Hawkins registered breaks of 124 and 101 in a high-quality affair, eventually putting his fellow left-hander to bed by taking frames 15 and 16.
Hawkins, runner-up at the Welsh Open last month, is into his seventh career ranking final and first in China.
"The match was a high standard throughout, neither of us missed many balls," said the 38-year-old.
"I’m delighted to beat Neil because he is a top-class player and he was playing well.
"After a poor start to the season, to have two finals in the last two big tournaments I have played is unbelievable. It has turned my season around and given me a lift going into the World Championship.
"It’s great to have this run in such a huge event. If I win the tournament it will be my biggest ever payday and that’s a massive incentive."