China’s domestic aviation market is one of the largest in the world, and low-cost carriers (LCCs) make flying between major cities and scenic regions surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re traveling from Shanghai to Chengdu, Guangzhou to Xi’an, or Kunming to Lijiang, budget airlines in China offer cheap base fares with optional add-ons. Most operate single-aisle Airbus or Boeing jets, use dense cabin layouts, and charge separately for baggage and seat selection. If you book early and travel light, you can save significantly. Here are the top 10 budget airlines in China for domestic travel in 2026.
1. Spring Airlines
Spring Airlines is widely recognized as China’s leading low-cost carrier and a pioneer of the true LCC model in the country. Based in Shanghai, it operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet and serves more than 80 destinations with over 190 domestic routes, including popular city pairs like Shanghai–Chengdu, Shanghai–Xi’an, and Shanghai–Guangzhou. Spring keeps fares extremely low by strictly charging for extras such as checked baggage, seat selection, and onboard meals. It is ideal for travelers who pack light and prioritize the cheapest direct domestic flights, especially on high-demand routes from Shanghai.
2. Juneyao Air
Juneyao Air is a Shanghai-based hybrid airline that blends low fares with a slightly more comfortable experience than strict low-cost carriers. While not a pure LCC, it frequently offers competitive mid-to-low pricing on major domestic routes such as Shanghai–Shenzhen, Shanghai–Sanya, and Shanghai–Chongqing. The airline competes directly with Spring Airlines and China’s big state carriers, offering value-focused tickets with fewer ultra-strict baggage rules. Juneyao is best suited for travelers who want affordable domestic flights in China but prefer a smoother service experience without paying full-service airline prices.
3. China Express Airlines
China Express Airlines began as a regional low-cost carrier and has evolved into a hybrid airline offering competitively priced economy fares across China. With strong operations in Chongqing and other inland hubs, it specializes in connecting secondary and medium-sized cities that may not have extensive service from larger carriers. Routes like Chongqing–Qingdao or Chongqing–Hangzhou often feature attractive pricing. China Express frequently uses an add-on fare structure similar to LCCs, making it a solid option for budget-conscious travelers seeking affordable flights between inland cities and coastal destinations.
4. West Air
West Air is a Chongqing-based low-cost airline focused on western China and high-growth inland markets. Designed to provide point-to-point connectivity, it helps passengers avoid routing through mega-hubs like Beijing or Shanghai when traveling within western provinces. Popular routes include Chongqing–Kunming and Chongqing–Xi’an. With its LCC-inspired pricing structure and lean operations, West Air keeps domestic fares competitive, especially on underserved routes. It’s an excellent choice for travelers exploring western China who want affordable, direct connections without relying on the larger state-owned airlines.
5. 9 Air
9 Air, also known as Jiu Yuan Airlines, operates from Guangzhou and follows an ultra-low-cost carrier model. It offers very low base fares on short-haul, high-density domestic routes such as Guangzhou–Haikou and Guangzhou–Changsha. Like other ULCCs, 9 Air keeps ticket prices minimal by charging separately for baggage, seat selection, and onboard services. The airline targets price-sensitive leisure travelers, particularly in South China. If your main goal is finding the cheapest possible ticket and you can travel with minimal luggage, 9 Air is one of the most budget-friendly airlines in China.
6. Lucky Air
Lucky Air is based in Kunming and plays a key role in connecting Yunnan province with major cities across China. The airline focuses heavily on tourism-driven routes such as Kunming–Chengdu, Kunming–Guangzhou, and flights serving popular destinations like Dali and Lijiang. With competitive leisure-focused pricing, Lucky Air is ideal for travelers planning domestic trips to scenic southwest China. While service is more hybrid than strictly low-cost, fares are often significantly cheaper than larger carriers. For those exploring Yunnan’s natural beauty on a budget, Lucky Air offers strong value.
7. Urumqi Air
Urumqi Air specializes in routes serving Xinjiang and northwest China, regions that can otherwise be expensive or time-consuming to access. Operating from its base in Urumqi, the airline connects remote northwestern cities with major eastern hubs like Beijing and Zhengzhou. Its LCC-style pricing model helps reduce costs on long domestic routes across vast distances. Urumqi Air is particularly useful for travelers planning Silk Road-style itineraries or combining Xinjiang exploration with visits to eastern China. For affordable access to China’s far northwest, it remains a practical budget option.
8. HK Express
HK Express is a Hong Kong-based low-cost carrier owned by Cathay Pacific that operates budget flights between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese cities. Routes such as Hong Kong–Beijing Daxing and Hong Kong–Ningbo provide affordable cross-border options. While not a mainland domestic airline, it serves travelers using Hong Kong as a gateway into China. With its true LCC model, HK Express offers low base fares and charges for add-ons. It is best suited for international visitors or southern China travelers seeking cheap connections between Hong Kong and mainland destinations.
9. Budget Fare Products from China’s Big Three
Major airlines such as China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China have introduced unbundled fare options to compete with low-cost carriers. These “basic economy” style tickets remove extras like checked baggage and flexible changes while offering lower base prices on domestic routes such as Beijing–Shanghai or Guangzhou–Chengdu. Although passengers fly on full-service airlines, the pricing can match LCC levels when booked early. This option is ideal for travelers who want the extensive networks and reliability of major carriers while still securing budget-friendly fares within China.
10. Smaller Regional Hybrid Airlines
Several smaller regional and provincial airlines in China operate with lean, low-cost or hybrid business models, especially on tourism-driven routes. These carriers often focus on niche city pairs and provincial hubs, offering competitive fares when their schedules align with traveler demand. While not always branded strictly as low-cost airlines, they frequently undercut larger competitors on select domestic routes. Flexible travelers willing to compare options on booking platforms like Trip.com can uncover excellent deals. Mixing carriers across different legs of your journey can significantly reduce overall travel costs.
How to Save on Budget Flights in China
To find the cheapest domestic flights in China, compare fares on aggregators like Trip.com and book one to two months in advance for peak travel periods. Always check baggage policies, as most Chinese low-cost airlines charge for checked luggage and strictly enforce carry-on limits. Traveling light, avoiding holiday rush periods like Spring Festival, and being flexible with travel dates can help you secure the lowest fares. Flying within China in 2026 is more affordable than ever if you choose the right budget airline for your route and travel style.