Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province, will launch direct flights to the United States at the end of March, according to officials.

Operated by Shanxi branch of China Eastern Airlines, the Taiyuan-Chicago service will employ the Boeing 777-300E which has a capacity of over 300 passengers, and is scheduled to fly every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The 18-hour flight will take off from Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, via Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and arrive at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. 

Taiyuan passengers to the US don't need to transfer in Shanghai any more and those heading for Shanghai can also take the same flight. Tickets are available immediately.