BEIJING - Air China launched a non-stop service from Beijing to the Thai city of Chiang Mai on Thursday.

Using Boeing 737-800 jets, Air China will operate the Beijing-Chiang Mai route three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, returning early the following morning.

The aircraft takes off from Beijing at 18:30, and arrives in Chiang Mai at 22:40, with the return leaving Chiang Mai at 23:45 and reaching Beijing at 05:00 the next morning.

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand, and the political, economic, and cultural center of northern Thailand. The Chinese movie "Lost in Thailand" popularized the location among Chinese tourists.