Will a Large Number of Mainland Chinese Tourists Come to Taiwan? Starting July 28, 'Four Major Airlines Resume Direct Flights' Targeting Two Counties/Cities — Full Details on New Routes

The peak summer travel season is in full swing, bringing explosive good news for residents of central Taiwan who no longer need to endure long commutes. Taichung International Airport (Ching Chuan Kang Airport) is currently experiencing its most significant route network expansion in recent years. In addition to national carriers strongly entering the popular Northeast Asian destination of Okinawa, Japan, direct cross-strait routes to cities such as Chengdu and Qingdao are also being launched or resumed one after another. Travelers from central Taiwan can now fly directly from Taichung to resort destinations in Northeast Asia and gateways to western China, saving both time and effort.

Northeast Asian and cross-strait routes explode in growth! Flying from Taichung to Japan and mainland China has never been easier.

In the past, residents of central Taiwan often had to travel by high-speed rail or bus to Taoyuan or Kaohsiung airports for international flights. Now, with Taichung International Airport’s growing passenger volume and market potential being recognized, major airlines are heavily investing in the Taichung market.

China Airlines has officially joined the Taichung–Okinawa route, joining forces with existing carriers Starlux Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan. Meanwhile, the cross-strait market is witnessing a major wave of resumptions and new launches. China Eastern Airlines, Shandong Airlines, and Zhejiang Loong Air—making its first entry into the Taichung route—are all launching popular routes during the summer vacation period.

New and Resumed Routes from Taichung/Kaohsiung in July 2026

Airline: China Airlines Route: Taichung – Okinawa Launch/Resumption Date: July 21 Weekly Flights: Regular service (additional summer charter flights starting August 13) Route Highlights: Joins Starlux and Tigerair, offering more flexible departure times for travelers from central Taiwan to Japan.

Airline: China Eastern Airlines Route: Taichung – Chengdu Tianfu Launch/Resumption Date: July 1 Weekly Flights: Every Wednesday and Sunday (2 flights per week) Route Highlights: First cross-strait direct flight resumed in July, targeting access to Sichuan’s tourism gateway.

Airline: Spring Airlines Route: Kaohsiung – Ningbo Lishe Launch/Resumption Date: July 4 Weekly Flights: Every Tuesday and Saturday (2 flights per week) Route Highlights: The only new cross-strait direct flight added in southern Taiwan in July, facilitating travel to Zhejiang.

Airline: Shandong Airlines Route: Taichung – Qingdao Launch/Resumption Date: July 23 Weekly Flights: Every Thursday (1 flight per week, operating until October 24) Route Highlights: Direct access to Shandong’s beer culture and coastal scenery, suitable for business, family visits, and tourism.

Airline: Zhejiang Loong Air Route: Taichung – Chengdu Tianfu Launch/Resumption Date: July 28 Weekly Flights: Every Tuesday and Saturday (2 flights per week) Route Highlights: Full-service carrier entering the market; Chengdu route now has a second airline, increasing competition.

Note: Flight departure and arrival times and schedules are subject to airline adjustments. Travelers are advised to check the official websites of each airline for the latest announcements before booking.

Two Airlines Compete on Direct Flights to Chengdu! Battling for Access to Jiuzhaigou and Panda Base Tourism Gateways

Notably, among this route expansion, competition on the 'Taichung–Chengdu Tianfu' route is particularly intense. After China Eastern Airlines resumed service on July 1, private full-service carrier Zhejiang Loong Air announced it will join the route starting July 28, operating Airbus A320 aircraft with free checked baggage and in-flight meals, further diversifying flight options between Taichung and Sichuan.

Chengdu, as a transportation hub of Sichuan Province, is not only the gateway to world-class attractions like Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong but also internationally renowned for its giant panda breeding research base and authentic Sichuan hot pot cuisine. With two airlines now serving the route, demand from central Taiwan travelers for tourism in western China is expected to be strongly met.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which airlines offer direct flights from Taichung to Okinawa? China Airlines officially joined the Taichung–Okinawa regular route on July 21 and plans to add summer charter flights starting August 13. Travelers from central Taiwan can now compare flight times and fares across China Airlines, Starlux Airlines, and Tigerair Taiwan.

Q2: Which airlines and how many flights operate direct from Taichung to Chengdu? Currently, two airlines offer direct flights from Taichung to Chengdu Tianfu Airport: China Eastern Airlines: Flights on Wednesdays and Sundays. Zhejiang Loong Air: Flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Q3: What is the schedule and frequency for Shandong Airlines’ direct Taichung–Qingdao route? Shandong Airlines launched the Taichung–Qingdao route on July 23 and will operate until October 24, with one direct flight per week on Thursdays.