Guangzhou to Madrid Takes Flight: China Southern Launches New Nonstop Route with 787-9, Connecting Asia and Europe for the First Time!

Published on December 4, 2025

The skies between southern China and Spain have opened wider this winter, as China Southern Airlines begins a direct connection between Guangzhou (CAN) and Madrid (MAD) starting 2 December 2025, operating nonstop with its long‑haul Boeing 787‑9 aircraft.

The new service — first of its kind between southern China and Spain — runs three times per week, offering a seamless transcontinental link that is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between East and West.

Why the Guangzhou–Madrid Route Matters

• Strategic connectivity: This route marks China Southern’s entry into the Spanish market — reflecting the airline’s broader ambition to expand global connectivity between China and Europe.
• Faster travel: The direct flight trims travel time between Guangdong province and Madrid to about 13–14 hours, dramatically improving convenience for both tourists and business travellers.
• Three‑class wide‑body comfort: The 787‑9 Dreamliner deployed on the route offers Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins — ideal for long‑haul flights and appealing to both premium and budget travellers.
• Tourism and commerce boost: Madrid gains direct access to one of China’s largest metropolitan areas. For Guangzhou, it’s a chance to funnel Chinese tourists toward Spain — stimulating cultural tourism, retail, hospitality, and trade between the regions.

Guangzhou — Why Travellers Are Drawn to China’s Southern Metropolis

Guangzhou is a dynamic blend of deep historical heritage, booming modernity, and vibrant culture. For travellers landing at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, the city offers:

• Iconic skyline & night views: The Canton Tower — the city’s signature skyscraper — dominates the skyline, offering panoramic views of the Pearl River and the lights of modern Guangzhou.
• Historic charm: The colonial‑era riverside neighbourhood Shamian Island provides tranquil tree‑lined avenues, classic architecture, and riverside cafés — perfect for a relaxed stroll.
• Theme parks & family‑friendly fun: Attractions such as Chimelong Paradise and the wider Chimelong Resort bring thrills, animal encounters, and amusement‑park excitement — highly popular with families.
• Cultural and historic sites: From ancient temples to modern museums like the Guangdong Museum, visitors can explore China’s rich history and art — from ancient dynasties to contemporary culture.
• Local life & cuisine: Bustling streets like Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street offer a blend of traditional architecture, local shops, Cantonese delicacies and a lively street atmosphere — perfect for immersing in local life.

For those drawn by urban energy, cultural depth and dynamic city life, Guangzhou delivers a rich, diversified experience.

Madrid — Spain’s Capital Beckons with History, Culture, and Vibrancy

Madrid continues to be a powerhouse of Spanish culture, heritage, cuisine and vibrant city life. For passengers arriving from Guangzhou, the Spanish capital offers:

• Historic city centre & iconic plazas: The Plaza Mayor stands as a timeless emblem of Madrid’s golden‑age architecture — wide open spaces surrounded by classical balconies and historic façades.
• Culture, art, and leisure: From world‑class museums and grand palaces to charming neighbourhoods and bustling markets, Madrid provides a feast of Spanish history, art, and daily life.
• Gastronomy & nightlife: Spanish tapas, fine dining, lively street‑side cafés and late‑night energy make Madrid ideal for travellers who appreciate food, social culture, and European city vibes.
• Gateway for Europe & beyond: As a major European transport hub, Madrid is well connected with the rest of Spain and the continent — appealing for travellers seeking onward travel within Europe.

With direct connectivity now to China’s booming Guangdong province, Madrid may expect a rise in tourism from Asia — offering fresh cultural exchange and economic benefits through hotels, gastronomy, retail, and tourism services.

What This New Route Means for Travellers & Tourism

• For Chinese tourists: More Spaniards will discover China’s southern metropolis — not only Guangzhou but also the broader region — fueling mutual tourism interest, cultural exchange, and global connectivity.
• For European travellers: A new convenient long‑haul option opens for those seeking to explore southern China’s cosmopolitan cities, historical sites, culinary heritage and modern China‑Europe trade hubs.
• For businesses and trade: Improved connectivity can foster commerce, import/export, cultural diplomacy, business tourism and long‑term travel partnerships between Spain and China.

The Boeing 787‑9’s comfort, range, and frequency make it suitable for both holiday‑season tourists and long‑distance business travellers — bridging two major global economic zones.

Final Word: A New Era of China‑Spain Connectivity Begins

With the launch of the Guangzhou ↔ Madrid nonstop route, a new chapter in China‑Spain connectivity begins. Travellers looking for sunshine in southern China, historic European charm in Spain, or simply a fresh long‑haul travel experience will find both Guangzhou and Madrid brimming with attraction.

Whether you’re wandering Canton‑style streets, dining under skyscraper lights, or taming Spanish tapas and strolling through Plaza Mayor — the new air bridge promises journeys of discovery, convenience, and cultural fusion. For many, this winter will be the start of a global travel story between the Pearl River Delta and the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.