An exciting new development in world travel sees a new route being set up between China and Italy.

A recently established direct flight will see passengers from Shenyang, Liaoning province, flying directly to Bologna, Italy.

Launched July 16, the flight is being run by the Italian carrier, Blue Panorama Airlines.

The route will become part of several direct flights between China and Italy, with routes from Shenyang to Rome and Milan having been in place since 2016 and 2017 respectively.

The July 16 maiden flight to Bologna saw a group of 240 Chinese and foreign passengers arrive safely at Marconi Airport in Bologna, with the airport director, local Italian government officials and airline representatives greet the plane to celebrate the new route.

The Boeing 767 on the route can fly up to 350 passengers and will depart Shenyang at 11:30 pm (local time) and arrive in Bologna the following day at 5 am. Returning passengers can board at 4 am in Bologna and arrive back in Shenyang at 10 pm with the trip taking about 13 hours.