free way to travel between major international hubs and regional destinations like Lijiang. For travelers coming from cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Vancouver, this new route makes it easier than ever to visit Lijiang, and adds to the growing number of global destinations that Hong Kong Airlines connects to mainland China.
Strengthening Economic and Cultural Ties
The new direct flight service between Hong Kong and Lijiang is more than just a transportation link—it is a reflection of the growing economic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and mainland China. Lijiang, a city of historical significance and cultural importance, serves as a gateway to southwest China and is an integral part of the region’s tourism sector.
By launching this route, Hong Kong Airlines is not only supporting the development of tourism in Lijiang but is also contributing to the broader efforts to enhance connectivity within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI, a global development strategy adopted by China, seeks to foster greater trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges between China and countries across Asia, Europe, and beyond. The new flight route serves as an example of how Hong Kong, as a key international aviation hub, is helping to bridge the gap between mainland China and the rest of the world.
As part of its strategic focus on the China market, Hong Kong Airlines has built a comprehensive domestic network that includes most major cities in mainland China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Haikou, among others. The introduction of the Lijiang route further strengthens the airline’s position as a leading carrier connecting Hong Kong with destinations throughout China.
Promoting Tourism Growth in Lijiang
Lijiang has long been a top destination for both domestic and international tourists, with its ancient town being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the serene Black Dragon Pool, and the picturesque Lijiang Old Town, which attracts visitors from all over the world.
The addition of a direct flight route to Lijiang from Hong Kong is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism in the region. The easier accessibility will encourage more tourists to visit Lijiang, helping to showcase its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage to a wider audience.
This move also aligns with broader trends in China’s tourism industry, as more travelers seek unique and authentic experiences in lesser-known destinations outside major metropolitan areas. Lijiang’s blend of natural beauty, traditional Naxi culture, and historical significance makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to explore China’s diverse offerings.
Enhancing Connectivity with Hong Kong’s International Network
Hong Kong Airlines has long been recognized for its extensive international flight network, which spans several continents, connecting travelers to and from Hong Kong with ease. This new direct flight route to Lijiang is a natural extension of the airline’s existing services, adding another important destination to its growing portfolio.
Passengers traveling from cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver, and Saipan now have the opportunity to connect with flights to Lijiang with a single booking. This integrated service is made possible through the airline’s comprehensive hub system at Hong Kong International Airport, one of the busiest and most well-connected airports in the world.
The airline’s commitment to providing smooth connections between international and domestic destinations underscores Hong Kong’s role as a global aviation hub. This move is part of Hong Kong Airlines’ broader strategy to enhance passenger convenience while expanding its domestic and international route offerings.
Hong Kong Airlines’ Growing Network and Lijiang’s Development as a Prominent Travel Gateway
The launch of the direct flight from Hong Kong to Lijiang is only the beginning. Hong Kong Airlines has expressed its commitment to further expanding its services in China, with a focus on developing new routes that support tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange.
For Lijiang, the new route provides an exciting opportunity to attract more international visitors, particularly during key holiday seasons. With its rich cultural history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Lijiang is poised to become an even more popular destination for global travelers.
By offering convenient and efficient flight options, Hong Kong Airlines is playing a crucial role in making it easier for tourists to explore this captivating region of China.
China’s tourism sector seems positioned for growth with Hong Kong Airlines announcing a direct flight to Lijiang, enhancing connectivity and expanding travel possibilities. The addition of this route will facilitate both international and domestic tourism, providing easier access to Lijiang’s cultural and natural attractions, thereby promoting tourism to southwest China.
The introduction of a direct flight from Hong Kong to Lijiang highlights Hong Kong Airlines’ growing commitment to expanding its network and enhancing global connectivity. It is expected the seamless connections to Lijiang will be very popular with travelers from abroad and within the country alike. Moreover the new service will add to the already growing tourism and economic and cultural relationships of Lijiang and Hong Kong with the mainland.
