After years of rerouting through Manila or other Asian hubs, Cebuanos heading to Quanzhou, China’s historic port city, will soon be able to fly directly again.
The Chinese Consulate General in Cebu announced on Saturday that direct flights between Cebu and Quanzhou, located in Fujian province, will resume on March 29, 2026.
Xiamen Airlines will operate the route twice a week.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila also confirmed that the flights will run every Tuesday and Saturday to meet the growing demand for travel between China and the Philippines.
In addition, Xiamen Airlines will increase flight frequencies between Xiamen and Manila.
The announcement was made by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan during the launch of the Chinatown Revitalization Phase II at Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo.
Jing said that the decision to reopen the Cebu–Quanzhou route was made in response to requests from Cebu residents.
“And if there are more tourists coming, we will increase flights,” he added.
He also expressed hopes for stronger law enforcement cooperation between China and the Philippines to ensure the safety of people-to-people exchanges.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who attended the event, welcomed the announcement, expressing optimism that it would further strengthen bilateral ties. “I hope this will mark the beginning of more interactions and exchanges between China and the Philippines,” he said.
Direct flights between Cebu and Quanzhou were suspended in early 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as Philippine carriers like Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines halted most flights to China amid travel restrictions and border closures.
Even after borders reopened, many China-bound flights, including those to Quanzhou, remained reduced or suspended for 18 months due to low demand, shifting travel preferences, visa concerns, geopolitical tensions, and the slow recovery of tourism.
The resumption of the Cebu–Quanzhou route comes as both governments work to revive tourism and economic exchanges.
Less than a month ago, the Philippines introduced a 14-day visa-free entry for Chinese tourists to encourage arrivals from what was once a top source market for the Philippines.
Before the pandemic, China ranked second in inbound tourist arrivals to the country.
In 2025, China was sixth overall, with over 200,000 Chinese visitors, trailing South Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada.
Quanzhou, located along China’s southeastern coast in Fujian province, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its pivotal role in the Maritime Silk Road.
Among Quanzhou’s famous landmarks are the ancient Kaiyuan Temple with twin pagodas, Qingyuan Mountain’s massive statue of Lao Tze, the centuries-old Luoyang Bridge, Tianhou Temple, Qingjing Mosque, and the Quanzhou Maritime Museum. (LLP)
