Flight for Two – China Southern Airlines Business Class Review

Brisbane to Riyadh via Guangzhou

As a frequent long-haul traveller (my husband works in Saudi Arabia, so I’m regularly flying between Australia and the Middle East), I’ve tried my share of airlines and cabins. I’d heard China Southern sometimes offers very competitive business class fares (they’re worth checking when you’re booking, as pricing can vary), so when I found a good rate for my Brisbane to Riyadh journey, I decided to give them a go. What followed was a surprisingly excellent experience, the kind that makes me wonder why more people aren’t talking about China Southern. The value is there, absolutely, but it’s the quality that impressed me most.

The Flights

Leg 1: China Southern CZ382, Brisbane to Guangzhou. Airbus A350-900. Departed 10:15, arrived 17:20. Business Class seat 11A.

Leg 2: China Southern CZ375, Guangzhou to Riyadh. Airbus A330. Departed 16:15, arrived 22:05. Business Class.

I chose this routing deliberately. Yes, the 23-hour layover in Guangzhou might sound excessive, but I’m not a 21-year-old spring chicken anymore. My body appreciates the chance to sleep in a proper bed, freshen up, and arrive somewhere ready to function rather than utterly destroyed. As it turned out, that Guangzhou stopover became one of the highlights of the trip.

First Impressions

I’ll be honest: I turned up at Brisbane Airport hungry, having skipped breakfast for the 10:10am flight. Rookie error. The Escape Lounge (which China Southern business class passengers can access) was lovely, with nice views across the apron. I had an almond cappuccino, scrambled eggs, sausage and toast. Nothing fancy, but perfectly fine. I was tempted to grab a glass of bubbles at 8:30 in the morning but decided to wait until we were airborne.

Boarding was smooth, and stepping onto the A350 was impressive. The cabin felt spacious and modern, all soft greys, blues and creams with warm wood accents. My seat in 11A already had bedding laid out (a pillow and duvet in plastic wrap), which I thought was a thoughtful touch for what would be a roughly nine-hour flight.

The crew were warm and welcoming from the moment I stepped on board. Over the course of both flights, China Southern’s service was consistently excellent: friendly, attentive without being intrusive, and professional throughout.

The Cabin

The A350 operating the Brisbane-Guangzhou route has a 1-2-1 business class configuration, which means every single seat has direct aisle access. This is significant if you’re travelling as a couple. You can sit together in the middle section without anyone having to clamber over anyone else.

The seat itself was comfortable with good cushioning, plenty of storage, and easy aisle access. Everything felt well-maintained and thoughtfully designed. The overhead bins easily accommodated my overnight bag and small suitcase.

The second leg from Guangzhou to Riyadh operated on an A330 with a 2-2-2 configuration. I happened to have an empty seat beside me, which was fortunate. If you’re connecting onwards to Europe or other destinations, check the specific aircraft type for your routing.

Best Seats for Couples

On the A350 (which operates the Brisbane-Guangzhou route), couples should book the middle section: seats E and F. You’ll sit side by side, both with direct aisle access, which is the ideal setup. You can share the journey without anyone having to climb over anyone to reach the loo or stretch their legs.

The window seats offer more privacy, and the A350’s windows are generously sized, so the views are excellent. If you’re travelling together but prefer your own space, book two window seats one in front of the other (say, 5K and 6K). Just watch your seat assignments. Sometimes airlines automatically move couples to the middle seats, which is fine if that’s what you want, but not if you’ve specifically chosen windows.

Food and Drink

This is where China Southern surprised me. The food was fabulous, and I don’t say that lightly.

The Wine List

But, before we get deep into the food, let’s talk about the drinks. China Southern serves Champagne Louis Morette Grande Réserve Brut from Épernay (around AU$50-55 retail), which is a quality French champagne. Not a big-name house, but a respectable grower champagne that’s well-made and enjoyable.

The red wine options included Château Cantemerle, a Fifth Growth classified Bordeaux from Haut-Médoc (47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 6% Verdot, 9% Cabernet Franc) – a serious wine with good ageing potential. There was also Terranea Vieilles Vignes Côtes du Rhône and Sears BIN189 Barossa Shiraz, with additional European selections on those routes.

White options included Fresh As A Daisy Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River and Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. Everything was served in proper crystal glassware.

First Meal Service – Brisbane to Guangzhou

The first meal began about 30-40 minutes after takeoff. Here’s my tip: don’t fill up at the lounge. I regretted eating that small breakfast when I realised how substantial the onboard service would be.

The Lemon Pepper Prawn canapé was delicious. For soup, I chose the Creamy Mushroom Soup with Croutons, and honestly, it was one of the best mushroom soups I’ve had. Rich, properly seasoned, and clearly made with care.

I skipped the appetiser entirely – it was simply too much food. For my main, I chose the Braised Pork Belly with Soy and Rock Sugar, Roasted Zucchini and Simmered Black Mushroom. The pork was lovely: properly glazed and tender, with good caramelisation, served with steamed rice and roasted vegetables.

For dessert, I had the Selected Cheese Platter (Brie, Vintage Cheddar, Blue Cheese and Smoked Cheddar, with accompaniments), paired with another glass of the champagne.

The presentation throughout was restaurant-quality, and the flavours were impressive. This wasn’t just acceptable airline food. It was good food, full stop.

Second Meal Service – Brisbane to Guangzhou

About an hour before landing, a second substantial meal was served. The menu was, again, generous, but I only chose the prawn pasta, which was well-prepared and satisfying. There was also a fruit platter and mixed nuts. I had a glass of the Château Cantemerle, which was lovely.

Guangzhou to Riyadh

This was a 4:15pm departure, essentially a night flight. I had the first meal service, choosing the Stir-Fried Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce and Egg Fried Rice. After eating, I slept for about five hours. A second meal was offered before landing, but I skipped it, having eaten in the lounge before boarding.

For those who do want plenty of food throughout the journey, rest assured there’s no shortage of high-quality options.

Important note: There’s no alcohol service on the Riyadh leg, as Saudi Arabia is a dry country. However, most readers will be connecting to European destinations where the full beverage service is available.

In-flight Entertainment

The entertainment system was straightforward and well-stocked. The screen size was generous (appearing to be around 16 inches), and the film and TV selection was extensive. The interface was intuitive, and the noise-cancelling headphones provided were comfortable for extended wear.

The Guangzhou Stopover

Guangzhou is China’s southern powerhouse, shaped by more than two millennia of trade, migration and Cantonese culture. Positioned on the Pearl River, it has long been China’s commercial gateway to the outside world, a role that explains why the Canton Fair, the country’s largest trade exhibition, has been based here for decades. As a stopover, it offers exactly what travellers need: rest, good food, and a short window into everyday life beyond the airport.

Accommodation Options

I stayed at the Langham in Guangzhou, which cost less than AU$200 per night – exceptional value for a five-star property. The hotel was comfortable, I slept well, and having a proper bed and shower between flights made an enormous difference to how I felt arriving in Riyadh.

That said, Guangzhou offers plenty of luxury hotel options if you want to make your stopover truly special. The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou has held Forbes Five-Star status for ten consecutive years and features a Michelin-starred restaurant. The Rosewood Guangzhou occupies the top 39 floors of the 108-storey CTF Finance Centre (they call it the ‘Mansion in the Sky’ at 530 metres height). The Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou is another excellent option with a full-service spa and indoor pool.

While I arranged my own accommodation, it’s worth knowing that China Southern provides complimentary one-night hotel accommodation (including breakfast and airport transfers) for eligible transit passengers with connecting times between 6-30 hours, subject to booking class and availability. You can arrange this through their website, app, or at the airport transfer counter near Gate 50.

Getting Around

The metro was remarkably easy to navigate, even with limited Mandarin. A helpful attendant at the station approached me and sorted out my ticket without me even asking.

Translation apps make ordering food straightforward. At a local breakfast spot, the waiter and I worked through the menu together using a translation app, and within minutes I had a delicious vegetarian wrap for ¥6.90 (roughly AU$1.50). I’d asked for jasmine tea, but they didn’t have any, so the waiter brought me warm water instead, a common Chinese practice considered healthier than cold water.

Shamian Island

I had roughly a morning to explore before my 4:15pm flight (most attractions don’t open until after 9am). I took the metro to Shamian Island, a historic area that’s quite unlike anything else I’ve experienced in Asia.

Shamian is a protected heritage district covering 0.30 square kilometres, featuring beautiful European-style colonial architecture from the former British and French concessions. The island is home to 137 ancient and notable trees, along with 56 national-level cultural relic buildings. In the 20th century, Shamian was a hub for consulates from various countries. More than 10 countries established consulates here, along with 9 foreign banks and over 40 foreign companies. Today, the Consulate General of Poland still operates on the island.

The tree-lined pedestrian streets are dotted with neoclassical buildings, colonial mansions, cafes, and restaurants. The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, a beautiful Catholic church, is still active.

There was certainly enough to explore for a longer visit, but with my next flight at the back of my mind and limited time, I managed a good few hours of wandering. I took the metro there but opted for a taxi back to the Langham, not wanting to risk any delays.

Overall Impressions

Guangzhou struck me as remarkably clean, orderly, and safe. I felt completely comfortable exploring on my own. The infrastructure is super modern and works seamlessly, people are helpful, and there’s interesting history and culture to experience.

For travellers who view stopovers as something to endure, I’d encourage you to reconsider. That 23-hour layover gave me the chance to rest properly, explore a fascinating city I’d never have visited otherwise, and arrive in Riyadh feeling refreshed rather than utterly wrecked. I can’t wait to return and explore more of Guangzhou.

Connectivity: Where Can Australians Go With China Southern Airlines?

From Guangzhou, these are some of the destinations that China Southern connects to:

Europe: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Budapest, Belgrade, Istanbul, Madrid.

Asia: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, plus extensive connections across China including Shanghai, Beijing, Qingdao and Xi’an.

Middle East: Dubai, Doha, Riyadh

Australia: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin – with multiple daily services to key cities and seasonal increases on popular routes.

China Southern operates more than 240 destinations globally. As one of the world’s largest airlines, they’ve expanded their European network significantly, and on some routes the routing can be more direct than carriers taking longer diversions, which may mean shorter travel times.

The Brisbane service, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2025, demonstrates China Southern’s commitment to the Australian market.

Verdict

I was so impressed with China Southern that I immediately changed my plans to book my 20-year-old son on another Asian carrier to China Southern for his upcoming Brisbane-Hanoi trip. I’m also looking at China Southern for travel I’m planning in April.

The value proposition is exceptional. Business class fares are competitive, the hard product is excellent, the food impressed me with its quality, and the wine selection rivals carriers with far loftier reputations. The crew were consistently warm and professional across both flights.

But beyond the flight experience itself, the Guangzhou routing offers something many travellers don’t consider: the chance to experience another destination entirely. That 23-hour stopover, combined with very reasonably priced five-star hotels, turns what could be just a connection into an actual travel experience.

If you’re heading to Europe from Australia and haven’t considered China Southern, I’d strongly encourage you to look at their routings.

Good to Know

Visa-Free Transit for Australians

Visa and transit rules change, so check the latest entry and transit requirements before you fly. At the time of writing, Australian passport holders could enter China visa-free for business, tourism, family visits or transit for up to 30 days. Additionally, citizens of 54 countries don’t require a transit visa when connecting through Guangzhou within 240 hours (10 days) to another country.

Free City Tour

Passengers with at least 8 hours between flights can join the Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau’s complimentary 5.5-hour guided tour of Guangzhou, including traditional Cantonese dim sum.

Lounge Access

Business class passengers and Gold/Silver SkyPearl members can access lounges at Guangzhou while in transit. In Brisbane, business class passengers can use the Escape Lounge.

Student Fares

International students receive an extra checked bag allowance on selected routes and booking classes (conditions apply).

Fact File

Aircraft Types:

• Brisbane-Guangzhou: Airbus A350-900 (1-2-1 business class)
• Guangzhou-Riyadh: Airbus A330 (2-2-2 business class)
• Note: Aircraft types may vary by route

Baggage: Business class passengers receive 2 pieces of checked luggage (2×32kg)

Routes/Connections: China Southern serves 200+ destinations across China and worldwide via its Guangzhou hub.

More Info: China Southern Airlines