{"id":8566,"date":"2026-03-26T16:25:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T16:25:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/8566\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:25:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T16:25:07","slug":"air-china-fuels-china-belgium-tourism-fire-epic-11-hour-link-from-sichuan-spice-to-belgian-bliss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/8566\/","title":{"rendered":"Air China Fuels China-Belgium Tourism Fire: Epic 11-Hour Link From Sichuan Spice To Belgian Bliss!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Home<\/a> \u00bb AIRLINE NEWS<\/a> \u00bb Air China Fuels China-Belgium Tourism Fire: Epic 11-Hour Link From Sichuan Spice To Belgian Bliss! <\/p>\n

Published on
\nMarch 26, 2026<\/p>\n

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The experience of traveling from the foggy bamboo forests of Chengdu\u2019s panda sanctuary to the chocolate-infused beauty of Brussels\u2019 Grand Place can be completed within an 11-hour time frame. Air China has fulfilled this aspiration by establishing direct flights which connect Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (CTU) with Brussels Airport (BRU) starting from 26 March, 2026. The new route which operates as Chengdu\u2019s twelfth direct passenger connection to Europe will enhance travel between China and Belgium while attracting visitors who enjoy food and nature and cultural exploration.<\/p>\n

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Operated by Air China\u2019s Southwest Branch on the spacious Airbus A330-300, the service offers three weekly round trips on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The inaugural flight CA843 achieved a stellar 95 percent load factor outbound, with the return at 85 percent, signalling robust demand as confirmed on Air China\u2019s official site.<\/p>\n

Slicing Travel Time, Forging Stronger Ties<\/p>\n

Previously, journeys from Chengdu to Brussels demanded gruelling transfers exceeding 17 hours. Now, this non-stop aerial corridor slashes that to just 11 hours, streamlining economic trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connections. Air China officials noted that the route builds on an existing all-cargo service, creating a dual-track system for passengers and freight, enhancing Belgium\u2019s access to Sichuan\u2019s exports while funneling European visitors to Chengdu\u2019s UNESCO gastronomy gems.<\/p>\n

From Air China\u2019s perspective, this launch underscores its strategy to elevate Chengdu as a global aviation hub. The airline\u2019s website highlights how such intercontinental routes amplify Southwest China\u2019s connectivity, with Chengdu now boasting 19 intercontinental passenger links, including Frankfurt, London and Paris totalling nearly 40 weekly European flights. This expansion has propelled Chengdu\u2019s international and regional direct routes to 85, fortifying aviation ties that directly fuel tourism growth.<\/p>\n

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Tourism Boom: Pandas, Hotpots and Belgian Charms<\/p>\n

Air China\u2019s timely addition arrives amid Chengdu\u2019s inbound tourism surge. In 2025, the city welcomed 2.38 million overseas visitors, up 44.3 percent year-on-year, with 77,000 during the 2026 Spring Festival, a 47.2 percent jump. Travellers now flock to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, dubbed the City of Pandas, alongside spicy hotpot feasts, mapo tofu, and Jinli Street\u2019s vibrant night markets, once hailed by CNN as one of the world\u2019s most beautiful streets.<\/p>\n

The route uniquely bridges these treasures with Brussels\u2019 must-sees: the fairy-tale Grand Place, the quirky Atomium, and the historic Royal Palace. Families can pair panda encounters with Manneken Pis adventures, while luxury seekers blend Sichuan spice with Belgian waffles. Air China is enhancing these ties by spotlighting how the flight eases access for Belgian tourists to nearby gems like Jiuzhai Valley\u2019s turquoise lakes and Xiling Snow Mountain\u2019s slopes.<\/p>\n

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Chengdu\u2019s Tourism Welcome Mat<\/p>\n

To lure international guests, Chengdu has rolled out visitor-friendly upgrades. Over 6,000 English-trained taxi drivers ease navigation, while Xiling Snow Mountain\u2019s platform supports 24-language translations and 29 currencies. Jinli Street\u2019s Open Chengdu base features 300 bilingual signs, self-service ticketing, and VISA acceptance at 50+ spots. Tax perks include instant refunds at 600+ stores, overseas e-wallet payments, and subsidies up to 400 yuan for transit passengers at Chengdu Eastern New Area, covering hotels, vouchers, and rail tickets.<\/p>\n

The Times has praised Chengdu as a top China stop, blending panda magic with gastronomic delights and temple-side street foods.<\/p>\n

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Bottom Line<\/p>\n

Air China\u2019s new Chengdu to Brussels route marks the beginning of a special period which enables travelers to develop real relationships through experiences that range from playing with Chengdu\u2019s pandas to exploring the Grand Place of Brussels during nighttime. The route establishes a connection between China and Belgium which creates permanent links between their aviation and tourism industries because it will increase visitor traffic and enable shared dining experiences and cultural performances.<\/p>\n

The growing popularity of Chengdu\u2019s attractions together with Brussels\u2019 draw will create an influx of custom-made trips which include family panda expeditions and Atomium visits and upscale vacations that feature Sichuan spice. Air China has opened the path to global travel which now proceeds through an 11-hour flight that connects different parts of the world.<\/p>\n

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