[Photo by Tan Yingzi/China Daily]

Those wanting to get to Iran direct from China have a choice between Mahan Air of Iran and China Southern Airlines.

Mahan Air, which is privately owned, operates direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to Teheran. It plays an important role promoting Iran's tourism in China via traditional and new media such as Sina Weibo. Mahan offers packages that include return tickets, visa processing and sometimes one night's accommodation in Teheran. Its winter package (December to February) costs between 4,699 yuan and 5,599 yuan.

The flight we wanted with Mahan was unavailable so we flew with China Southern, paying a fare similar to that of Mahan－and with decent wine and beer available on the flight.

We were first-timers to Iran and followed a route well-trodden by tourists: from Teheran to Kashan, Yazd, Shiraz and Isfahan in 10 days. However, there is far more to see and do in this vast country, such as the mountains in the north and a desert tour in Yazd, the latter being highly popular among Europeans.

You will also no doubt have discovered well before you board your flight that accommodation in Iran cannot be booked through popular online hotel booking websites or any online payment system. This essentially relates to international sanctions imposed on Iran since 1979. Many hotels have their own websites and email addresses, which can be found online and in travel guides. So you can make your own reservations directly, although you should contact a few hotels in each place where you plan to stay, because some are less responsive than others.