The ancient city of Guangzhou, now China's economic powerhouse, will join Emirates' sprawling six-continent non-stop network on 1st July.

Slated to play an important role in the 100-plus destinations on Emirates' route map, Guangzhou (IATA code: CAN) will be Emirates’ fourth gateway in China, after Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, spoke about the rationale of launching services into the city: "Guangzhou is a vital link in our strategic plans for both China and the Asia-Pacific region. Guangzhou serves as an air travel hub for Guangdong and the South China provinces which significantly expands our span and reach.

Starting 1st July, Emirates' EK362 will fly non-stop four times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

EK362 will take-off from Guangzhou at 23:55 hours and arrive in Dubai at 03:40 hours next day, turning around at 10:35 hours to arrive in Guangzhou at 22:20 hour.

Emirates' services to Guangzhou will conveniently connect travellers from Europe, particularly those from UK, France, Germany and Switzerland, and American cities New York and Houston. Travellers from Africa and the Middle, particularly Cape Town, Lagos, Cairo, Amman, Kuwait, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Beirut, are also well-served with a four-seven hour connection in Dubai.